Why Winter Is the Best Time to Ship Your Car — and Why Smart Drivers Choose Metti Vehicle Transport

The winter season — December through February — is typically the slowest time of year for auto shipping. During these months, overall demand for car shipping services drops as fewer people are moving or purchasing vehicles. But while winter presents a few challenges, it can also offer major advantages for customers who book through Metti International Vehicle Transport.

Why Winter Slows Down the Auto Shipping Industry

Weather conditions:

Snow, ice, and fog can create hazardous driving conditions, which may slow transit times. Professional carriers — including the trusted transport partners at Metti  Vehicle Transport — take extra precautions to ensure every vehicle arrives safely.

Lower demand:

Because fewer people relocate or buy vehicles during winter, overall demand for car transport decreases.

Carrier capacity shifts:

A large number of “snowbirds” head south for the season, creating route imbalances. This can affect carrier availability on certain lanes, though Metti International Vehicle Transport works to secure reliable transport options for customers year-round.

Benefits of Shipping Your Car in the Winter

Even though it’s the industry’s slowest season, winter can be the best time for customers to book with Metti International Vehicle Transport:

✔ Lower car shipping rates

Off-peak pricing often means more affordable transport costs. Customers frequently save money when shipping during the winter months.

✔ More availability

With fewer vehicles on the schedule, customers enjoy greater flexibility when booking their car shipping dates.

Things to Consider When Shipping a Car in Winter

To get the best experience with Metti International Vehicle Transport, keep the following in mind:

Weather protection:

If you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle, an enclosed auto transport option can safeguard your car from snow, ice, and road debris.

Secure pricing early:

Winter rates are usually lower, but they can rise unexpectedly due to storms or route changes. Locking in your quote early helps protect you from cost increases.

Route awareness:

If your transport involves northern or harsh-climate regions, factor in potential weather delays. The team at Metti International Vehicle Transport can help plan the most reliable route for your car.

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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.