Snowbird Car Shipping - Skip the Long Drive, Ship Your Car Instead
We've been helping snowbirds ship their cars between northern and southern states since 2015, handling over 50,000 vehicles along popular migration routes. No more grueling 1,200+ mile drives or airline hassles - just reliable, door-to-door transport that gets your car where you need it.
Get Your Free Quote
Fast, free, no obligation
How Does Snowbird Car Shipping Work?
Snowbird car shipping is specialized auto transport designed for seasonal travelers who split their time between northern and southern homes, typically moving along high-traffic corridors like I-75, I-95, and I-10. We pick up your vehicle at your current location and deliver it directly to your seasonal residence, handling all the logistics while you fly or drive separately.
Here's what makes it different from regular auto transport: we understand the seasonal rush patterns and plan pickups around snowbird migration timing. Most of our snowbird customers ship between October-November (heading south) and March-April (heading north), so we've built relationships with carriers who specialize in these routes.
The process is straightforward - book your transport 2-3 weeks ahead of your travel date, and we'll coordinate pickup within a 1-3 day window that works with your schedule. Our Military Auto Shipping experience taught us how to handle time-sensitive relocations, and we apply that same precision to snowbird transport.
Why Choose Liberty Car Shipping for Your Snowbird Transport?
We've shipped over 12,000 vehicles for snowbird customers since 2015, and we know the routes like the back of our hand. The I-75 corridor from Michigan to Florida? We run it weekly. The I-95 stretch from New York to South Carolina? Daily during peak season.
Here's something most brokers won't tell you: snowbird season creates massive demand spikes that can double transport costs if you're not prepared. We lock in your rate when you book, protecting you from those seasonal price jumps that hit unprepared customers.
Our team tracks weather patterns, seasonal demand, and carrier availability across every major snowbird route. Last season, we successfully navigated a major ice storm in Georgia by rerouting carriers through Alabama, keeping deliveries on schedule while other companies faced week-long delays. That's the kind of proactive service you get when you work with professionals who understand seasonal transport challenges.
What Does Snowbird Car Shipping Cost?
Snowbird car shipping costs between $700-$1,600 depending on your route, vehicle size, and transport type, with the most popular routes averaging $900-$1,200. The Chicago to Naples, FL route (one of our busiest) typically runs $1,100-$1,350 for standard vehicles in open transport.
Open carrier transport costs 20-30% less than enclosed, but many snowbirds choose enclosed for their luxury vehicles or classic cars. A BMW 7 Series from Minneapolis to Phoenix runs about $1,450 enclosed versus $1,150 open. Peak season (October-November and March-April) adds $100-$200 to base rates due to higher demand.
Get this - booking early saves you money and guarantees better service windows. We offer a $50 early bird discount for bookings made 30+ days in advance, and you'll get first pick of departure dates. Our How to Ship a Car Across the Country: Step-by-Step Guide breaks down all the cost factors in detail.
How Long Does Snowbird Car Shipping Take?
Most snowbird routes take 5-12 days for delivery, with popular corridors like Detroit to Tampa averaging 7-9 days and coast-to-coast routes like Boston to Phoenix taking 10-14 days. Transit time depends on distance, weather, and seasonal carrier availability.
Here's what to expect: pickup happens within your chosen 1-3 day window, then the carrier follows predetermined routes with scheduled stops. A typical run from Cleveland to Fort Myers makes stops in Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Tampa before reaching final destinations along the southwest Florida coast.
Weather can impact timing, especially during winter storms in the northern states or hurricane season in the south. We build buffer time into our estimates and provide real-time tracking updates every 24-48 hours. Our dispatch team monitors weather patterns and proactively communicates any potential delays before they affect your delivery schedule.
Who Benefits Most from Snowbird Car Shipping?
Snowbird car shipping works best for seasonal residents who own homes or extended rentals in both northern and southern states, typically staying 3+ months in each location. We see lots of retirees from Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota who winter in Florida, Arizona, or Texas.
It's also perfect for people who can't or don't want to make the long drive themselves. A 75-year-old customer from Cleveland told us: "I'm not driving 18 hours to Naples anymore - you ship the car, I'll fly down and meet it there." Smart thinking.
Businesspeople and remote workers are increasingly using snowbird shipping too. They'll fly between locations for work flexibility while their car gets transported separately. One tech executive ships his Tesla between Seattle and Austin twice yearly, timing it around his quarterly business travel schedule.
Insurance Coverage and Safety Guarantees
Every vehicle we ship is covered by comprehensive insurance up to $250,000 per vehicle, with additional cargo coverage available for high-value cars. Our carriers maintain active FMCSA licensing and carry both liability and cargo insurance that meets federal requirements.
We photograph every vehicle before loading and after delivery, documenting any existing damage and ensuring transparent condition reports. Damage claims are rare (less than 2% of shipments), but when they occur, our insurance partners handle claims quickly - most are resolved within 10-15 business days.
Real talk: we're selective about our carrier network. We work with professional drivers who've been running these routes for years, not fly-by-night operators. Our Dealer Auto Transport standards apply to every shipment - the same careful handling we provide to luxury car dealers goes to every snowbird customer.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or use our online calculator. We'll give you exact pricing based on your specific route, vehicle, and travel timeline.
Book and Schedule
Reserve your spot with a small deposit. Choose your pickup window 2-3 weeks before your travel date for best availability and pricing.
Pickup Coordination
Our dispatch team contacts you 24-48 hours before pickup to confirm timing and location. The carrier arrives, inspects your vehicle, and loads it securely.
Track and Receive
Monitor your shipment through real-time updates. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle and complete the simple delivery process at your destination.
Snowbird Shipping: Open vs Enclosed Transport
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $700-$1,200 | $1,100-$1,600 |
| Weather Protection | Basic | Complete |
| Vehicle Capacity | 8-10 cars | 2-6 cars |
| Pickup Flexibility | 2-5 days | 3-7 days |
| Best For | Standard vehicles | Luxury/Classic cars |
| Delivery Time | 5-10 days | 7-12 days |
Book your spring transport (heading north) while you're still down south in February. Peak season pricing kicks in hard during March-April, but early bookers lock in winter rates and get priority scheduling. We've seen customers save $200-$300 just by planning ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.