Shipping a Car During Hurricane Season in South Florida

If you live in South Florida, you already know the rhythm. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. According to the National Hurricane Center, the season peaks around September 10, and most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October. Plenty of people ship cars during those months without a problem. It just takes a little more planning and flexibility.

How storms affect car shipping

Car carriers don’t operate on a fixed schedule like an airline. A driver builds a load of several cars and runs a route. When a storm threatens South Florida, a few things can happen:

• Pickups get pushed back. Drivers won’t load or travel into a storm’s path. If a storm is forecast to hit Broward, expect the pickup window to shift.
• Trucks stay away. Some carriers avoid booking loads into an area a storm is heading for, so there may be fewer trucks available for a few days.
• Roads get crowded. If evacuations begin, I-95, I-75 and Florida’s Turnpike get very busy northbound. In the Keys, an evacuation can restrict traffic on the Overseas Highway.
• Recovery takes time. After a storm, debris, power outages and flooding can make streets impassable. Carriers will wait until it’s safe.

None of this is unusual. It’s the reason we never promise a delivery date and always give a pickup window.

Should you ship before a storm?

If you’re leaving South Florida for the season, the best time to ship is before a storm is on the map. Snowbirds who head north in late spring avoid most of the season entirely. Our snowbird auto transport page covers that timing.

If a storm is already forecast:

• Don’t count on a last-minute pickup. Drivers may already be full or avoiding the area.
• Focus on safety first. Moving the car to higher ground or a secure garage is often more realistic than shipping it out on short notice.
• Talk to us. If a pickup is booked, we’ll confirm with the carrier whether it’s still on and give you the new window if it shifts.

Shipping into South Florida during the season

Shipping a car to Fort Lauderdale in August or September is common, especially for college moves and relocations. Tips:

• Build in a buffer. Don’t ship a car to arrive the day before you need it. Allow a few extra days.
• Have a backup receiver. If you’re not in town yet, name someone who can receive the car if the window moves.
• Know where the car will be stored. A garage or a covered spot is better than a street space if weather turns.

Prepping your car during the season

Standard prep applies, plus a few storm-season extras:

• Take dated photos of every panel, the wheels and the interior. This matters even more if the car will sit before or after transport.
• Check your insurance. Ask your own insurer how your policy covers the car before and after the carrier has it. Ask us for the carrier’s insurance details as well.
• Leave about a quarter tank. That’s enough to load and unload, and it keeps weight down.
• Remove loose items from the interior and the bed of a truck.
• Keep your phone on. If a window shifts, the driver or our team will call.

Enclosed vs open in storm season

Open transport is still the standard and works well year-round. During a wet stretch of summer, enclosed transport keeps rain, road spray and debris off the car, which some owners of classics and exotics prefer. It costs more and there are fewer enclosed trucks, so book early.

Keys moves in storm season

The Florida Keys are reached by a single road, US-1. During a storm watch or evacuation, Keys moves are often the first to be postponed. If you’re shipping to or from Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon or Key West between June and November, leave extra flexibility on both ends. See our Upper and Middle Keys guide and Key West guide, or the In-N-Out Keys page for our Marathon-based Keys partner.

Condo and HOA moves before a storm

Many condo buildings and HOAs have their own storm procedures. Garages may close, gates may be locked open or shut, and elevators may stop running. If you’re shipping from a building on the Galt Ocean Mile or along A1A, ask management how storm prep affects vehicle access. Our condo and HOA pickup guide covers the basics.

A simple storm-season checklist

• Book with a pickup window, not a single day.
• Add a few buffer days at the destination.
• Name a backup contact at pickup and delivery.
• Watch official forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency managers.
• If a storm is coming, prioritize safety. Shipping can wait.

Hurricane season questions

Will you ship my car if a hurricane is coming?

Only if it’s safe. If a storm threatens the pickup or delivery area, the carrier may postpone, and we’ll give you a new window as soon as the road and weather allow.

Does shipping cost more in hurricane season?

Prices change with fuel, the season and events, and a storm can tighten truck availability for a while. You’ll always get a starting estimate before you book.

Is it safer to ship in the spring?

For timing, spring avoids hurricane season entirely, though it’s also busy northbound with snowbirds.

What if my car is damaged by a storm before pickup?

Talk to your insurer. Let us know too, so we can update or reschedule the booking.

CTA: Planning a move between June and November? Send us your route and dates. We’ll come back with a ballpark starting estimate and a pickup window with room to spare.