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Complete Guide: Snowbird Auto Shipping

Chairs on deck overlooking beach

Snowbird Auto Transport

Are you looking to transport a car from the Northeastern part of the United States this winter season? If you are a seasonal traveler, or snowbird, National Dispatch offers affordable auto transport services anywhere in the United States.

If you do not enjoy the bitter cold that winter brings, a vacation home in the south is the perfect solution. Snowbirds get the best of both worlds. They get the privilege of enjoying cool summers and warm winters. Who wouldn’t want that lifestyle? Instead of spending your winter days stuck indoors, you could spend them soaking up the sun in the south.

There are many auto transport companies in the industry offering these types of services. This makes it difficult to find the right one. It is an important decision. After all, you would not trust your car with just anyone. We have created a guideline for snowbirds. Whether you are a first-time or frequent traveler, this guide can help you pick out the perfect destination, find the right company to ship your car, choose auto transport services, and more.

Popular Snowbird Routes

There are many routes and destinations that snowbirds can choose when shipping their vehicle. National Dispatch offers services, including coast-to-coast auto shipping, on all snowbird routes within the United States. Many snowbirds are shipping from states where winters can be brutal, such as New York, New Jersey, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The most popular destinations include Florida, Arizona, and California.

Florida Aerial View - South Beach Miami

Florida is known as the ‘Sunshine State’. The state offers many opportunities to catch some rays and get a little rest and relaxation. Florida has thousands of miles of coastlines. This is just one of the many reasons why snowbirds flock to the region. You can enjoy the soft sand, warm water, and gorgeous views. This also provides you with the chance to enjoy numerous water activities, such as wind surfing, wake boarding, and parasailing.

If you are a fan of theme parks or Disney, then you can enjoy the magical world of Walt Disney World. Orlando is home to four theme parks, so you will have plenty of options available to you. The fun and excitement does not end there. Many snowbirds choose Florida because of its national parks and sites. The Everglades National Park is a must-see if you are visiting this region. It is home to many rare plant and animal species.

All across the state you will find the opportunity to submerse yourself into the art, culture, and history. In major cities, you can watch a concert, Broadway-style show, or dinner theater. There are also numerous museums to check out. If you are a sport fanatic, go watch one of the local teams play Baseball, Basketball, Football, or Hockey.

Popular Cities:

  • Orlando
  • Miami
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Tampa
  • Jacksonville

Learn more about Florida Auto Shipping Services.

ArizonaSunset over Cathedral Rock

Arizona is best known for being home to the Grand Canyon. However, the state has much more to offer visitors than this natural wonder. Arizona is filled with beautiful scenery, from the views of Cathedral Rock to those of Havasu Falls. The state is a picture-worthy destination. You definitely do not want to forget your camera at home.

Many snowbirds are attracted to its mild daytime temperatures. During the winter season, many popular cities in Arizona have an average temperature of 70 degrees. However, at night, it can become rather cool. If you are not a fan of the heat, Arizona is not the place for you during the summer months. Temperatures can reach above 100 degrees, making it hot and humid.

Seasonal travelers choose Arizona as a destination because of its landmarks, monuments, canyons, and parks. The Saguaro National Park is a top Arizona attraction due to its plants. In February and March, you can see the cacti in bloom. The numerous parks and canyons attract adventurers. You can hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore with a ranger-guided tour.

Popular Cities:

  • Sedona
  • Phoenix
  • Tucson
  • Scottsdale
  • Tombstone

Learn more about Arizona Auto Shipping Services.

California California rocks and ocean

California is known as the Golden State because of its association with the gold rush, its golden poppies, and its breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Millions of people visit California each year. Some of these visitors include snowbirds, escaping their winter home for a more sunny stay. Most parts of California hosts warm weather all-year round, making the state the perfect vacation destination.

From theme parks to vineyards to mountains, California has it all. California is home to Disneyland, a top state attraction. Although different from its counterpart, Walt Disney World located in Florida, Disneyland still promises visitors a fun time. California has thousands of miles of coastlines, making it a great place to relax on the beach and watch the sunset.

California is for adventurers and explorers, as well. There are numerous sights to see. To name a few, there is Alcatraz, the Hollywood Sign, and Golden Gate Bridge. If you are a hiker or just enjoy the great outdoors, then pay a visit Yosemite National Park. The park offers trails for hikers of all experience levels.

Popular Cities:

  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • San Diego
  • Santa Monica
  • Monterey

Learn more about California Auto Shipping Services.

Why Use Auto Transport For A Seasonal Move?

