Open Auto Transport
Your vehicle travels on an open carrier alongside other vehicles. It is the most commonly used and affordable option for seasonal standard vehicle moves, including cars, SUVs, and everyday vehicles.
Convenient, reliable car shipping for snowbirds traveling between northern and warm-weather states. Whether you're heading to Florida, Arizona, Texas, or another seasonal destination, we coordinate your vehicle's pickup and delivery so you can focus on your move without a long drive.
FMCSA Registered
Licensed and Insured
Door-to-door delivery
No upfront payment
Get Instant Quote Now +1 (800) 550-1515Snowbird car transport is the seasonal shipping of vehicles for people who relocate temporarily to warmer states during the winter months. Instead of driving hundreds or thousands of miles in winter conditions, you can have your vehicle professionally transported while you travel separately.
All State to State Auto Transport coordinates snowbird shipments based on your vehicle type, pickup location, destination, preferred transport method, and travel dates. Our service is built around the seasonal timelines snowbirds depend on.
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Provide your vehicle information, pickup location, destination, and preferred shipping dates. We review your details and provide an accurate quote for your route.
Confirm your shipment and coordinate a pickup date that fits your seasonal travel plans and carrier availability.
Remove personal belongings, document your vehicle's condition with photos, and follow the preparation instructions we provide.
The carrier inspects and documents your vehicle's condition before loading. Your vehicle is secured and transported toward its destination.
Your vehicle is unloaded and checked against the pickup inspection, then it's ready for you at your seasonal destination.
An estimated snowbird car shipping rate is generally higher per mile for shorter distances and decreases as the distance increases:
500 miles or less: approximately $0.60–$1.10 per mile
501–1,000 miles: approximately $0.50–$0.90 per mile
1,001+ miles: approximately $0.40–$0.75 per mile
Snowbird routes can vary significantly in price depending on the time of year, route, vehicle, and carrier availability. The final cost of the shipment is determined by several factors, including:
Longer routes generally cost more.
Larger and heavier vehicles may require more carrier space.
Enclosed transport generally costs more than open transport.
Popular routes may have more carrier availability, while remote locations can cost more.
Peak snowbird season can increase rates due to higher demand.
Inoperable vehicles may require special equipment and handling.
Transit time depends mainly on distance, route, and carrier availability. Peak-season demand can affect scheduling on popular snowbird routes
| Distance | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| 0 – 300 miles | 1 – 3 days |
| 300 – 700 miles | 2 – 5 days |
| 700 – 1,200 miles | 4 – 7 days |
| 1,200 – 1,700 miles | 5 – 8 days |
| 1,700 – 2,200 miles | 6 – 9 days |
| 2,200+ miles | 7 – 10 days |
These estimates depend on weather, traffic, carrier scheduling, and seasonal demand. Your coordinator will provide a specific timeframe for your move.
The right transportation equipment depends on your vehicle and route.
Double-decker trailers are our most commonly used open transport option, typically carrying six to ten vehicles across upper and lower decks. This is the standard choice for most seasonal moves and is in high demand during peak snowbird season.
Enclosed Containers: For classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles, enclosed transport provides a weather-protected environment with durable flooring. Box trucks may also be used in some cases to provide added protection during transit.
All carriers are equipped with loading ramps, hydraulic deck height adjustment, and GPS tracking for load safety.
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Proper preparation makes the transportation process smoother and helps protect your vehicle.
Remove personal belongings and valuables
Remove loose or detachable accessories
Document your vehicle's condition with photos from multiple angles
Check tires and fluid levels
Keep the fuel level low
Disable alarms
Inform the carrier of any mechanical issues
Confirm the carrier's policy on personal items left inside the vehicle before pickup
Get Instant Car Shipping QuoteEvery vehicle has different transportation needs. We offer two primary shipping methods.
Your vehicle travels on an open carrier alongside other vehicles. It is the most commonly used and affordable option for seasonal standard vehicle moves, including cars, SUVs, and everyday vehicles.
Your vehicle travels inside a covered carrier with protection from weather, road debris, and outside exposure. It is ideal for luxury and classic vehicle shipping when added protection is preferred.
Over 18 years of experience coordinating vehicle transportation across the United States.
We understand snowbird travel patterns and help coordinate transportation around your preferred dates.
We coordinate vehicle shipping across the country, including popular snowbird routes.
Get a clear quote with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
You don't pay until your vehicle is assigned to a carrier and pickup is scheduled.
A dedicated coordinator keeps you informed from booking through delivery.
| Factor | Auto Transport | Driving Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Long-distance driving | Avoided | Required |
| Vehicle mileage | Minimal transport-related mileage | Thousands of additional miles |
| Time commitment | Pickup & drop-off coordination | Multiple days on the road |
| Winter road risk | Avoided | Managed by the driver |
| Flexibility | Ship one or both legs of the trip. | Must drive both ways |
Many snowbirds use shipping for one or both legs of their seasonal move, especially when travel dates don't align with driving the route themselves.