Snowbird Car Transport: The Seasonal Migration in the U.S.
For many Americans, the snowbird phenomenon happens every year. It’s a seasonal rite of passage and part of their yearly routine, as people leave a cold, snowy locale like New England or the upper Midwest and make their way south to Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas or other warm, sunny parts of the country to spend the winter months there. Typically, snowbirds are in their winter homes from about late October until early to mid April, when it’s time to turn around and go back to their permanent residences again.
Even if you’re just relocating seasonally, there are a lot of loose ends and details to take care of, and getting your vehicle to your winter haven is going to be one of them. In these next few sections, we’re going to talk about vehicle transport for snowbirds and how it can take one of those details off the table completely for you.
For many Americans, the snowbird phenomenon happens every year. It’s a seasonal rite of passage and part of their yearly routine, as people leave a cold, snowy locale like New England or the upper Midwest and make their way south to Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas or other warm, sunny parts of the country to spend the winter months there. Typically, snowbirds are in their winter homes from about late October until early to mid April, when it’s time to turn around and go back to their permanent residences again.
Even if you’re just relocating seasonally, there are a lot of loose ends and details to take care of, and getting your vehicle to your winter haven is going to be one of them. In these next few sections, we’re going to talk about vehicle transport for snowbirds and how it can take one of those details off the table completely for you.
The Appeal of Florida for Snowbirds
Perfect Weather for Outdoor Activities
Doesn’t a sunny, pristine beach, an ocean breeze and clear ocean waters sound better than spending winter in subfreezing weather and having to deal with ice, several inches of snow, slick and treacherous roads and sky-high heating bills? Florida is the perfect place for fishing, swimming, sports, camping, cycling and every other kind of outdoor fun you can think of, while people’s teeth are chattering and they’re bundling up against the cold in other parts of the country.
Snowbird Car Shipping Options: Modes of Transport
There are a few different ways of getting a vehicle from point A to point B, and they can all be customized to your vehicle, your budget and your expectations. Overview of Car Shipping Modes for Snowbirds.
Open Car Transport
The most popular option with our customers is open car transport. Everyone’s seen the big double-decker tractor-trailers that deliver new cars to dealerships, and that’s what open car transport is. Your car shares the trip with several others to be picked up or delivered along the transport driver’s route. It does have the disadvantage of leaving your car exposed to weather and road grit, but you can reserve an upper deck spot for your vehicle to minimize that exposure. Best of all, it’s the most budget-friendly transport method you can find.
Factors Affecting Snowbird Car Transport Price
It’s hard to give a general price quote for auto transport without taking into account some of the things that influence cost structure for logistics.
It’s hard to give a general price quote for auto transport without taking into account some of the things that influence cost structure for logistics.
Distance
Vehicle year/make/model:
Seasonality
Location
More Snowbird Auto Transport Options
Door-to-Door Service
Remember what we were saying about everything that has to get taken care of as part of relocation during snowbird season? Door-to-door service is designed for your convenience. There’s no need to go to a freight terminal or truck depot to connect with the transport driver or pick up your car at the destination. We come directly to your curbside address at the time and date you specify, and your car will be delivered curbside at the destination at the predetermined time and date.
Enclosed Car Transport
For rare classics, delicate antiques and high-dollar luxury cars that call for an extra level of protection and security en route, there’s enclosed transport. With enclosed transport, your car is loaded into a closed trailer with aluminum or tarp sides and then locked in for its trip, so it’s protected on all four sides and concealed from curious onlookers. Enclosed transport is recommended for lowriders, supercars, exotics and any other vehicle with very low ride height. Enclosed transport is a little more scarce, and does come at a premium rate.
Why Choose Snowbird Car Transport? Snowbird Transport: Is It Worth It?
Benefits of Snowbird Car Transport:
Benefits of Snowbird Car Transport:
Convenience and Time Savings
Enhanced Safety
Cost Savings Compared to Driving or Renting
Reduced Vehicle Wear and Tear
Stress-Free Relocation
How Much Does Non-Running Vehicle Transport Cost?
