Thanksgiving Vehicle Shipping: What to Know Before the Holiday

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. Millions of people travel across state lines to visit family, attend holiday gatherings, or spend the long weekend away from home. For those traveling long distances, getting a personal vehicle to their destination can be another part of the planning process.

Thanksgiving car shipping offers an alternative to driving hundreds or thousands of miles. Instead of making the entire journey behind the wheel, travelers can arrange to have their vehicle transported separately and use it when they arrive. Whether you are visiting relatives, relocating, or heading south for the winter, planning vehicle transportation ahead of the holiday can make travel arrangements easier.

Why Consider Shipping Your Car Before Thanksgiving?

Driving is not always the most convenient option for long-distance holiday travel. Vehicle shipping can help when your destination is far away or your travel plans involve flying.

Avoid Long-Distance Holiday Driving

A cross-country road trip can take several days, depending on the distance, route, weather, and traffic. Driving also requires planning fuel stops, overnight stays, meals, and rest breaks.

Flying to your destination and shipping your car separately may be a practical alternative. You can avoid spending several days on the road while still having your vehicle available after arrival. This option may be worth considering when the driving distance is substantial or your holiday schedule is limited.

Travel With Your Family Without Multiple Vehicles

Families traveling together may prefer to fly rather than drive separate vehicles over a long distance. However, they may still need a personal car for local transportation, visiting relatives, shopping, or attending holiday events.

Shipping one vehicle to the destination can help meet that need without requiring every family member to make the road journey. The transportation schedule should be planned around your arrival, with enough flexibility for possible changes.

Relocating Before the Holiday Season

Some people move to another state shortly before Thanksgiving. Coordinating a household move, work commitments, and holiday plans can make driving a vehicle separately more complicated.

Arranging auto transport allows you to coordinate vehicle pickup and delivery around your relocation schedule. It is helpful to confirm the vehicle's availability, destination access, and preferred pickup timeframe before finalizing other moving arrangements.

Seasonal Travel and Snowbird Relocation

As colder weather approaches, some travelers move from northern states to warmer destinations in the South. Florida, Arizona, Texas, and other warmer regions are common destinations for seasonal travelers.

Shipping a vehicle can be convenient for people who prefer to fly to their winter residence but want their own car available there. If you are planning a seasonal move, consider booking transportation before your departure and allowing enough time for pickup and delivery.

When Should You Schedule Thanksgiving Car Shipping?

It is better to arrange Thanksgiving vehicle shipping well before your planned travel date rather than waiting until the final days before the holiday.

Carrier availability, route demand, pickup locations, and transportation schedules can all influence when a vehicle can be collected. Holiday operating schedules may also affect coordination around Thanksgiving Day and the surrounding weekend.

When requesting a quote, provide your preferred pickup date and delivery timeframe. If you need your car at the destination before a particular day, explain that requirement when discussing the shipment. However, avoid treating an estimated transit period as a guaranteed arrival date.

A few practical planning steps can help:

Request a shipping estimate as early as possible.
Share accurate pickup and delivery addresses.
Confirm the vehicle's condition and transport requirements.
Keep some flexibility in your pickup and delivery schedule.
Stay in contact with your shipping coordinator as the holiday approaches.

Early planning gives you more time to discuss available arrangements and make adjustments if your travel plans change.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Around Thanksgiving?

There is no single price for Thanksgiving car shipping. The cost depends on the shipment details, current carrier availability, route conditions, and the type of vehicle being transported.

Seasonal demand can influence pricing, particularly when many customers are arranging transportation around the same period. However, Thanksgiving does not automatically mean every route will cost more. The best way to understand your expected expense is to request an estimate based on your specific shipment.

Distance and Shipping Route

Distance is one of the main factors in vehicle shipping costs. A shipment between nearby states generally involves fewer transportation miles than a cross-country route.

The route also matters. Major interstate corridors may have more carrier activity than remote areas, while pickup and delivery locations can affect how easily a carrier accesses the shipment.

For a closer look at pricing factors, read our guide on how much it costs to ship a car.

Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger and heavier vehicles generally occupy more trailer space and may require different loading arrangements. For example, transporting a pickup truck or full-size SUV may cost more than shipping a standard sedan.

When requesting a quote, provide the correct year, make, model, and vehicle details. Accurate information helps the transport team assess the space and equipment required.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping

Your choice of transport method also affects the estimate.

Open auto transport is a commonly used option for standard cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Vehicles travel on an open carrier alongside other vehicles. It is generally more affordable and widely available, although the vehicle remains exposed to ordinary outdoor conditions during transit.

Enclosed auto transport carries vehicles inside a covered trailer, providing additional protection from weather and road debris. It is often considered for classic, luxury, exotic, and other high-value vehicles. Enclosed transport generally costs more because these carriers have more limited capacity.

