As the holidays approach, most people think about travel plans, family gatherings, and gift shopping — not car shipping. But for thousands of people relocating, military members, online car buyers, and snowbirds, the holiday season is also a time when vehicles need to be shipped across the country.
Whether you’re relocating before Thanksgiving, heading south for the winter, or sending a car as a holiday gift, planning ahead in October can make all the difference. October offers the perfect mix of moderate prices, flexible scheduling, and better weather — before the late-year rush begins.
Corsia Team has helped customers ship their vehicles safely across the U.S. every holiday season since 2013. Review our guide explaining why October is the best time to book, what rates to expect, how to prepare, and how to avoid the pitfalls of last-minute shipping.
Holiday Auto Transport
The holidays create one of the most challenging seasons in the auto transport industry. While consumer demand peaks, many carriers take time off to spend with their families, reducing available truck capacity. That imbalance — fewer trucks and more customers — leads to:
- Higher shipping rates (often 20–40% above October averages)
- Longer pickup windows due to limited trucks
- Weather-related delays from early winter storms
If you wait to book your car shipping mid-November or December, you’ll be competing with snowbirds, car dealerships, and holiday movers — and paying more for less flexibility.
Why October Is the Ideal Time to Book Ahead
Booking your car shipment in October helps you beat the rush and enjoy several major advantages:
- Better Rates: Prices are typically at their lowest between late September and mid-October, before seasonal demand spikes.
- More Carrier Availability: Car haulers prefer to fill routes in advance; you get better pickup dates and times.
- Mild Weather: Fewer storms and road closures reduce transit risks and delays.
- Peace of Mind: Booking early means your holiday plans stay intact — no last-minute surprises.
In short, October offers better predictability, something the holiday season rarely provides in the logistics industry.
Typical Holiday Auto Shipping Costs (2025 Estimates)
Car shipping costs fluctuate throughout the fall and winter. Here’s an overview of average October rates versus November–December rates based on Corsia’s recent nationwide data.
| Route | Distance | October (Open Carrier) | Nov–Dec (Open Carrier) | October (Enclosed) | Nov–Dec (Enclosed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY → Miami, FL | ~1,250 mi | $950 – $1,150 | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,450 – $1,750 | $1,800 – $2,100 |
| Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX | ~950 mi | $900 – $1,100 | $1,150 – $1,300 | $1,400 – $1,650 | $1,650 – $1,950 |
| Los Angeles, CA → Seattle, WA | ~1,150 mi | $950 – $1,150 | $1,200 – $1,450 | $1,450 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,200 |
| Boston, MA → Atlanta, GA | ~1,100 mi | $950 – $1,150 | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,400 – $1,700 | $1,700 – $2,000 |
| Denver, CO → San Diego, CA | ~1,050 mi | $950 – $1,150 | $1,150 – $1,350 | $1,400 – $1,700 | $1,700 – $2,000 |
| Seattle, WA → Phoenix, AZ | ~1,500 mi | $1,100 – $1,350 | $1,400 – $1,650 | $1,600 – $1,900 | $1,900 – $2,300 |
Prices based on standard sedans. SUVs and trucks typically add $100–$250. Inoperable vehicles add up to $150 more.
Understanding the Holiday Car Shipping Rush
1. Thanksgiving Week (Late November)
Thanksgiving travel creates gridlock on highways and airports. Many carriers take the week off, leading to limited capacity and delivery delays. Rates can rise 10–20% that week alone.
2. Early December (Pre-Christmas Demand)
By the first week of December, both dealerships and individuals rush to finalize deliveries before the holidays. Enclosed carriers for luxury or gift vehicles become even harder to find.
3. Late December – New Year’s Week
Many carriers are home between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Any urgent shipments during this window command premium rates — sometimes up to 50% higher than October bookings.
That’s why booking by mid-October can save you hundreds and guarantee your preferred delivery window.
Top Holiday Car Shipping Scenarios
1. Families Relocating Before the New Year
Job transfers or home moves often happen at year-end. Shipping your car allows you to fly and focus on the move itself.
Example: Boston → Dallas in October averages $1,000 open carrier; waiting until December costs $1,300+.
2. Snowbirds Heading South
Retirees moving from the Northeast or Midwest to Florida, Texas, or Arizona start shipping in October and November. Early booking ensures arrival before Thanksgiving and better weather for delivery.
3. Students Traveling Home for the Holidays
College students heading home for winter break can ship their cars instead of driving long distances during unpredictable winter conditions.
4. Buying or Gifting Cars
Many customers purchase or ship vehicles as holiday gifts or auction buys. Enclosed transport ensures pristine condition for delivery.
5. Military Members on Winter PCS Orders
Service members often relocate bases around the holidays. Early coordination avoids scheduling conflicts and guarantees on-time delivery.
How Weather Impacts Holiday Shipments
October’s mild weather is a major advantage. By late November, weather risks escalate fast:
- Northeast: Freezing rain and snow delay pickups and create more difficult.
- Midwest: Early blizzards often cause highway closures and reroutes.
- West Coast: Mountain passes (like Donner Summit) can close unexpectedly.
- South: Flooding or hurricane aftermath when happens affects certain routes.
When you schedule and arrange your car shipping in October, you bypass most of those hazards — ensuring faster and safer transport.
Open vs. Enclosed Shipping for the Holidays
| Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Exposed to weather elements | Fully covered, ideal for high-end cars |
| Capacity | 8–10 vehicles | 2–6 vehicles |
| Cost | Most economical | 30–40% more |
| Availability | Easier to book last-minute | Fills up early (especially before Christmas) |
| Best For | Daily drivers, SUVs, sedans | Collectibles, gifts, or show cars |
Tip: If you’re gifting a high-end vehicle or shipping something valuable to a family member, reserve an enclosed carrier. Enclosed trucks get booked out 3-4 weeks in advance during fall and winter.
