Hurricane season and car shipping story
Several years ago, a family in Houston was preparing to relocate to North Carolina just as Hurricane Florence was threatening the Carolinas. They had carefully arranged movers for their household goods and booked car shipping from Texas to North Carolina for their two vehicles. But then the storm track shifted. Roads closed, carriers rerouted, and their timeline fell apart.
This is a familiar story in the auto logistics world. Every September peak hurricane season hits the U.S. and thousands of people face uncertainty. Whether you are moving from Florida to New York, buying a car in Texas and shipping it to California, severe weather can turn a well planned process into a logistical challenge.
At Corsia Logistics, over the last 13 years we’ve seen firsthand how storms disrupt the industry. The good news is that with preparation, a little flexibility, and the right partner, you can ship a car safely during hurricane season.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about car shipping during hurricane season, from how storms affect transport to what you can do to protect your vehicle and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Hurricane Season Matters for Car Shipping
Hurricane season runs from June through November, but September is historically the peak month. Some of the strongest storms in U.S. history — Katrina in Louisiana, Harvey in Texas, Irma in Florida, Florence in the Carolinas — struck in late summer and early fall.
When a storm makes landfall, the ripple effects always go far beyond the coastal areas:
- Road closures and detours affect car carrier availability and schedule.
- Ports shut down in places like Miami, Houston, and New Orleans, stalling overseas shipping and container movement.
- Fuel shortages and price spikes ripple across states, east to west coast and north and south.
- Driver safety restrictions force carriers to delay or reroute.
For business and private customers shipping cars, this translates into:
- Delayed pickups and deliveries.
- Limited carrier availability on certain routes, such as Texas to East Coast car shipping.
- Potential surcharges due to increased demand and reduced supply.
In short, weather is one of the biggest variables in auto transport pricing and timing.
Real-World Case Studies: Hurricanes and Car Shipping
History shows just how disruptive major storms can be for the auto transport industry, and logistics in general.
Hurricane Harvey (Texas, 2017)
When Harvey made landfall near Houston, thousands of cars were left submerged in floodwaters. Many residents scrambled to ship vehicles inland before the storm, but carriers could only handle so much volume. After the flooding, demand for Texas car shipping skyrocketed as families relocated and insurance companies declared vehicles totaled. Carrier capacity was tight for weeks.
Hurricane Irma (Florida, 2017)
Irma triggered one of the largest evacuations in U.S. history, with millions leaving South Florida. As roads clogged, many families chose to ship their vehicles instead of driving them north. Demand for Florida to New York car shipping spiked overnight. Carriers rerouted to inland hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte to avoid the storm, leaving customers in Miami and Tampa waiting until conditions improved.
Hurricane Katrina (Louisiana, 2005)
Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Auto transport carriers couldn’t access the city for weeks. Insurance claims flooded the industry, and used-car prices rose nationwide because so many vehicles were destroyed. Auto transport brokers played a crucial role in helping dealerships move inventory from unaffected states into Louisiana and Mississippi once rebuilding began.
These examples highlight why planning, timing, and flexibility are essential if you’re shipping a car during hurricane season.
How Hurricanes Impact the Auto Transport Industry
1. Carrier Rerouting and Delays
Carriers are legally required to avoid hazardous areas. If your pickup or delivery is scheduled near a storm zone – for example, car shipping to Miami or vehicle delivery in Houston – your shipment may be delayed until conditions improve.
2. Insurance Considerations
Every shipment includes cargo insurance, which covers your car against damage while on the truck. However, “acts of God” (flooding, debris, storm damage) can be tricky. Not all policies cover weather-related damage once a car is delivered to a flood zone or left in a high-risk area.
3. Pricing Fluctuations
When hurricanes approach, demand spikes. Snowbirds shipping cars from New York to Florida may delay travel plans. Residents in Louisiana or Texas rush to move cars inland. Businesses relocate fleets from the Gulf Coast to safer regions. Limited truck availability drives up rates.
4. Terminal vs. Door-to-Door Shipping
During hurricanes, door-to-door car shipping may be suspended in dangerous areas. Carriers may only deliver to safe, accessible terminals in cities such as Atlanta or Dallas. This is important point to keep in mind and plan for flexibility.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping During Hurricane Season
Even if your shipment isn’t directly in a storm’s path, it’s smart to prepare as if it were.
1. Clean and Inspect the Vehicle
- Wash your car inside and out.
- Document its condition with photos and videos.
- Note any existing scratches or dents.
This helps in case an insurance claim needs to be filed. You will do such an inspection with the carrier at pick-up, but it is always good to do it on your own in advance as well when shipping during hurricane season.
2. Remove Personal Items
Loose items inside the car can shift or break during transport. Most carriers also do not cover personal belongings.
3. Check Fluids and Battery
Make sure the car is in operable condition unless you’ve booked inoperable car shipping. During storms, inop vehicles are harder to load/unload quickly.