You can learn more about open auto transport and enclosed auto transport before choosing an option.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

The accessibility of pickup and delivery addresses can influence transportation arrangements. Narrow residential streets, low-clearance areas, parking restrictions, and locations with limited truck access may prevent a carrier from reaching a specific address.

With door-to-door service, the carrier collects and delivers the vehicle as close to the requested locations as safely and legally possible. If a large transport truck cannot access either address, you may need to agree on a nearby meeting point.

Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle for Holiday Shipping

Preparing your car before pickup helps make the handover and inspection process easier. Complete these steps before the carrier arrives.

Clean Your Vehicle and Document Its Condition

Wash the exterior so that existing scratches, dents, and other visible marks can be identified. Take clear photographs of the vehicle from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing damage.

During pickup, review the vehicle condition report with the driver. Check the same details again when the car is delivered and document any concerns before completing the delivery process.

Remove Personal Belongings

Remove valuables, important documents, electronics, and personal belongings from the vehicle before transport. Carriers may have restrictions on personal items, and belongings left inside may not be covered by the carrier's cargo insurance.

Check the vehicle's interior, trunk, glove compartment, and storage areas before handing over the keys.

Check Fuel and Mechanical Condition

Leave enough fuel for loading and unloading, but avoid keeping the tank full. Check for visible fluid leaks, tire problems, and other mechanical issues.

If the vehicle does not run, inform the transport company before booking. Non-running vehicles may require special loading equipment and different arrangements.

Confirm Pickup and Delivery Arrangements

Make sure someone is available to release the vehicle at pickup and receive it at delivery. Confirm the contact details, location, and expected scheduling window with the transport coordinator.

If your travel plans change, communicate those changes as early as possible.

How to Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company for Thanksgiving

Choosing a suitable transport provider is important, especially when your vehicle needs to arrive around a specific travel period. Compare companies based on their credentials, payment arrangements, communication, and shipping terms rather than choosing only by the lowest estimate.

Consider these points before booking:

FMCSA registration: Check the relevant registration and operating information for the broker or carrier involved in your shipment.
Carrier licensing and insurance: Ask about the assigned carrier's credentials and cargo insurance arrangements.
Written pricing: Review the quote and understand what the price includes before confirming the shipment.
Payment terms: Understand when payment is due and which payment methods are accepted.
Communication: Choose a provider that explains the scheduling process and gives you a clear point of contact.
Shipment updates: Ask how you will receive updates while your vehicle is in transit.

A clear understanding of the shipping arrangement can help prevent confusion as the holiday approaches.

How All State-to-State Auto Transport Helps With Holiday Vehicle Shipping

All State to State Auto Transport has provided vehicle transportation services nationwide since 2008. The company works with FMCSA-registered, licensed, and insured carriers to coordinate state-to-state vehicle shipping for customers planning long-distance travel or relocation.

Nationwide Vehicle Transportation

All State provides vehicle transportation across all 50 states, helping customers arrange shipments between different regions of the country. Whether you are moving from the Northeast to Florida or transporting a vehicle between other states, the team can help coordinate the shipment.

Explore our nationwide auto transport services for more information.

Door-to-Door Vehicle Shipping

Door-to-door transportation allows customers to request pickup and delivery near their preferred addresses. The carrier collects and delivers the vehicle as close to those locations as is safely and legally accessible.

This arrangement can reduce the need to travel to a distant terminal, although local road access and parking restrictions may require an alternative meeting location.

Open and Enclosed Transport Options

Customers can choose between open and enclosed transportation based on their vehicle and shipping preferences. Open transport is a practical option for many standard vehicles, while enclosed shipping offers additional protection for classic, luxury, and specialty cars.

Dedicated Shipping Coordination and Live Tracking

A dedicated shipping coordinator helps manage the transportation process and provides shipment updates. Live tracking also helps customers stay informed about their vehicle while it is in transit.

These communication options can be useful when coordinating vehicle delivery with flights, family travel, or a relocation schedule.

Zero Upfront Payment

All State to State Auto Transport does not require upfront payment when arranging a shipment. Payment is due when a driver is assigned to the vehicle pickup. Customers can request a free quote and review the shipping details before proceeding.

Save 15% on Vehicle Shipping With Our Thanksgiving Special

Planning to ship your car before or around Thanksgiving? All State to State Auto Transport is offering a flat 15% discount on vehicle shipping through November 30, 2026.

Whether you are arranging transportation for a family visit, seasonal relocation, or an interstate move, this offer provides an opportunity to save on your vehicle shipment.

The Thanksgiving promotion is available through November 30, 2026. Request a free vehicle shipping quote to discuss your route, vehicle details, and preferred pickup timeframe.

Get Your Free Vehicle Shipping Quote Today!

Call 1-(800)-550-1515 to speak with the team and plan your Thanksgiving vehicle transportation.