Cross Country Snowbird Car Transport Prices:
| FROM/TO | DISTANCE | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio -> New Jersey | 560 Miles | 1 - 2 days | $399 - $599 |
| Florida -> North Carolina | 800 Miles | 1 - 2 days | $299 - $599 |
| New York -> Michigan | 700 Miles | 1 - 2 days | $599 - $799 |
| Florida -> Pennsylvania | 1200 Miles | 2 - 3 days | $799 - $1099 |
| North Carolina -> California | 2300 Miles | 4 - 5 days | $899 - $1299 |
| New York -> Pennsylvania | 200 Miles | 0 - 1 days | $199 - $399 |
| San Diego -> Hawaii | 2610 Miles | 30 - 45 days | $1899 - $2099 |
| North Carolina -> Ohio | 450 Miles | 0 - 1 days | $399 - $599 |
| New York -> Delaware | 190 Miles | 0 - 1 days | $299 - $399 |
| Michigan -> California | 2300 Miles | 4 - 5 days | $899 - $1199 |
| Maryland -> Florida | 1100 Miles | 2 - 3 days | $499 - $699 |
| Virginia -> Illinois | 900 Miles | 1 - 2 days | $499 - $799 |
| Virginia -> Florida | 1000 Miles | 1 - 2 days | $399 - $599 |
| New York -> Utah | 2200 Miles | 4 - 5 days | $999 - $1199 |
| Virginia -> Ohio | 500 Miles | 0 - 1 days | $399 - $599 |
Shipping Non-Running Vehicles From and to New York Prices:
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | Los Angeles, CA | 5 - 7 days | $779 - $979 |
| New York City, NY | Miami, FL | 2 - 3 days | $589 - $789 |
| New York City, NY | Dallas, TX | 3 - 4 days | $529 - $729 |
| New York City, NY | Chicago, IL | 1 - 2 days | $379 - $529 |
| New York City, NY | Phoenix, AZ | 4 - 5 days | $659 - $849 |
| Los Angeles, CA | New York City, NY | 5 - 7 days | $729 - $929 |
| Miami, FL | New York City, NY | 2 - 3 days | $259 - $439 |
| Dallas, TX | New York City, NY | 3 - 4 days | $499 - $699 |
| Chicago, IL | New York City, NY | 1 - 2 days | $329 - $479 |
| Phoenix, AZ | New York City, NY | 4 - 5 days | $729 - $929 |
Shipping Non-Running Vehicles From and to California Prices:
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | Miami, FL | 4 - 5 days | $870 - $1150 |
| Los Angeles, CA | New York City, NY | 6 - 8 days | $880 - $1160 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Chicago, IL | 3 - 5 days | $790 - $910 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | 3 - 5 days | $590 - $770 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Atlanta, GA | 4 - 5 days | $770 - $970 |
| Miami, FL | Los Angeles, CA | 4 - 5 days | $690 - $940 |
| New York City, NY | Los Angeles, CA | 6 - 8 days | $880 - $1150 |
| Chicago, IL | Los Angeles, CA | 3 - 5 days | $690 - $830 |
| Seattle, WA | Los Angeles, CA | 3 - 5 days | $440 - $630 |
| Atlanta, GA | Los Angeles, CA | 4 - 5 days | $420 - $590 |
Shipping Non-Running Vehicles From and to Michigan Prices:
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | Miami, FL | 2 - 3 days | $649 - $849 |
| Detroit, MI | Dallas, TX | 2 - 3 days | $599 - $799 |
| Detroit, MI | Los Angeles, CA | 4 - 5 days | $749 - $949 |
| Detroit, MI | Seattle, WA | 4 - 5 days | $949 - $1149 |
| Detroit, MI | Portland, OR | 4 - 5 days | $999 - $1199 |
| Miami, FL | Detroit, MI | 2 - 3 days | $499 - $679 |
| Dallas, TX | Detroit, MI | 2 - 3 days | $469 - $649 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Detroit, MI | 4 - 5 days | $679 - $899 |
| Seattle, WA | Detroit, MI | 4 - 5 days | $799 - $999 |
| Portland, OR | Detroit, MI | 4 - 5 days | $899 - $1099 |
Shipping Non-Running Vehicles From and to Ohio Prices:
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | Springfield, IL | 1 day | $249 - $449 |
| Columbus, OH | Los Angeles, CA | 4 - 5 days | $849 - $1049 |
| Columbus, OH | Tampa, FL | 2 - 3 days | $799 - $999 |
| Columbus, OH | Boston, MA | 4 - 5 days | $599 - $799 |
| Columbus, OH | Austin, TX | 2 - 3 days | $549 - $749 |
| Springfield, IL | Columbus, OH | 1 day | $179 - $379 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Columbus, OH | 4 - 5 days | $749 - $949 |
| Tampa, FL | Columbus, OH | 2 - 3 days | $649 - $849 |
| Boston, MA | Columbus, OH | 4 - 5 days | $479 - $649 |
| Austin, TX | Columbus, OH | 2 - 3 days | $599 - $799 |
Shipping Non-Running Vehicles From and to Virginia Prices:
| FROM | TO | DELIVERY TIME | PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | Tallahassee, FL | 1 - 2 days | $349 - $549 |