4. Choose Enclosed Transport for High-Value Vehicles
If you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or exotic car from Florida, Texas, or California during storm season, enclosed auto transport offers added protection from debris, rain, and flooding.
5. Stay Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates
Flexibility is your best ally. Weather can shift quickly, and carriers may need to adjust routes, whether you’re booking California to Florida car shipping or shorter routes within the Southeast.
Choosing the Right Shipping Option
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
- Open carriers are the standard mode and the most cost-effective, however cars are exposed to the elements.
- Enclosed carriers protect vehicles from weather and debris – ideal for any high-value automobile or shipping into areas prone to storms such as Florida’s East Coast or Texas Gulf Coast.
Terminal-to-Terminal vs. Door-to-Door
- Door-to-door auto transport is convenient and the standard in the industry, but may not always be available during hurricanes in cities like Miami, Houston, or New Orleans.
- Terminal-to-terminal can be safer when last-minute rerouting is necessary, often using inland hubs in places like Atlanta, Dallas, or Charlotte.
Insurance: What’s Really Covered During a Storm?
When shipping during hurricane season, insurance is critical. But not all policies are created equal. You must ask and check, as well as discuss with your own insurance.
What Cargo Insurance Typically Covers:
- Any damage from debris impact while the vehicle is on the carrier.
- Any accidents during rerouted transport.
- Theft while in carrier custody is always covered.
What May Not Be Covered:
- Flood damage after delivery if the car is dropped off in a storm zone.
- Pre-existing damage (scratches, dents, leaks).
- Damage to personal belongings left inside the vehicle during transport.
Example:
If your car is being shipped from Houston to Atlanta and debris from a storm damages the windshield while on the truck, the carrier’s cargo insurance will cover repairs. But if the car is delivered to Miami, parked at your residence, and then floodwaters rise, that damage would not be covered – you will need your personal auto insurance for that.
At Corsia Logistics, we work only with carriers who carry valid cargo insurance, but we always recommend customers confirm coverage details and, when necessary, explore supplemental protection. Corsia carrier additional cargo insurance as well!
Tips for Businesses Shipping Fleets During Hurricane Season
For businesses, the risks multiply. Dealerships, rental agencies, auctions, and corporate fleets can’t afford delays or damage. Here’s how each type of business can prepare:
Dealerships
- Relocate high-value inventory inland before storms arrive.
- Use enclosed carriers for luxury models.
- Partner with brokers who can scale quickly across regions.
Rental Fleets
- Anticipate evacuation-driven demand. Rental fleets often see a surge in bookings before storms. Having a logistics plan to move vehicles into high-demand zones (for example, Georgia or Tennessee) can maximize revenue.
Auto Auctions
- Large auto auctions in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana often store thousands of vehicles. A sudden storm can mean millions in potential losses. Many auctions pre-contract with brokers like Corsia to relocate cars inland before storms hit.
Corporate Fleets
- Companies with vehicles spread across multiple states should diversify transport options. Relying on a single carrier is risky during peak season. Brokers can distribute shipments across several carriers to ensure continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I ship my car out of a hurricane evacuation zone?
Yes, but timing is everything. Once mandatory evacuations begin in Florida or Louisiana, many carriers will not enter the area. Booking early and staying flexible increases your chances.
2. Will my car be safe if it’s on a carrier during a storm?
Carriers avoid storm zones. If severe weather strikes unexpectedly, drivers pull to safety. Cargo insurance covers the vehicle while in transit.
3. Do rates go up during hurricane season?
Yes, in storm-affected regions, supply and demand shifts can raise rates. For example, Texas to Florida car shipping may see price spikes if both states are affected by storms. Booking in advance can help lock in lower prices.
4. Should I choose enclosed transport during hurricane season?
For high-value or classic cars, enclosed transport is recommended. For standard vehicles, open transport is generally safe, but timing around storms matters — especially in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Practical Checklist: Shipping a Car During Hurricane Season
- ✅ Book early (1–2 weeks in advance).
- ✅ Document your vehicle’s condition.
- ✅ Remove personal items.
- ✅ Confirm cargo insurance coverage.
- ✅ Stay flexible with dates and routes.
- ✅ Choose enclosed shipping for valuable cars.
- ✅ Monitor weather updates and communicate with your broker.
Final Thoughts
Hurricanes may disrupt the best-laid plans, but they don’t have to derail your relocation or vehicle purchase or relocation to another state. With preparation, flexibility, and the right partner, shipping a car during hurricane season can be a safe and stress-free experience.
At Corsia Logistics, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses navigate weather challenges with honesty, transparency, and care. Whether you need car shipping from Florida to New York, auto transport from Texas to California, or help moving a vehicle across the East Coast, our team monitors storm patterns, works closely with carriers nationwide, and keeps customers updated every step of the way.
