December Car Shipping Costs 2025: What to Expect & How to Save

Shipping a car in December is always a bit different from shipping a car in the warmer months. December 2025 brings its own unique combination of seasonal conditions, market dynamics, and industry pressures that directly affect prices and delivery timelines. Whether you are relocating for the winter, shipping a car you just purchased online, or helping a family member move home for the holidays, understanding these factors can help you make smarter and more cost-effective decisions.

This guide breaks down actual cost ranges, what’s driving higher pricing in December, and how to save money without sacrificing service quality. It also highlights when enclosed transport makes more sense, how weather affects timelines, and what customers should expect when booking in the final month of the year.

Why December Is a Special Case for Car Shipping

The auto-transport industry follows a predictable seasonal rhythm, but December is consistently one of the most challenging months, and that often translates into higher costs and longer delivery windows.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Winter Weather and Hazardous Routes

December brings:

• Snowstorms
• Freezing rain
• Road closures
• Reduced daylight hours

Truck drivers need more time to safely complete routes, and sometimes detours or delays are unavoidable. These risks create seasonal premiums on many routes, especially across the Midwest, Northeast, and mountain corridors.

2. Holiday Surge & Limited Carrier Availability

Many carriers take time off in late December to be with their families. At the same time:

• College students return home
• Military personnel relocate
• Families move before the new year comes
• Buyers ship vehicles purchased during year-end sales

This creates a sharp imbalance of supply and demand, driving rates up on popular routes. It happens every year, and it is different every year, especially in the last five years.

3. End-of-Year Dealer and Auction Volume

December is huge for:

• Dealer incentives
• Auction clear-outs
• Final-quarter vehicle purchases

More vehicles enter the transport pipeline, tightening capacity.

4. Snowbird Season Peaks

Snowbirds shipping cars – routes running:

• From the Midwest → Florida
• From the Northeast → Florida
• From the Northwest → Arizona
• From Canada → Southern U.S.

All these routes see their highest seasonal traffic during December, often with limited spots.

Average Car Shipping Costs in December 2025

While every shipment is unique, here are some standard car shipping cost ranges for December 2025:

📌 Short-Distance Transport (0–500 miles)

$450 – $750 on open transport
$900 – $1,400 on enclosed
Higher snow-risk areas (New England, Upper Midwest) lean toward the higher end.

📌 Medium-Distance Transport (500–1,500 miles)

$700 – $1,200 on open transport
$1,200 – $2,000 on enclosed
Popular winter move routes like NY–FL or Chicago–Dallas see seasonal premiums.

📌 Cross-Country Shipping (1,500–2,800 miles)

$1,300 – $1,900 open
$2,000 – $3,500+ enclosed
December cross-country shipping often involves weather-related downtime that can extend the trip.

📌 Oversized or Heavy Vehicles

Pickups, SUVs, vans, and lifted vehicles can add:

• $150–$500 extra, depending on weight and dimensions.

📌 EV Transport

Electric vehicles may have a $75–$200 surcharge because:

• They require careful loading
• Battery management matters more in cold weather
• Carriers need to follow safety protocols

All prices are estimates, if you would like to get a price request a quote online now from our car shipping quote calculator.

What Specifically Raises Costs in December 2025?

1. Weather-Driven Detours & Slowdowns

Truckers must navigate unpredictable storms in:

• Colorado
• Wyoming
• Utah
• Montana
• Pennsylvania
• Upstate New York
• New England

Even light snow can slow a route by a full day due to traffic congestion or accidents on the road, as well as weekend peak in traffic.

2. Higher Fuel and Insurance Costs

Seasonal fuel increases and higher winter risks means carriers have to incorporate these into pricing.

3. Short Notice Bookings

Booking 0-5 days before pickup often means carriers have no flexibility, pushing prices up dramatically.

4. Tight Carrier Schedules

With fewer trucks running, remaining carriers can command premium rates.

How to Save Money on December Car Shipping

Most customers overspend in December because they book late or choose the wrong type of carrier for their needs. Here are strategies that directly reduce your cost while still ensuring safe transport.

1. Book Early – Ideally 1 to 3 Weeks in Advance

December is not the month to wait until the last minute. Spots fill up quickly and carrier prefer to have a schedule set in advance.