Late Fall / Early Winter Car Shipping Examples
East Coast Family Moving Before Thanksgiving
- Route: Philadelphia, PA → Orlando, FL (~1,000 miles)
- Vehicle: 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Transport: Open carrier
- Pickup: October 15
- Delivery: October 18–20
- Rate: $1,050
The customer received the car two days before flying out. Booking early saved about $200 compared to November pricing.
Christmas Gift Delivery
- Route: Los Angeles, CA → Denver, CO (~1,000 miles)
- Vehicle: 2024 Porsche Cayman
- Transport: Enclosed carrier
- Pickup: December 10
- Delivery: December 15
- Rate: $2,000
The customer scheduled the shipment in mid-October. By December, enclosed slots were fully booked, proving the advantage of early planning.
Snowbird Heading to Naples, FL
- Route: Chicago, IL → Naples, FL (~1,300 miles)
- Vehicle: 2021 Lexus RX350
- Transport: Open carrier
- Pickup: October 20
- Delivery: October 24
- Rate: $1,100
If booked in late November, the same trip would cost $1,350 due to reduced carrier supply.
Tips to Save Money During the Holiday Season
- Book at Least 2–3 Weeks in Advance
October bookings lock in better prices and carrier selection. - Stay Flexible on Pickup Dates
Allowing a 3-5 day pickup window helps match your car with a preferred route. - Avoid Shipping During Peak Weeks
Try to ship before November 20 or after January 5 if possible. - Use Door-to-Door Delivery
It’s safer and faster during winter weather than driving to remote terminals. - Ask About Multi-Vehicle Discounts
Families or dealerships moving more than one car can save 5–10%.
Preparing Your Car for Holiday Shipping
1. Wash Your Car Thoroughly
A clean exterior makes inspection easier. Document your car’s condition with photos.
2. Remove All Personal Items
Carriers are not licensed to transport household goods. Light items (under 100 lbs) in the trunk are generally fine.
3. Check Battery, Tires, and Fluids
Ensure your vehicle runs properly — inoperable cars require extra handling and cost more to ship.
4. Leave About ¼ Tank of Gas
Just enough for loading and unloading.
5. Disable Alarms and Remove Toll Tags
This prevents unnecessary noise or toll charges during transit.
Insurance and Liability
Every Corsia shipment includes carrier cargo insurance, ensuring full coverage from pickup to delivery.
- Standard coverage: up to $250,000 per load (varies by carrier); goes up as per specific requirements.
- Corsia verifies every carrier’s FMCSA license and insurance certificate before dispatch.
- For added protection, customers can check their own auto insurance policy for secondary coverage.
Transit Time Estimates
| Distance | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| 0–500 miles | 1–2 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–4 days |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | 4–6 days |
| 2,000+ miles | 6–9 days |
During November–December, transit times can increase by 1–2 days due to traffic or weather conditions. Booking earlier helps avoid this.
Door-to-Door Delivery Benefits
Corsia’s preferred door-to-door service means your car is picked up and delivered as close to your addresses as safely possible — no terminals or unnecessary storage fees.
This is especially valuable during the holidays, when:
- You may already be traveling or flying.
- Weather conditions make long drives to terminals risky.
- Storage yards can close early for holidays.
Corsia Team Has Experience You Can Trust
For over a decade, Corsia Team has guided thousands of customers through the challenges of holiday shipping. As a family-run business, we believe in honest communication, fair pricing, and personalized service — not automated call centers or hidden fees.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- One dedicated agent from getting your price to delivering your vehicle.
- Real-time updates on your vehicle’s progress.
- Nationwide network of 25,000+ vetted carriers.
- Flexible scheduling and attention to detail.
Whether you’re shipping a car across the state or across the country, we make sure the process is clear, timely, and stress-free.
When to Book for Holiday Delivery
| Desired Delivery Date | Recommended Booking Time |
|---|---|
| Before Thanksgiving (Nov 28, 2025) | Book by Oct 25 – 31 |
| Before Christmas (Dec 25, 2025) | Book by Nov 10 – 20 |
| Before New Year’s (Jan 1, 2026) | Book by Nov 20 – 30 |
Quick Answers for Holiday Shippers
Q: How early should I book my car shipment?
A: Ideally, 2–3 weeks ahead – October is the best time for holiday deliveries.
Q: Is it more expensive to ship during the holidays?
A: Yes. Prices rise as demand peaks and carrier availability drops. Booking early avoids surge pricing.
Q: Can carriers deliver on holidays?
A: Most carriers do not operate on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day. Plan for delivery before or after those dates.
Q: Should I choose open or enclosed car transport?
A: Open works for most vehicles; enclosed is best for luxury or gift vehicles that need extra protection.
Q: What if bad weather delays delivery?
A: Corsia communicates any updates promptly and coordinates safe alternatives when routes are impacted.
Give Yourself the Gift of Peace of Mind
The holiday season should be about time with loved ones — not chasing down transport updates or worrying about last-minute logistics. By booking your shipment in October and early November, you lock in the best rates, the most reliable carriers, and the smoothest experience possible. At Corsia Logistics, we believe planning ahead is the key to a stress-free shipping. Whether you’re shipping a car home for the holidays, moving south for the winter, or surprising someone with a new vehicle, we’re here to make it simple and secure.
