Shipping a car during the holidays or peak winter season sounds simple – pick a date, choose a company, and send the car off. In reality, December is one of the most complex, unpredictable, and high-demand months in the auto-transport industry, and customers who aren’t prepared often face delays, weather complications, and higher costs.
The goal of this guide is to help you understand why shipping a vehicle in December is challenging, what to expect, and, most importantly, how to prepare to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth, safe, and timely auto transport.
We will discuss the seasonal pressures, weather conditions, holiday staffing patterns, and market factors that impact your shipment. We will add practical steps to protect your vehicle, choose the right transport type, and ensure you get a fair price during the busiest month of the year.
Why Winter and Holiday Season Make Car Shipping More Difficult
1. Severe Weather and Hazardous Driving Conditions
Winter introduces road risks that simply do not exist in warmer seasons. For carriers, December brings:
- Snowstorms and blizzards
- Freezing rain
- Black ice
- Reduced visibility
- Shorter daylight hours
- Highway closures
Truck routes through states like Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania can shut down for hours, or sometimes even days, due to safety concerns. Even a small amount of icy road conditions can delay a carrier’s entire schedule. Weather is the main cause of winter delays when shipping cars. Carriers usually do not drive through unsafe winter conditions. This affects pickup and delivery timing, routing, and sometimes pricing.
2. Holiday Limited Carrier Availability
December is one of the few times of the year when:
- Many truck drivers take time off
- Dispatch departments operate with reduced staff
- Fewer trucks are running certain routes
- Delivery timelines are influenced by holiday closures
This creates a supply and demand imbalance, which affects prices and delivery times. At the same time, customer demand increases because:
- Families move for the holidays
- Many students return home
- Military personnel move for holiday leave or reassignment
- People buy cars online as gifts or year-end purchases
- Classic car owners ship vehicles to winter storage
So you have more people shipping cars and fewer carriers available, which naturally results in higher pricing and tighter schedules.
3. Snowbird Season Peaks in December
Every winter, thousands of retirees and seasonal residents relocate north to south to the warmer states such as:
- Florida
- Arizona
- Texas
- Nevada
They ship their vehicles from norther states such as:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- and Canada
Snowbird season is already a high-demand time, but December usually represents its absolute peak. Routes to Florida in particular fill up quickly, and pricing is often higher than in October, November, or early January. Thousands of people are used to being in the South and want to be warm for the winter!
4. End-of-Year Car Buying and Dealer/Auction Volume Increases
December is one of the biggest automotive shopping months due to:
- Holiday promotions
- Manufacturer incentives
- Dealer clearance sales
- End-of-year tax advantages
- Online car shopping spikes
Dealers require vehicle transport to move inventory across the country. Meanwhile, private buyers are increasingly buying cars online, meaning more vehicles than ever need to be shipped in December. This pushes car carrier schedules to full capacity and increases wait times for pick-ups.
5. Route Restrictions and Flatbed Prioritization
During heavy snow periods, some carriers switch from traditional multi-vehicle open carriers to:
- Smaller trucks
- Flatbeds
- Specialized recovery vehicles
These trucks carry fewer cars, meaning:
- Less space in the market
- Higher rates
- Longer wait times to pick-up
Furthermore, certain mountain passes force carriers into longer routes, adding more weather related challenges.
How Winter Weather Affects Pickup & Delivery Windows
In summer, pickup windows that are usually 1 to 3 days become longer in winter. In December, expect:
- 2 to 5 day pickup windows
- stay flexible with your delivery windows
- occasional sudden route changes
- possible weather-driven pauses
- longer transit times on northern or cross-country lanes
This is not due to poor planning, it is simply the nature of winter logistics. Carriers must prioritize safety, and reputable companies communicate these realities clearly to all of their customers. If a company promises exact timing in December, that is often a red flag.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport in Winter
One of the biggest decisions winter customers face is choosing between open and enclosed car transport. It becomes an important choice when the vehicle is of high value such as a classic car or luxury high-end automobile.
Open Transport
Open car transport trailers are the standard and the most cost-effective option.
Best for:
- Everyday vehicles
- Sedans and SUVs
- Cars exposed to weather daily
- Online purchases
- Snowbird vehicles
Pros:
- More trucks available
- Lower cost
- Faster scheduling
Cons:
- Vehicle exposed to snow, ice, slush, and road salt
- Cosmetic dirt or grime upon delivery
For many customers, these drawbacks are minor and temporary. The fact that it is the most cost effective and fastest service is the biggest benefit.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed car carriers shield the vehicle from winter weather, salt, and debris. They are ideal for high-value automobiles.
Best for:
- Classic cars
- Luxury vehicles
- High-end EVs
- Exotic or low-clearance sports cars
- Collectibles and rare models
Pros:
- Full protection from winter elements
- Increased insurance coverage
- Safer loading/unloading procedures
Cons:
- 40 to 60% higher price than open carriers
- Fewer trucks available
- Longer scheduling windows
In December, enclosed auto transport is in extremely high demand because many collectors prepare vehicles for winter storage, or transport them to warmer climates.