Booking early gives you:

• More flexible carrier options – more carriers with open schedule
• Better pricing – carriers are willing to give a better price if it means a secure spot booked.
• Time to compare open vs enclosed transport modes
• Better timing around storms – schedules made around weather prognosis.

Most Corsia customers save $150–$300 simply by booking 10 to 14 days before pickup.

2. Stay Flexible With Pickup Dates

Allowing a:

• 2 to3 day pickup window
  or
• Multiple pickup time slots

This help our dispatch team to match you with the first available truck, which usually lowers the cost. Rigid schedules exact pick-up or delivery dates mean premium pricing. We advice people to avoid that unless truly necessary.

3. Consider Open Transport for Standard Vehicles

Open car carriers are the industry standard and usually the most cost-efficient choice and climate friendly options.

Great for:

1. Daily drivers
2. Sedans and SUVs
3. Cars with normal ground clearance
4. Online purchases from dealers or auctions

If you’re shipping a standard vehicle in good condition, open transport is almost always the best value in December.

4. Use Enclosed Only When It’s Truly Necessary

Enclosed car shipping is ideal for:

1. Classic cars
2. Luxury and high-end vehicles
3. Low-clearance sports cars
4. High-value EVs

But enclosed trailers cost 40-60% more, so they should be considered a premium service, unnecessary for every day sedans or most used cars.  If a car is already a daily driver exposed to weather year-round, there is little benefit to paying extra for enclosed transport.

5. Avoid Shipping Right Before Christmas

December 18 – 26 is the worst window for:

1. Price
2. Availability
3. Delivery reliability

If possible:

1. Ship the week after Thanksgiving
2. Or target Dec 1–10 for best pricing
3. Or wait until early January if your schedule allows

6. Choose a Company With Direct Carrier Access

Brokers with deep carrier networks – like Corsia – can:

• See real-time availability
• Correctly price December lanes
• Pair your shipment with a reliable truck faster
• Offer multiple transport options (open, enclosed, expedited)
• Navigate weather-driven route changes

This is especially important in December, when reliability matters as much as cost. Call our team now and discuss your options and preferences.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport: Which One Saves You Money in December?

Open Transport (Best for Most Customers)

Pros:

• Lowest cost
• More trucks available
• Faster scheduling
• Ideal for daily-use vehicles

Cons:

• Car is exposed to winter weather (snow, salt, slush)

Enclosed Transport (best for high-end automobiles)

Pros:

• Full weather protection
• Extra insurance
• Better ground clearance handling
• Ideal for exotics, classics, luxury models

Cons:

• More expensive
• Fewer trucks → may take longer to schedule
• Slower in winter due to careful handling

The smart approach is simple:

• Standard, every day car → open
• Classic/luxury/low-clearance car → enclosed

How Weather Affects Car Delivery Times

In December, timing becomes just as important as pricing.

Expect:

• 1 to 3 extra days on Midwest routes
• 2 to 4 extra days crossing the Rockies
• 2 to 3 days entering or exiting Northeast (New England)
• Florida routes are good, but scheduled tightly due to Snowbird demand

Carriers may pause movement during:

• Snowstorms
• Blizzard warnings
• Black ice alerts
• Road closures

A good logistics team will keep you updated and reroute as needed. This is how Corsia Team operates.

Is December More Expensive Than January 2026?

Generally, yes, December is more expensive on most car shipping routes due to:

• Holiday crunch
• Snowbird migration peak
• Trucker holiday downtime

January sees:

• More carriers returning to work
• Less family-driven demand
• More stable winter routes

If you have the flexibility to wait, January often offers lower pricing, but not always. Severe winter storms in early January can spike rates temporarily.

Final Tips for Shipping Your Car in December 2025

To maximize savings when it comes to shipping a car and minimize headaches:

• Book early (1 to 3 weeks is ideal).
• Stay flexible on pickup dates.
• Choose open transport unless your car truly needs enclosed.
• Avoid booking during Christmas week if possible.
• Prepare your car for winter conditions (check battery, fluids, tire pressure).

With the right planning and the right partner, December car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or overpriced. Corsia Logistics has helped thousands of customers move their cars safely through winter conditions, offering personal attention, transparent pricing, and reliable dispatch support throughout the holiday season.

If you’re ready to get started, you can request your online quote anytime, it takes just a minute and helps you lock in the best available December rate. Thank you!