| Richmond, VA | Carson City, NV | 4 - 5 days | $649 - $849 |
| Richmond, VA | Boston, MA | 1 day | $299 - $499 |
| Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | 2 - 3 days | $499 - $699 |
| Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | 5 - 7 days | $749 - $949 |
| Tallahassee, FL | Richmond, VA | 1 - 2 days | $279 - $479 |
| Carson City, NV | Richmond, VA | 4 - 5 days | $699 - $849 |
| Boston, MA | Richmond, VA | 1 day | $179 - $349 |
| Austin, TX | Richmond, VA | 2 - 3 days | $379 - $549 |
| Seattle, WA | Richmond, VA | 5 - 7 days | $849 - $1049 |
How to Choose the Best Snowbird Car Transport Company
These are all things to look for when you’re shopping for the right car shipping company:
Research
Find out about their credentials and permits, including DOT certification and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration number. These are essentials for any transport company that’s doing business between states.
Insurance
A reputable carrier will have comprehensive carrier insurance for vehicles that are in transit. Ask about coverage levels and deductibles as well as other specifics of the coverage.
Various Shipping Options
A good auto transport service will have a few different options available to cater to customer needs. Does the company offer door-to-door service (as mentioned earlier)?
Reputation
Check the company’s online reviews on review sites to find out what customers have to say about their experiences.
Security
At the very least, open transport and enclosed transport should be available for different levels of security.
Tracking
While real-time tracking isn’t available through most shipping services (as yet), it shouldn’t be a problem to ask for regular updates from customer support.
Customer Support
Communication with customer support should be responsive and helpful, and all the wording on the company site should be clear, complete and informative.
Benefits of Axis Auto Logistics for Non-Running Vehicle Transport
Choosing Axis Auto Logistics for your salvage car shipping needs comes with numerous advantages, ensuring a stress-free and reliable experience.
Choosing Axis Auto Logistics for your salvage car shipping needs comes with numerous advantages, ensuring a stress-free and reliable experience.
Axis offers full protection for your Non-Running car, with verified carrier insurance coverage, giving you peace of mind during transit.
Need your Non-Running car shipped quickly? Axis offers expedited shipping, with 48-hour shipping offered for most locations.
Axis offers excellent customer service, which is available to answer any of your questions or concerns during the shipping process.
Axis Auto Logistics makes it easy to plan your Non-Running car shipment with an instant quote calculator. Get an accurate price estimate in seconds and start your transport process with confidence.
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Smaller Beach Towns: A Snowbird Favorite
The Car Shipping Process: Step-by-Step
Tips for Saving Money on Snowbird Car Shipping
Most vehicle logistics companies ask for at least two weeks’ lead time to line up the details of your shipment and assign it to a transport driver. Expedited shipping is available for short-notice orders, but it will come at an enhanced cost.
Most vehicle logistics companies ask for at least two weeks’ lead time to line up the details of your shipment and assign it to a transport driver. Expedited shipping is available for short-notice orders, but it will come at an enhanced cost.
Convenience and Time Savings
Budget Saving Opportunities
Safety and Comfort
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowbird Car Transport:
What is the cheapest way to transport a vehicle across country?
Open car transport is always going to be the most affordable way to manage your auto transport needs.
What do snowbirds do for a car?
It doesn’t make sense to buy a car or leave a different car in Florida or Texas when you can have your car transported there and then home again in the spring.
What is the safest way to transport a car?
For the best level of protection and security, enclosed car transport is available (at enhanced cost).