How Snowbirds
Ship Cars to
Florida Each Year.
Every fall, hundreds of thousands of people make the seasonal journey from the Northeast and Midwest down to Florida. Rather than driving the 1,200 to 1,500 miles, many ship their cars — and have been doing it year after year with us since 2007. Here’s exactly how the process works and how to make it seamless.
Who Are Snowbirds — And Why Do They Ship?
Snowbirds are typically retirees and seasonal residents who spend October through April in Florida and the rest of the year in northern states. Rather than driving 1,200–1,500 miles twice a year or maintaining two vehicles, many choose to ship one car south each fall and return it north each spring.
The math usually works out clearly in favor of shipping: the cost of fuel, hotels, and wear on the vehicle for a two-day drive often approaches or exceeds the cost of a professional shipment — without any of the hassle.
The Major Snowbird Routes to Florida
Miami and South Florida are the primary destinations. The most common snowbird corridors we handle each season:
We also handle the Midwest corridor: Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus via I-75 down through Atlanta to Miami. Transit time on Midwest routes is typically 4–6 days.
Timing Your Snowbird Shipment
Timing is everything for snowbird auto shipping. The peak booking rush happens in late September and October as everyone tries to ship at once.
Heading south (fall): Book in mid-September for an October pickup. You’ll get better rates and more carrier options before the rush peaks.
Heading north (spring): Book in late February for a March pickup. Avoids the end-of-season bottleneck that hits in April.
Avoid: Booking in October for immediate pickup, or waiting until April to head north. Peak demand at both ends.
How the Snowbird Shipping Process Works
- Request a quote: Tell us your pickup location, delivery address, vehicle, and target dates. We lock in your rate — it never changes after booking.
- Carrier assignment: We match you with a vetted carrier on your specific route, often within 24–48 hours of booking.
- Pickup: The carrier arrives at your northern address within your agreed pickup window. You do a walk-around together and sign the Bill of Lading.
- Transit: Your vehicle moves south. We stay in contact throughout and give you updates at key milestones.
- Delivery: Your car arrives at your Miami or South Florida address. You inspect it, sign off, and pay at delivery — no upfront deposit.
If you shipped with us last year and had a great driver, mention it when you call. We keep records and will do our best to match you with the same carrier again.
Tips for Repeat Snowbird Shippers
- Build it into your calendar. Treat the shipping booking like any other seasonal task — schedule it in September and April every year without waiting.
- Keep your Bill of Lading from each shipment. It documents your vehicle’s condition at every pickup and delivery — useful if a question ever comes up.
- Leave fuel low. Carriers prefer a quarter tank or less. It reduces weight and is standard practice.
- Disable alarm systems. Alarms that trigger during transit are a headache for everyone. Disable them or leave the override code with the driver.
- Consider enclosed if you ship in hurricane season. If you’re heading north in late summer, enclosed transport protects against unexpected weather.
Ready to book your snowbird shipment?
We’ve been running these routes since 2007. Get your quote locked in early and start the season right.
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