Winter road in sunlightWhen it comes snowbird season, auto shipping is the best option to get your car where it needs to go. Using an auto transport company makes the seasonal move from one home to another simple. There are numerous benefits to having your vehicle shipped. Here are a few:

  • Saves you time. It can take hours, or even days, to get from one part of the country to another. Why waste your vacation driving? Instead of driving, you could have your vehicle shipped to your getaway. This way your travel plans will not be delayed, and you can start relaxing as soon as possible.
  • Saves the car wear and tear. There is no risk driving your car in the winter weather, because it will be transported via a transport carrier. Using an enclosed carrier protects your car from the weather and road elements. Auto shipping also proves useful at preventing the accumulation of miles from long-distance drives.
  • Can explore with your own vehicle. We have already discussed the many beautiful places to go and stay during your trip. Why rent a car when you can explore the sights in the comfort of your own vehicle?

Why Do Snowbirds Count On National Dispatch?

Snowbirds count on us every year to transport their car to their southern vacation spot and then back to their northern home in the winter season. The eastern coast is a popular destination route. However, National Dispatch can transport your car to and from anywhere in the United States. Here are some of the reasons why our snowbird customers count on us, year after year:

  • Experienced staff. From our dispatchers to our drivers, you can count on receiving a personal level of customer service. All our staff are trained auto transport professionals, who make it their top priority to ship your car safely.
  • Hassle-free. We seek to make the auto transport process easy, from start to finish. It starts with our auto shipping quote. Request a free, instant car shipping quote on our website using our quote calculator. No personal information is required.
  • Convenient shipping options. At National Dispatch, we provide numerous shipping methods and options for added convenience and peace of mind. We have three different shipping options available to you depending on your specific timeline and budget.

Snowbird Auto Transport Services

Auto Transport TruckAfter deciding to ship your car from your Northern home, you must decide on the auto transport services that you will need. National Dispatch provides a wide array of services to meet your specific needs. Here are a few of the services that we offer:

  • Open Auto Transport: This transport method is the most widely used by our customers, as it is the industry standard. The car will be transported via an open-air carrier. Due to its construction, the car will be exposed to weather and road elements.
  • Enclosed Auto Transport: This method of transport provides extra protection to the vehicle, shielding the car from weather and road elements. This transport option is more expensive than the alternative method of open auto transport. It is recommended for sport, exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles.
  • Door-To-Door Auto Shipping: With this shipping option, you do not have to worry about delivering your vehicle to a terminal or picking it up. Instead, the driver will come directly to your home. Then, the car will be delivered safely to its destination.

Estimating The Cost To Ship A Car

Shipping a car can save you money on travel costs. Cross country road trips involve many expenses. Snowbirds who choose to drive their car to their destination can expect to pay for gasoline, hotel stays, and food. Unexpected emergencies, including flat tires or dead battery, should be calculated into the budget, as well. Instead of driving, choose the better alternative, to ship your car to its destination.

How much does it cost to transport a car with a reliable auto transport company? Companies differ in their rates. However, most quotes are obtained using the same general factors. The following factors may be used to calculate your car transport quote:

  • Distance: Distance is one of the primary factors used in calculating how much it costs to ship a car. The farther the driver must go, the more expensive car transport services will cost.
  • Vehicle Make & Model: Our car shipping quote calculator requires the vehicle make and model, so that we know how to prepare for transport. Larger vehicles take up more space, and therefore cost more. Modified cars will require special attention.
  • Transport Type: National Dispatch offers two methods of transport, open and enclosed auto transport. While open auto transport is the standard shipping method, enclosed auto transport provides more protection from weather and debris. Enclosed is more expensive.
  • Vehicle Condition: An important point to consider is if your car is operable or not. Inoperable cars require special equipment for loading and unloading purposes. For this reason, the cost is more for non-running vehicles.
  • Location: Prices may vary, not just on how far you are going, but where you are going. Auto shipping routes depend on major highways. Rates may vary if you are shipping to a major city or small town.

Snowbird Auto Shipping Tips

For auto shipping to go smoothly, from start to finish, it is important to plan and be prepared. Therefore, we have assembled a few tips to ensure that your snowbird auto transport experience is a positive one. Check them out, below:

  • Book in advance. It is important to prepare for auto shipping ahead of time. This ensures that you have enough time to make travel arrangements and prepare for shipping. It also allows us time to make arrangements on our end and ensure that we have everything in order.
  • Clean your car. Clean your vehicle before the driver arrives. A clean vehicle is important for inspection. A vehicle inspection report will be conducted on the car prior to and immediately following delivery to assess the car’s condition. This is for insurance purposes.
  • Remove personal items. We do not recommend packing any personal items in the vehicle, as you will not have access to these items during transport. In addition, damage as a result of these items is not covered by insurance.

