Every fall, retirees and seasonal travelers move south to enjoy Florida’s warm climate. This annual migration creates a predictable peak in vehicle-shipping demand, affecting rates and carrier availability.
Snowbird Season is the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of people—primarily retirees from northern states and Canada—who travel south to escape winter and enjoy Florida’s warm weather. For auto transport, it brings one of the year’s most predictable demand spikes.
Vehicles travel from the Northeast—including New York, New Jersey, and New England—and the Midwest, including Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, to Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.
As spring arrives and northern weather warms, thousands of vehicles head back to their owners’ home states, creating a second seasonal wave.
Many customers compete for limited spaces on open and enclosed carriers at the same time, so prices can rise and pickup availability can tighten.
During peak season, higher demand can affect shipping prices, pickup schedules, and carrier availability.
Southbound rates may increase by 25% to 60% compared with summer. Typical open transport quotes on high-demand routes may range from $920 to $1,400+, depending on distance and vehicle size.
Learn MoreCarriers can fill their schedules weeks ahead. Last-minute pickups may be harder to secure and can cost more.
Learn MoreCarriers may earn more on southbound loads than on return trips north in late autumn. Lower-paying northbound loads can contribute to higher prices for the trip into Florida.
Learn MoreCommon Florida destinations during the southbound season include:
Plan ahead to improve your chances of finding a suitable carrier and competitive rate.
Reserve ahead of your target date to improve your chances of securing a carrier and avoid last-minute rush fees.
A 3-to-5-day pickup window can make it easier for your broker or carrier to find a suitable option.
Open transport is usually the most cost-effective choice. Enclosed transport is recommended for classic, vintage, or high-end vehicles and may cost about 1.5 to 1.9 times as much.
Book early and request a free quote for your Snowbird Season vehicle transport.