Things You Need to Know about Seasonal Fluctuations When Car Shipping

Things-You-Need-to-Know-about-Seasonal-Fluctuations-when-car-shipping

As the weather turns cold each year, most people try to avoid the frigid winter temperature of U.S Northern cities. Several retirees from the North, Midwest region and people on vacation begin to plan their move to the southern states. These people that spend their warmer months someplace north and then head south for the winter are called snowbirds. Due to the seasonal fluctuations, snowbirds have another home in a Southern state or other places with the warmest weather.

Most experienced or new snowbirds have to adjust to the seasonal fluctuations. They do this so that they can enjoy cool summers, clear springs, and warm winters. However, one of the challenges almost all snowbirds face is how to transport their vehicle.

Why Use an Auto Transport Company for Your Seasonal Move

When driving across the country, you have to consider spending money on gas, lodging, food. You might also have to think about road emergencies such as having flat tires. It can be very tedious to drive your vehicle such a long-distance back and forth during these seasonal fluctuations. If you have this challenge, the best option is to get a reliable auto transport company to make your seasonal move easier. Your auto shipping company will ship your car to your desired destination. So, you can have the freedom to go out, explore and enjoy your new location.

Peak Seasonal Move Surcharges

Typically, the snowbird season begins around October till as late as early February. This season is when most snowbirds head south for the winter. These snowbirds stay in their summer residence between April and October. As a result of this seasonal move, the snowbird season is a very hectic and busy period for the auto transport industry. During the snowbird season, auto transport rates increase due to the high demand for auto transport services. In addition, holiday periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or other seasonal holidays tend to be the most popular time to travel. The holiday season also results in high demand for car shipments. As a result, you might have to choose a time for auto shipping a week or more away from major holidays.

During the summer months, the demand is typically more consistent, leading to increased rates, especially if you are shipping to or from a major city. Although, you don’t have to worry about shipping your car since the weather and road conditions aren’t as much of a concern. You can arrange for any car shipping method of your choice with your car shipping company, such as the open carrier and enclosed auto transport service.

Snowbirds Routes and States Where Car Shipping Fees Are the Highest During Seasonal Fluctuations

Some snowbirds move from the northern states like Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and mid-western states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. During the seasonal fluctuations, other snowbirds move from northwestern states like Oregon and Washington.

There are many routes and destinations that snowbirds can choose when shipping their vehicle. However, all routes from the north to south can generally be called snowbirds routes. The major snowbirds states in the south are Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Texas, and California.  On these particular routes during the snowbird season, auto shipping prices usually increase when there are not enough drivers on the routes to handle car shipments effectively.

Metti International Is Here To Help

Are you a snowbird moving to Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, or coming back home north? As a seasonal traveler or snowbird, you can save a great deal of time, money, and wear and tear on your vehicles with Metti International.

For a smooth transport experience, Metti International is your trusted and reliable auto shipping broker. We provide a wide variety of car shipping options for your added convenience and peace of mind. We are a two-time finalist for the “Torch Award Finalist” by the Better Business Bureau for Ethics (BBB).  As a licensed and bonded car shipping broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we are committed to providing you with exceptional customer service and competitive pricing.

Call Metti International today at 866.620.1776 or request a quote online. You can also visit our website at www.mettiintl.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.