In the auto transport industry there are a lot of variables that can impact the shipping process and one of these factors is weather. Since most people are transporting vehicles very long distances across the country, the carrier will likely have to drive through different climates within each region. This means one part of the country could be prone to rain and hurricanes while another may be more likely to have ice and snow. It is important that you take weather into consideration when having your car shipped, especially for cross-country shipments. Here are a few ways in which weather can affect the shipment of your vehicle. 

Increased Cost

You might find that shipping rates will increase during times of the year when weather conditions might not be favorable. This will depend on the location of your pickup and delivery. If the weather prevents your driver from taking their original route, they may have to take an alternative route which could mean longer transport time and additional fuel costs. While adverse weather may not change your guaranteed shipping quote, you might find the initial quote to be a little higher during certain times of the year. 

Delays

The safety of your vehicle is a top priority for a transport carrier so extra precautions must be taken when weather is bad. For instance, the driver may have to take an alternate route or they may have to drive much slower to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, this may mean pushing back your delivery date by a few days. Since weather is unpredictable, it’s impossible to avoid all unexpected delays. In the U.S., we experience a range of weather including hurricanes, flash floods, ice storms, blizzards, and wildfires and all of these can wreak havoc on auto shipping and cause major delays. 

What Can You Do?

It’s important to consider weather when you are having a vehicle shipped and how it might impact your delivery. Although the weather is out of your control, there are a few things you can do to ensure the best auto shipping experience. 

• Check the weather: Prior to shipment, check the weather in the areas where your car is being transported. This will help you better prepare for possible delays. 
• Choose the right time of year: If possible, avoid shipping your vehicle during months that are prone to bad weather. For instance, you might avoid shipping a car up north during the winter or avoid shipping a car to the Gulf Coast during hurricane season. If you can wait until after these treacherous months are over, that would be ideal.
• Decide between open and enclosed transport: If you are worried about your vehicle sustaining damage from the outdoor elements, you might opt for enclosed transport. This will provide additional protection for your vehicle. While open transport is cheaper, enclosed transport might be a better option for luxury, antique, or classic cars.