Snowbird Car Shipping: Florida, Arizona, Texas and Back
Every fall, thousands of people leave the northern states and Canada border regions for Florida, Arizona, southern Texas and the Gulf Coast, then head home again in spring. Many of them would rather fly than drive two long days each way. Super Auto Transport arranges seasonal car shipping in both directions, with pickup from your home and delivery to your winter address or a meeting point nearby.
Last updated:
- Licensed and bonded brokerMC 1558624USDOT 4091281
- Insured carriers onlyAuthority and cargo insurance verified before every assignment
- Nationwide coverageDoor-to-door across the U.S., plus Hawaii and Alaska
- Real people, two languagesEnglish and Spanish support at (208) 500-0400
Why seasonal routes behave differently
Auto transport pricing follows supply and demand on each lane. In October and November, far more cars want to go from the Northeast and Midwest to Florida than the other way, so southbound trucks fill quickly while northbound trucks run light. In March and April it flips. Two things follow from that:
- Shipping with the seasonal flow usually costs more and takes a little longer to get picked up, because carriers have more loads to choose from.
- Shipping against the flow, or a few weeks before the peak, is often cheaper and faster, because carriers are looking for loads to balance their trucks.
You cannot control the season, but you can control how early you book and how wide your pickup window is. Both help.
Common snowbird lanes we arrange
The busiest seasonal corridors run from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota down to Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and the Space Coast), to Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson and Yuma) and to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. We also see steady demand from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West into Palm Springs and the Arizona desert. Because these are high-volume lanes, carrier availability is good as long as you are not booking at the very last minute.
Planning the pickup and delivery
Option 1: Ship before you fly
Set the first available pickup date a few days before your flight. The car is picked up while you are still home and, on a typical East Coast to Florida run, arrives within a few days. You fly down and the car is waiting, or it is delivered a day or two after you arrive.
Option 2: Someone else hands it over
If you need the car right up to departure, a neighbor, family member or property manager can meet the driver after you leave. They inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. Give us their name and phone number when you book.
Delivery at the winter address
Many winter communities are gated or built around narrow streets that a car hauler cannot enter. The driver will call ahead and arrange a nearby meeting point, often a shopping center or a wide access road. This is normal and does not change the price. See how door-to-door delivery works in practice.
Open or enclosed for a seasonal move?
Most snowbird shipments go on open carriers, the same type of truck that delivers new cars to dealerships. It is the more affordable option and perfectly suitable for everyday vehicles. If you are moving a collector car, a convertible with a soft top you worry about, or simply want the vehicle fully protected from road spray and weather on a long trip, enclosed transport is available at a higher price. The comparison on our open vs enclosed shipping page covers the trade-offs.
Preparing the car for a long season away
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Full tanks add weight and are not needed.
- Keep personal items to the allowed limit, in the trunk or below the window line, and declare them when you book. Carriers are not movers, and personal items are not insured.
- Remove toll transponders or bag them so you are not charged along the carrier’s route.
- Note any existing scratches or dents and take dated photos before pickup.
- Give the driver a working key. A spare for yourself is a good idea for the return trip.
The full pickup-day list is in our guide on how to prepare your car for shipping.
Booking the return trip
You can book both legs at once or book the return closer to spring. Booking early for the northbound leg in March or April is just as important as it is in the fall, because the same seasonal imbalance applies in reverse. If your dates are firm, ask about guaranteed pickup for the leg where timing matters most.
Get a seasonal quote
Use the instant calculator with your home and winter ZIP codes, or call (208) 500-0400. Tell us roughly when you plan to travel and we will suggest a pickup window that fits the season on your lane.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book my snowbird car shipment?
As early as you know your travel dates. Southbound demand builds through October and November and northbound demand builds through March and April. Booking a few weeks ahead with a flexible first-available pickup date gives dispatch more carriers to choose from on your lane.
Can I fly down and have the car delivered after I arrive?
Yes. That is the most common arrangement. Set the first available pickup date for a day you are still at home, and have the vehicle delivered to your winter address once you are there. If timing does not line up, an authorized friend, neighbor or building manager can hand over or receive the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading.
Can I pack the car with winter clothes and household items?
Only within limits. Up to about 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk or below the window line is allowed under our terms. Anything above that may be refused or charged per pound, and personal items are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. Carriers are not licensed to move household goods.
Is delivery to a gated community or condo building a problem?
Often the truck cannot enter, so the driver will arrange a nearby meeting point such as a shopping center lot. Let us know if your winter address is in a gated community or a high-rise so the carrier plans for it.
Do you ship both directions?
Yes. Many customers book the return trip in late winter. Northbound demand in spring is just as seasonal as southbound demand in fall, so the same booking advice applies.