How Much Does Winter Car Shipping Cost?
While prices vary by distance, route, and carrier availability, the winter season (especially December) generally increases rates.
Typical December 2025 Winter Shipping Rates
- Short distance (0–500 miles): $450–$750 open / $900–$1,400 enclosed
- Medium distance (500–1,500 miles): $700–$1,200 open / $1,200–$2,000 enclosed
- Cross-country (1,500–2,800 miles): $1,300–$1,900 open / $2,000–$3,500 enclosed
Additional Winter Factors That Increase Cost:
- Severe weather delays
- Route closures
- Holiday slowdown
- Snowbird demand
- Dealer and auction end-of-year volume
- Increased carrier risk and insurance requirements
Customers who book early always get better pricing. These prices are only estimates; for current price please request a car shipping quote online or call our team!
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping During Winter
Winter shipping requires a bit more preparation than summer shipping. Here’s what to do to make sure your car is ready for transport.
1. Inspect and Document the Vehicle
Take clear photos of:
- All sides – each door
- Wheels and bumpers
- Roof and hood
- Existing scratches or dents
This ensures proper documentation for insurance and peace of mind. Make sure your car is clean and dry.
2. Check Your Fluids and Battery
Cold weather affects:
- Battery performance
- Oil thickness
- Coolant levels
Ensure the car starts easily. Carriers must load and unload the vehicle at least two times, sometimes more depending on the spot. A weak battery can slow down an entire route and cause delays for every customer.
3. Reduce Fuel Level
Keep fuel at ¼ tank. More weight means harder transport in winter conditions.
4. Remove Personal Items
Winter coats, boots, suitcases, electronics, gifts, tools, and accessories should not be inside the car. They add weight and can shift during transport. Yes, most carriers allow up to 100 lb, but that is only one suitcase in the trunk.
5. Protect Against Freezing Temperatures
If shipping from extremely cold climates:
- Top up antifreeze
- Check tire pressure
- Ensure wipers are up to date
- Disable toll tags
- Protect sensitive electronics
For EVs:
- Charge to 40–60% (ideal for battery health during transport)
- Disable charging timers
- Ensure the car is in transport/tow mode
Winter Shipping Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
✔ Book 2-3 weeks in advance, if possible
✔ Be flexible with pickup and delivery windows
✔ Expect possible weather delays
✔ Choose enclosed shipping for high-value vehicles
✔ Prepare your car properly, follow all steps
✔ Stay in touch with your transport agent and always have a backup
Don’t:
✘ Book last minute unless absolutely necessary
✘ Expect exact timing during heavy winter storms
✘ Leave personal items inside the vehicle
✘ Ignore battery or fluid issues
✘ Choose the cheapest quote (often unreliable in winter season)
How to Avoid Winter Shipping Unrealistic Promises
Winter offers scammers and unreliable brokers an opportunity to take advantage of high demand.
Red flags include:
- Quotes far below market rate
- Guaranteed pickup on exact dates
- Silence once booking is placed
- No direct communication with the carrier
- No written agreement or dispatch sheet
- Pushy upselling after booking
A reliable company—like Corsia Logistics—will always:
- Explain winter conditions realistically
- Communicate delays proactively
- Offer fair, market-based pricing
- Place customer safety above all else
- Provide real carrier information
- Deliver personal attention from start to finish
Best Tips to Save Money When Shipping a Car in Winter
Winter is expensive—but you can reduce your cost significantly by following these strategies:
1. Book Early
Booking 1–3 weeks in advance secures better pricing.
2. Be Flexible
Flexible pickup windows reduce costs.
3. Avoid Peak Holiday Week
December 18–26 is the most expensive and most chaotic period.
4. Choose Open Transport Unless Necessary
This eliminates seasonal premiums associated with enclosed carriers.
5. Ship Before Storm Season Hits
Early December (1–10) offers the best combination of price and reliability.
Why Choosing the Right Auto-Transport Company Matters Most in Winter
You can’t control winter weather—but you can control who you trust to ship your car through it.
The right auto-transport partner will:
- Monitor weather patterns
- Adjust routes proactively
- Coordinate pickups around storms
- Keep you informed throughout the shipment
- Provide realistic expectations
- Prioritize your vehicle’s safety
- Work with experienced winter-route carriers
Corsia Logistics specializes in open and enclosed winter car shipping, snowbird routes, holiday relocations, and cross-country winter logistics. As a family-operated team, we provide one-on-one customer service, transparent pricing, and the highest attention to detail—especially during the most challenging season of the year.
Winter and holiday car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful—it just requires preparation and the right partner. December will always be one of the most difficult months for carriers, but with proper planning, flexible scheduling, and realistic expectations, your vehicle can be shipped safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re relocating for winter, buying a car online, helping a family member move home, or transporting a high-value vehicle to storage, Corsia Logistics is here to help you navigate the season with confidence.
If you’re ready to request a quote or want help planning your winter transport, our team is always available to guide you through the process. Thank you!
