Tips for Winter Car Shipping: A Guide to Car Shipping Companies
The new year is a time that’s synonymous with change. Many people pick up the attitude of “new year, new me”, so it’s not surprising that January is a somewhat popular time for people to quit their jobs, pack up, and move somewhere for a fresh start!
If you’re one of these people who are starting a new chapter in life, then you’ll need help with logistics, such as how to work with car shipping companies.
Do you need to ship your car during the winter season? Then you’ll want to keep reading. In this article, we’ll provide you with some winter car shipping tips!
Start Researching ASAP
While the winter isn’t a peak season for auto shipping, it’s still one of the more difficult seasons to book services. There are a few reasons why.
First of all, there are fewer daylight hours and road conditions are more hazardous due to bad weather. As a result, truckers will take longer for each journey.
Also, many of them will want to take time off during the holidays to spend time with their loved ones. With a smaller pool of truckers to choose from, you might be hardpressed to find someone who can ship your car when desired.
So it’s imperative that you start researching your options as soon as you know you’re moving. Even if you don’t know the exact dates yet, it’s still beneficial to know which car shipping companies are available, what services they provide, and approximately when they can ship your vehicle.
Be Prepared to Compromise on Your Shipping Date/Time
Because there are fewer drivers during the winter, chances aren’t high that you’ll happen upon someone who can not only come out on your desired date but also the time you want. So you need to be prepared to make some compromises.
While starting early can certainly help with this, the truth is, you need to be flexible. Otherwise, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
If you’re able to, consider delaying shipping until February or March, since most (if not all) truckers will have returned to their normal shifts. Prices will also be lower after January, which is a bonus!
Expect Shipping to Take Longer
As we’ve said above, there are some factors of winter car shipping that affect how available truckers are. Some of these factors also impact how quickly your car can be delivered to you.
Short of booking an earlier appointment, you’ll just have to accept this. You can also pay extra for expedited shipping if it’s that important for you to get your vehicle ASAP.
However, depending on the route the driver’s taking, they might encounter snowstorms. This can make it difficult or impossible for them to travel during certain times. So keep this in mind when using car shipping services in the winter.
Consider Enclosed Shipping
You can choose between open and enclosed shipping for your car.
Open shipping will be cheaper and there are more drivers, so it’ll be easier to book. However, this option leaves your car vulnerable since there’s no protection from outside elements.
This means if there’s inclement weather, there’s a higher chance of your vehicle getting damaged. Also, small rocks and sand might get kicked up from melting ice and this can damage the glass on your car.
If you really want peace of mind, consider spending a little extra on enclosed shipping. It might take more work to find a trucker that can work with your timeline, but for some people, it’ll be worth it to know their car’s well protected.
The good news is, auto transport prices tend to be a little lower in the winter anyway. So this makes up for the extra cash you’re spending on enclosed shipping.
Get Quotes From Several Car Shipping Companies
While it can be more difficult to book an auto transport company in the winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should just settle for the first one you can book!
Checking out prices and service details from several car shipping companies can give you a better idea of what’s reasonable. You’ll also have wider choices for shipping dates and time slots.
Most importantly, you’ll be able to see if any company is charging too little or too much. Those on the lower end of the spectrum might be dishonest; they’ll reel you in with extremely low prices then tack on a bunch of hidden charges. And those on the higher end of the spectrum are simply charging too much.
Choosing an auto shipper that falls in the middle is often the best choice possible.
Lower Your Tire Pressure
You won’t need to do this in every situation. But if you’re moving your vehicle from a cold place to a warmer one, you’ll need to check that your tire pressure is on the lower side.
Many people don’t know this, but tire pressure changes when the weather does. The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure. By starting off with lower tire pressure, you avoid having your tires burst in the new warmer location.
Have an Easier Time With Car Shipping in the Winter
When compared to summer, winter is a better time for auto transport. However, it can still be tough to navigate, despite it not being a peak season.
But with our tips, you’ll have a much easier time working with car shipping companies. Get your vehicle where it needs to be without much fuss or a huge headache!
Need more advice for winter moving? Then read some of our other blog posts now.
Author Bio:
My name is George Arkin. I own and operate Nexus Auto Transport. Our business has been in the industry for more than a decade. My love for writing combined with my experience in the industry gives me the pleasure to educate the audience about the transportation market.