Seasonal changes are one of the most significant factors involved in vehicle shipping. The time of year can significantly impact the transport process, whether you are shipping your car across the country or just from one end of the state to the other. Exploring the impact of weather, road conditions, and demand throughout the year on auto transport operations.
In this blog, we will analyze how seasonal changes impact auto transport services and what you can do to make these changes. We’ll talk about how time of year affects costs, timings, and even how your car is shipped.
Impact of Weather on Vehicle Transport
The weather is a determinant in auto transport logistical procedure. For instance, snowfall in winter, heat intensity in summer and raining at spring can all become a hassle for carriers that may affect the speed and safety of the delivery. How the seasons and weather can affect your shipments.
1. Snow, ice and hazards on the road in winter
The wintertime weather complicates and delays auto transport companies quite a bit. The ice, snow, and cold can prove dangerous to truck drivers, especially where there are steep hills or less maintained roads. Also, in winter there are shorter daylight hours which can result in a limit on how many hours a driver is able to drive.
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It may take longer to deliver your vehicle in winter months due to nasty weather, road closures, and shorter days.
The snow and ice can make the roads slippery which can increase the chances of accidents. Dangerous icy conditions can still affect your vehicle when being moved, even though transport companies take precautions.
Shipping cars to and from a northern state that gets heavy snowfall can lead to delays quite a lot. Some areas may even be inaccessible in snowstorms.
How to get ready
Schedule additional time for your vehicle transportation in the winter.
Opt for enclosed transport to shield your vehicle from weather.
Choose delivery windows that allow for delays.
Spring season brings with it flooding and rains
The weather in spring turns warmer and the rainfall also picks up in many areas. Spring flooding is common, especially in low-lying areas and those situated near rivers that are likely to get heavy rainstorms.
What to anticipate
Delays Caused By Weather: An increase in rain or flooding can cause delays to transport that this area. At times, roads might be blocked or cannot be passed.
Heavy rains can cause dirt, mud and debris build-up on your vehicle while transporting it, especially if you are using an open carrier. This can increase the risk of scratches.
How to Get Ready
If your car is worth a lot of money or could be damaged by weather conditions then choose enclosed transport.
Keep in contact with your transport provider for updated timings as the bad weather may delay the estimate delivery.
Summer Season Requires More Energy
The high temperatures of summer can impact the entire shipping process and therefore the cost of auto transport. The demand for car transportation services peaks during the summer months because of vacations. Many people use car transport services for moving. Besides that, people use car shipping services to transport snowbirds’ vehicles southwards. College students also use these car transport services for shipping their vehicles home. A high demand can mean higher prices and fewer available carriers.
What to anticipate
Higher Rates: The summer season is peak season for auto transport. The prices of car shipping increases with more demand for the service.
Extreme heat can cause difficulties for vehicles on open carriers. No vehicle should be in the sun for prolonged periods of time. In high temperatures, tires and fluids may overheat. Nonetheless, it typically becomes less of a problem with enclosed transport.
How to get ready
Make sure you book your vehicle shipment in advance and avoid last-minute rate and service issues.
If you own a luxury or vintage automobile that can be damaged due to heat and UV radiation, then one of the best options available to you is enclose transport.
More cooler weather and less delays
During fall, the weather remains low on disruptions and moderate, making it one of the best times of the year for car shipping. At this time of the year many people are readying themselves for the winter months hence demand for transport companies is balanced.
What to be anticipated
Deliveries take lesser amount of time in the fall because the temperature is cooler and we don’t experience other extreme weather.
More Affordable Prices – As fall isn’t peak for most carriers, they tend to be cheaper than summer.
Steps to Prepare
During Fall, open auto transport is a great option as the mild weather ensures that the risk of weather damage is minimal.
Please be aware of possible storms this autumn, such as East Coast hurricanes or Midwest heavy rain, which may cause delays.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Car Transport Pricing
One way the seasons affect auto transport pricing is that they make them more volatile. Shippers adjust their tariffs based on demand as per the available routes, weather conditions etc. In high-demand summer season rooms come at premium prices while less luxurious fall and winter snacks found lower prices.
Elements Influencing Seasonal Pricing
The demand in the summer months is higher as people go on vacations and relocate. Due to the demand and drop in supply, prices go up.
Extreme weather such as snowstorms and floods may cause delays that bring about extra costs to carriers, which passed on to customers.
Fuel Prices: Although fuel prices fluctuate throughout the year, summer fuel price increases can raise shipping costs every season.
Year-Round Expectations: What You Can Expect
Most auto transport companies will generally offer you the following in any kind of season.
Insurance Coverage: The auto transport company you choose to hire provides insurance coverage for your vehicle while in transit. However, it is good to check how that insurance coverage works before you make a decision. You should also check if the coverage changes over the season.
Most transport companies themselves offer the service of tracking your vehicle during the transportation of the vehicle that they undertake.
While winter can create further logistical difficulties, most companies still offer flexible pickup and delivery options throughout the year.
The seasonal changes play a big part in the ideal time in which you want to ship your car and the transport troubles you may face. In tune with the weather patterns, demand and pricing change with the seasons. Understanding these changes can help you plan accordingly.
If you want a smooth auto transport experience, work with an experienced auto transport company like Car Shipping Source that understands seasonal dynamics and can offer a solution that works best for you. We’re here to assist you whether you’re shipping your vehicle in the heat of summer, or the snow of winter. Get in touch with us now to start your vehicle transport.