Contact National Dispatch

National Dispatch ships vehicles for snowbirds anywhere in the United States. We make the transport of your car from your northern home to your southern destination fast and easy. When it comes time to return home, we can transport your vehicle to its destination, safely.

We offer affordable car transport rates using our online car shipping quote calculator. Request a free, instant car shipping quote, today. No personal information is required. This means no email or phone number. Only four fields are required: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. If you prefer to speak with a representative, call us at 800-321-2051.

Cost To Ship A Car: Factors Affecting Car Shipping Rates

Shipping A Car

Car shipping companies transport vehicles from one location to another for individuals and businesses. When you need auto transport services, it is important to find a company that you can rely on to transport your car safely to its destination. Furthermore, you want to find a company that offers services within your budget.

Car transport rates vary depending on many factors. We will discuss this, in detail, so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the auto transport industry. First, let’s look at several reasons why you might need to ship your car. Here are a few:

  • Car dealerships
  • Automobile collectors purchasing out of state
  • Individuals embarking on a cross-country move
  • Vacationers/snowbirds
  • Corporations undergoing a relocation
  • College-bound kids
  • Military families
  • Individuals purchasing a car online (Ebay and other auction sites)

Whatever the reason may be for needing to transport your vehicle, a professional auto transport company can make your life simpler. Many individuals find that shipping a car:

  • Saves on mileage. Think about the resale value and the risk of depreciation, especially if you own a classic car. These are factors that are affected when you choose to drive. Driving adds wear and tear to the vehicle, along with mileage. With auto shipping, your vehicle will be delivered in pristine condition and without hundreds or thousands of added miles.
  • Is convenient. Why do people order items online and have them shipped to their home, rather than going to the store? One reason is because of the convenience this method offers. Auto transport provides the same luxury. Click or call to receive a free, instant car shipping quote.
  • Saves time. Making a cross-country move can take days or even weeks to complete. This means many hours behind the wheel. Save time, and have an auto transport company ship your car for you. Catch a flight, and your car will be delivered to its destination.

What Affects Your Shipping Cost?

The cost to ship a vehicle varies depending on many factors. It could cost you between $400 and $1200+ to ship a car from one city to another. Here are the factors that might affect the cost to transport your car:

  • Delivery preference
  • Shipping options
  • Vehicle type and condition
  • Distance and location
  • Time of year
  • Additional services

Delivery Preference

The more flexible you are with pickup and delivery dates, the less you will have to pay. At National Dispatch, we offer three different delivery options to choose from. This would include economic, priority, and guaranteed. Each varies in price and time windows to meet your specific budget and schedule.

It is generally recommended to book auto transport services a couple weeks out or more. This is to allow plenty of time for both you and the auto transport company to prepare for shipment. However, we have the guaranteed delivery option for individuals who are shipping on short notice. If you need your car within a few days, you can expect to pay more for this service. You are paying for the added convenience and for a designated spot on the carrier.

Our auto transport specialists do their best to keep you informed every step of the way. Therefore, you will know when you can expect your vehicle to be picked up and delivered. Learn more about our auto shipping options.

Shipping Options

There are several ways in which you can have your vehicle transported. You must decide on the carrier that will ship your car, as well as the preferred location for pickup and delivery.

When it comes to a carrier, there are two main types. You can choose from an open carrier or an enclosed carrier. An open carrier is the most commonly used method of transport. It is also the easiest on the wallet. Due to the construction of the carrier, your car will be transported with up to eight other vehicles. Your automobile will be exposed to the weather and elements of the road. Learn more about open auto transport.

In contrast, an enclosed carrier will protect your vehicle from a variety of elements and weather, including dirt, dust, rain, snow, and ice. It is recommended for luxury, classic, or other high-end vehicles. It is more expensive than transporting via an open-air carrier. Learn more about enclosed auto transport.

Many car shipping companies offer terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door shipping options. With terminal-to-terminal auto shipping, your vehicle will be stored at a location until you are able to pick it up. Door-to-door shipping is more convenient, because the driver will come directly to your home or place of business to pick up and deliver the car.

Vehicle Type And Condition

Red BMW In The Sunset

A primary factor in the creation of your car shipping quote is the vehicle type and condition. The cost to transport a sedan across the country will be less than it would be to transport a SUV, truck, or van. Why is this?

Larger cars take up more space on the transport truck. In addition, size factors into weight. Larger vehicles weigh more than smaller ones. Weight can affect the fuel consumption of the carrier. When you are shipping your car, you should also let the auto transport company know of any modifications done to the vehicle. Vehicle modifications can alter the size and weight, as well.

