Thanksgiving kicks off one of the busiest times of the year for travel and car shipping. As families get ready to celebrate and snowbirds move south, the demand for vehicle transport quickly increases. This can lead to limited carrier availability, higher prices, and possible delivery delays if you’re not prepared. Planning is key to making sure your car arrives safely and on schedule. With the right approach, you can enjoy the season, knowing your vehicle is in good hands. In this guide, we have shared the valuable tips that you need to consider and plan your car shipping before Thanksgiving properly.
Prepare and Plan Car Shipping Before Thanksgiving
Follow these tips and make your auto transportation smooth, without delays. These tips are backed by years of experience and real cases we encountered previously.
Book Early to Avoid the Last-Minute Rush
Don't wait until the last minute to schedule your car transport. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a spot and avoiding delays. Aim to schedule at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This increases the chances your vehicle arrives on time and helps you get better rates before demand peaks.
Think about the Thanksgiving Challenges Ahead
Thanksgiving creates unique shipping challenges. Many carriers take time off to celebrate with their families, leading to reduced driver availability and tighter scheduling. The days surrounding the holiday often come with premium pricing due to limited capacity and a surge in demand. Traffic congestion and unpredictable weather can also contribute to longer transit times. Plan and book early to secure a better rate and avoid unnecessary delays.
Prepare for Snowbird Season
Thanksgiving marks the start of "snowbird season," when thousands of people relocate from cold northern states, such as New York, Michigan, and Illinois, to warmer destinations like Florida, Arizona, and Texas. These routes become extremely busy, making early booking critical.
Stay Flexible with Your Timeline
Flexibility is key when shipping your car during the holiday. High demand and limited carrier availability can lead to delays; therefore, it’s essential to plan accordingly. Whenever possible, schedule your shipment just before or after the peak Thanksgiving period (November 25–29) to increase your options, avoid the rush, and potentially save on costs. Being flexible also gives carriers more time to work around unexpected issues like weather or traffic.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
For most Thanksgiving moves, open car shipping is the practical choice because it's cost-effective, widely available, and perfect for standard vehicles in good condition. But if you're an owner of a luxury car, classic vehicle, or want maximum protection from unpredictable November weather, enclosed shipping is worth the investment.
Maintain Clear Communication
Keep in touch with your shipping coordinator for real-time updates on your vehicle’s status, especially during the busy holiday period when schedules can shift. If your plans change, notify the company’s support team right away so they can adjust accordingly. Clear, proactive communication ensures your car arrives safely and on time, even during the holiday rush.
Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company
To make the whole shipping process easier, partner with the right auto transport company. BAH Logistics has the experience, network, and dedication to deliver your vehicle safely and on time. We’ve helped thousands of customers navigate holiday moves. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on making Thanksgiving 2025 a holiday to remember.
FAQs on Thanksgiving Car Shipping
Will shipping rates increase around Thanksgiving?
Most likely. Reduced carrier availability and higher demand often lead to premium pricing. Booking early helps secure better rates before prices surge closer to the holiday.
What if my delivery falls on Thanksgiving Day?
Auto transport companies do not operate on Thanksgiving Day, so deliveries will be rescheduled for the next available business day. Always confirm this with your dispatcher ahead of time to plan accordingly.
Is it cheaper to ship before or after Thanksgiving?
Typically, rates drop after Thanksgiving weekend, when demand levels out. If your schedule allows, booking right after the holiday can save you money.
Can I still get expedited shipping during the holiday season?
Yes, but it’s subject to carrier availability and may come at a higher cost. Expedited shipping can be a good option if you have a tight timeline right before or after Thanksgiving.
