May starts off the busiest auto transport season throughout the year. Students leave their college campuses behind to go back home, military families receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, and thousands prepare for cross-country moves. Booking your auto transport in May means you can avoid surging summer prices, get access to more flexible scheduling, and beat the rush season from June to August.
No matter the move, from shipping a car from California to Texas to planning a long-term stay in New York from Florida, May gives you the best time to receive affordable, hassle-free delivery. We here at Global Auto Transportation are here to assist you with your car shipping needs this May, as well as any other time of the year!
What Makes May the Start of the Busiest Auto Transport Season?
Seasonal Demand Spikes
If you’re planning a move, along with your vehicle, there’s no better time to get ahead of schedule than in May! As the weather warms up and summer plans begin to take form, the auto transport industry braces for the busiest season of all. Some factors that make May the busiest auto transport season include:
- More college students move back home at the end of their academic year.
- Snowbirds and summertime movers plan their next seasonal move, like those leaving warmer cities like Miami to head up North.
- Most car rental leases expire in May, leading to increased lease turnovers.
Industry-Wide Carrier Availability Tightens
As more people turn to book their next car shipments, auto transport carriers get booked up in high numbers. High-traffic routes to or from states such as Florida, California, and Arizona especially experience this phenomenon of less carrier availability. Once May hits, many carriers begin planning their routes for the entire summer. Essentially, waiting too long can snip up your options, and flexible scheduling disappears quickly.
Booking your auto transport in May can make all the difference between securing the perfect moving date for you and struggling to find a spot in June or July.
Top Benefits of Booking Your Auto Transport in May
Secure Better Rates
One of the most overlooked benefits of booking your auto transport in May is the fact that it is extremely cost efficient. Auto transport rates tend to be more competitive early into the summer season. A customer looking to ship their car from Los Angeles to Atlanta in May is more likely to pay significantly less than someone booking the same route in late June or early July.
Why early May often brings better pricing:
- Lower demand than peak June and July.
- More available carriers competing for auto shipments.
- Flexible scheduling often leads to lower bids from driverss.
Choose Your Ideal Pickup Window
Booking your auto transport in May grants you more freedom to choose your preferred dates, especially in traffic-prone cities like Chicago or Phoenix. Carriers are more likely to accommodate:
- Specific weekday pickups.
- Weekend transport availability.
- Narrower pickup windows for tighter schedules.
Avoid Delays and Limited Options
Once June hits, car shipping slots begin to fill up quickly. Longer wait times and fewer options become the norm, especially for coast-to-coast or long-distance movers. Booking your auto transport in May helps you avoid last-minute hassle and makes sure you get a smooth transport experience from start to finish.
Who Typically Ships Vehicles in May?
College Students at the End of the Academic Year
Students in major college towns, such as Boston, Ann Arbor, or Austin, often finish up their semesters in May. They frequently ship their cars home as soon as they complete their last exams or to summer internships across the country.
Military Families Starting PCS Moves
Military families often receive PCS orders in the spring, with moves beginning in early May. Bases like Fort Hood in Texas, Camp Pendleton in California, and Fort Bragg in North Carolina experience high volumes of vehicle relocations during this period.
- Easier scheduling before the full summer surge.
- Better coordination with military housing transitions.
- Smoother cross-country logistics.
Snowbirds Returning North
Many snowbirds or seasonal movers who spend winters in warm climates like Florida or Arizona begin heading back north in May. Auto transport often helps avoid the long return drive, especially for those looking to avoid the hassle of a long-distance road trip.
Popular snowbird return destinations:
- New York
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
Families Planning Summer Relocations
Besides seasonal moves, May is also the peak time for family moves. Families in cities like Houston, Tampa, or Las Vegas often choose to relocate in May to get settled before the new school year begins.
Benefits for families shipping in May:
- Easier to find and enroll in new schools.
- Avoid summer heat during long-distance moves.
- More time to unpack and settle in.
How to Prepare When Booking Your Auto Transport in May
Clean and Inspect Your Vehicle
Before your vehicle is picked up, clean it thoroughly and take clear photos of its condition before it hits the road. This is especially important for long-distance routes like Sacramento to New York. We suggest that you:
- Clearly photograph all sides of the vehicle in daylight.
- Take note of any scratches, dents, or paint chips.
- Save digital copies of your inspection photos.
Choose the Right Auto Transport Service
Depending on your vehicle, from standard sedans to luxury vehicles or even cars with sentimental value, you’ll need to decide between:
- Open car transport: Cost-friendly and widely available.
- Enclosed car transport: Ideal for luxury, classic, or collector vehicles.
Clear Out Personal Items
Federal guidelines regarding auto transport don’t allow personal belongings inside vehicles during the shipping process. Preparing your car properly includes:
- Removing bags, electronics, and valuable or sentimental belongings.
- Emptying the trunk and glove compartment.
- Avoiding heavy items that can shift or break during transportation.
Confirm a Pickup and Drop-Off Date and Location
Make sure your street or your preferred pickup location is accessible for a large carrier truck, or arrange an alternate location if necessary. This is especially important in:
- Urban areas like San Francisco or Brooklyn.
- Gated communities with limited access.
- High-rise apartments with tight parking.
Why Choose Global Auto Transportation When Booking Your Auto Transport in May?
Over Two Decades of Trusted Nationwide Car Shipping
- Experience in shipping all vehicle types and transport methods.
- Reliable delivery windows and dependable scheduling.
- Nationwide service from major metropolitan areas to rural towns.
Transparent Pricing With No Hidden Fees
We offer straightforward quotes with no hidden fees or additional charges, even for high-volume routes like those to or from California, New York, and Florida. Our pricing is always clear, so you can budget with confidence when shipping, no matter if the route is from Texas to Illinois or Florida to Washington State!
Quick, Personalized Support
Our team is available to help you every step of the way. If you’re navigating a cross-country move or a local city-to-city relocation, we provide:
- Real-time, GPS tracking updates.
- Direct support via phone or email with our support team.
- Flexible booking to fit your schedule.
Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
Our services at Global Auto Transportation meet all federal and state requirements, offering you peace of mind the whole way through. We service nationwide throughout the U.S., even in states with strict regulations like California and Massachusetts.
Ready to Ship Your Car? Booking Your Auto Transport in May With Us is the Way to Go!
Don’t wait until summer pricing spikes and delays come in full force. No matter if you’re moving from Miami to Seattle, taking your college student car from Boston to Dallas, or shipping a second vehicle from Phoenix to Chicago, May is your best bet for seamless, cost-efficient transport.
Get a free quote today from Global Auto Transportation and make your move as stress-free as can be!
