Every year, millions of Americans migrate seasonally between northern homes and warmer destinations in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. If you are a snowbird, shipping your car is often more practical than driving thousands of miles twice a year. Here is your complete guide.
Why Snowbirds Ship Instead of Drive
The math often favors shipping over driving:
- • 2,000+ miles of driving each way means 3-4 days on the road
- • Gas, hotels, and meals for a cross-country drive easily cost $600 - $1,000+
- • Wear and tear on your vehicle adds up: tires, oil changes, mileage depreciation
- • Health and safety concerns for long drives, especially for retirees
- • Time is valuable especially when you would rather be enjoying your destination
When you factor in the full cost of driving, shipping is often comparable or even cheaper, and you can fly to your destination in a few hours.
Popular Snowbird Routes and Pricing
To Florida (Southbound, Fall)
- • New York to South Florida: $850 - $1,200
- • New Jersey to Tampa/Orlando: $800 - $1,100
- • Connecticut to Naples/Fort Myers: $850 - $1,200
- • Massachusetts to Miami: $900 - $1,250
- • Michigan to Sarasota: $800 - $1,100
- • Ohio to Fort Lauderdale: $750 - $1,050
To Arizona (Southbound, Fall)
- • Illinois to Scottsdale/Phoenix: $900 - $1,200
- • Minnesota to Tucson: $950 - $1,250
- • Wisconsin to Mesa: $950 - $1,250
- • Michigan to Sun City: $1,000 - $1,300
To Texas (Southbound, Fall)
- • New York to Houston/San Antonio: $1,000 - $1,350
- • Illinois to Rio Grande Valley: $850 - $1,150
- • Ohio to Austin/Dallas: $800 - $1,100
Northbound return trips in spring are typically $50 - $150 less because demand shifts.
When to Book
Timing is critical for snowbird shipping because demand is highly seasonal:
Heading South (Fall)
- • Book by September for October-November departures
- • Peak demand: October through January
- • Prices are highest in November and December
- • Booking 3-4 weeks early ensures better rates and availability
Heading North (Spring)
- • Book by February for March-April departures
- • Peak demand: March through May
- • Prices peak in March and April on northbound routes
- • Earlier booking means more carrier options
Cost-Saving Tips for Snowbirds
1. Book early as seasonal demand drives prices up as peak dates approach 2. Be flexible on dates because a 5-7 day pickup window gets better rates than a specific date 3. Ship in the shoulder season as early October or late April often has lower demand 4. Consider open transport which is perfectly safe for your daily driver and saves 30-50% over enclosed 5. Set up annual service since many snowbirds ship the same route every year, and we can pre-schedule both legs at locked-in rates
The Snowbird Shipping Process
Step 1: Get Your Quote
Call us or [get a quote online](/quote) 3-4 weeks before your desired ship date. Provide your seasonal addresses, vehicle info, and preferred dates.
Step 2: Book and Confirm
We lock in your rate and begin carrier matching. A small deposit is collected when a carrier is assigned.
Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle
Follow our standard [vehicle preparation checklist](/blog/how-to-prepare-your-vehicle-for-transport). Key points for snowbirds:
- • Remove all personal items from the vehicle
- • Keep fuel at 1/4 tank
- • Ensure the battery is charged (especially if the car has been sitting)
- • Cancel or transfer any toll transponders
Step 4: Pickup and Delivery
The carrier picks up at your northern home and delivers to your southern address (or vice versa). Door-to-door service means you do not have to go anywhere.
Snowbird-Specific Concerns
Vehicle Storage Before Shipping
If you are closing up your northern home for the season, you may need to coordinate shipping a few days before or after your own departure. We can work with a trusted neighbor, building manager, or friend who can hand off the keys.
Insurance Coverage
Your vehicle is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance during transport. Check with your personal auto insurance provider about coverage during the transition period between states.
Registration and Insurance
Some states require you to register your vehicle if you reside there for a certain period. Florida, for example, requires registration after 90 days. Check local requirements for your snowbird destination.
Return Trip Scheduling
Many of our snowbird customers book both legs at the same time. This guarantees your spring return rate and ensures availability during the busy March-April northbound rush.
Annual Snowbird Program
State Wide Auto Transport offers a dedicated snowbird program with benefits:
- • Pre-scheduled annual shipments (fall south, spring north)
- • Locked-in pricing for both legs when booked together
- • Priority carrier assignment during peak season
- • Dedicated coordinator who manages your shipment year after year
Get Started
Do not wait until the last minute. Snowbird routes fill up fast during peak season. Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 or [request a quote online](/quote) to lock in your seasonal rate. Check our [popular routes page](/popular-routes) for more route-specific information.