It is also important to know if the automobile is operable or inoperable. An operable vehicle can be loaded onto the truck easily. An inoperable car requires special equipment. For this reason, it often costs more to ship an inoperable vehicle. Make sure you let the car shipping company know that your car does not run before transport. Learn more about non-running vehicle shipment.

Distance And Location

An obvious factor that affects the cost to ship an automobile is the distance. The further you need your car transported, the more it will cost. This is due to fuel consumption and mileage. Therefore, you must take into consideration if you are shipping from east coast to west coast or somewhere in-between.

The distance will also have an impact on the shipping time frame. It may take anywhere from three days to two weeks or more to transport your vehicle to its destination. It all depends on the location and how far the driver must drive.

The distance from city to city is important, but the city or town, itself, is also noteworthy. Are you shipping to a popular city? Some of the most popular auto shipping cities include Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami. If you are transporting a car to a city that is a distance away from a main highway, then the price you pay may be affected. This is because you would not be shipping along a popular transport route. If the location is difficult for the driver to maneuver the truck, this can also affect door-to-door shipping. You and the driver will decide on a location to meet at, instead.

Time Of Year

The auto transport industry is busier when people are more likely to move or travel. The peak season is summer. Children are out of school. Therefore, more people are trying to move before another school year begins. In addition, June and July are popular months for vacations.

Summer is not the only season when people utilize car shipping services. Snowbirds, individuals who travel to a warmer part of the country during the winter, rely on an auto transport company to ship their vehicle. Popular destination points include Florida, Arizona, and Texas. They temporarily move to these locations during the winter months. Then, they relocate back to their northern home in the spring.

You may not be able to choose when you are able to move. However, it is important to keep in mind how moving during different parts of the year can impact your car shipping quote. You should also keep in mind how weather can affect the shipment of your vehicle. Safety is always a top priority. Although fewer people move during the winter, the rate can still be affected. Certain parts of the country are prone to harsh winter storms, which bring snow and ice. This makes it hard to drive under these conditions.

Additional Services (i.e. Top Loading)

One additional service that you will have to pay extra for is top loading. Top loading is when your car is placed on the upper level of a two-level transport carrier. The picture to the left depicts this service. Many individuals pay for top load transport because of the condition of other vehicles and road debris.

Your car will likely be placed on a transport truck with multiple other vehicles. You do not know the conditions of these other automobiles. Some might be new, while others might be old. Having your car positioned on the bottom row means you face the risk of having a car from the top leak on yours.

There is also the possibility of dirt, dust, rocks, and other debris coming into contact with your car. Vehicles that are positioned on the bottom level of a carrier are more susceptible to encountering these road debris. The top level offers more protection. Top loading provides added peace of mind. For complete protection, consider shipping via an enclosed carrier.

How Can I Get A Discount?

Auto transport companies give out a variety of discounts. It all depends on the company. Most companies offer a discount if you were to ship more than one car at once. It is known as the multi-car discount. Today, many families own more than one vehicle. Therefore, this discount can come in handy. This discount is also beneficial for corporations, dealerships, or auction houses who need to transport several automobiles at one time.

For more information concerning discounts, be sure to contact the auto transport company directly. Ask the company what kind of discounts they offer. If you are going to ship your vehicle anyway, why not save a few bucks?

Questions To Ask Yourself

The first question you probably have when needing auto transport services is “How much will it cost?”. There are several questions you can ask yourself before requesting a quote. You will have a general idea of how much it will cost you before even filling out any information. Here is what you should ask, yourself:

  • How quickly do I need my car shipped?
  • How far am I transporting?
  • Am I shipping from a popular route or hard-to-reach area?
  • What type of vehicle am I shipping?
  • Is the vehicle operable or inoperable?
  • Do I want the car top loaded?
  • Am I shipping one car or several cars?

National Dispatch | Requesting A Quote

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto transport service. We ship thousands of vehicles to individuals and corporations all across the country. We transport your typical cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles in addition to classic, sport, luxury, and exotic vehicles. You are sure to find a service that meets your needs and specific budget. We offer open auto transport, enclosed auto transport, door-to-door shipping, inoperable vehicle shipping, and much more.

At National Dispatch, we seek to provide the best service and value. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We hire the best auto transport professionals to handle the shipment of our customer’s vehicles. We believe you deserve nothing but the best.

It can be overwhelming trying to decide on a car shipping company, one who you can trust and rely on to ship your vehicle safely. You can be rest assured that your car is in the best hands when shipping with National Dispatch. The vehicle will be delivered in a safe and timely manner.

Requesting a quote is just a call or click away. Use our online quote calculator for a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is required. Fill out four simple fields, and you will receive a quote within seconds. If you prefer to speak with a member of our staff, call us at 800-321-2051. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions.