Snowbird Car Shipping: Ensuring a Seamless Transition Between USA and Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadians drive south to Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California for winter — and need their car shipped back home in spring. US Canada Auto Transport has been handling snowbird cross-border car shipping since 1985, with terminals and door-to-door pickup across both countries. Here’s everything you need to know before booking.

When Should Snowbirds Book Car Shipping?

We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance. Fall departures (October–November) and spring returns (March–April) are our busiest periods — earlier booking means more scheduling flexibility for your preferred pickup dates. Snowbird season creates predictable demand spikes, so the earlier you lock in your shipment, the more likely you are to get the pickup window that fits your travel plans. If your dates are flexible, let us know — we can often find cost savings by aligning your shipment with other vehicles heading the same direction. For a season-by-season breakdown, see the best time to book snowbird car shipping.

How the Snowbird Shipping Process Works

1. Request a quote with your origin, destination, and preferred dates
2. We schedule door-to-door pickup at your home — no terminal drop-off required
3. Your vehicle is inspected and documented before loading so its condition is on record
4. We handle all cross-border customs paperwork on your behalf
5. Your vehicle is delivered to your winter or summer destination

Transit time is typically 10–14 days depending on route and conditions. Because this is a door-to-door service, our drivers coordinate multiple pickups and deliveries along each route, and seasonal weather can affect timing during the winter months. We keep you updated throughout so you always know where your vehicle is. To get your car ready, use our snowbird vehicle transport checklist.

Popular Snowbird Routes We Ship

We ship snowbird vehicles in both directions — southbound in fall, northbound in spring — across all US states and Canadian provinces. Some of our most common snowbird routes include:

• Ontario → Florida
• Alberta → Arizona
• Quebec → Florida
• British Columbia → California
• Manitoba → Texas

Don’t see your route listed? These are just our most popular corridors — we service every province and state, so wherever you’re wintering, we can get your vehicle there and back. See also snowbird car shipping from Ontario to Arizona.

What Documents Do You Need?

The original title must be in the vehicle (preferably in the glove box) before pickup. Depending on your specific route and direction of travel, additional customs documentation may be required — particularly for vehicles crossing into the US, where proof of your intention to return to Canada may be requested at the border. Our team will walk you through exactly what’s needed for your situation when you book, so there are no surprises at the border. Learn more about what US Customs requires from Canadian snowbirds.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport for Snowbirds

Most snowbird shipments use open transport — the same method used to deliver new vehicles from manufacturers to dealerships. It’s reliable, cost-effective, and well-suited to the everyday vehicles most snowbirds drive south for the season. Enclosed transport is available for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection from the elements, at an additional cost. If you’re shipping a collector car or a vehicle you want fully shielded during transit, ask about enclosed options when you request your quote.

For typical prices, see our snowbird auto transport cost guide.

Can You Pack Belongings in the Car?

No. Personal items cannot be transported inside the vehicle due to customs regulations at the US-Canada border. This applies in both directions and is standard across the industry — the border authorities require the vehicle to cross as a vehicle, not as a container of personal goods. Plan to pack your belongings separately for your own trip south or north.

Why Snowbirds Choose US Canada Auto Transport

• Over 40 years of cross-border experience since 1985
• Door-to-door pickup and delivery — no terminal drop-off required
• Full customs handling in both directions
• Both southbound (fall) and northbound (spring) shipments
• No hidden fees — clear, all-inclusive quotes
• Real humans, not brokers

Learn more about our snowbird auto shipping service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship my car south in fall and back north in spring?

Yes. Many snowbirds book both directions with us. Let us know your seasonal plans and we can coordinate both the southbound and northbound shipments.

How far in advance should I book my spring return?

At least two weeks, ideally more. Spring (March–April) is one of our busiest periods as snowbirds return north, so booking early secures your preferred pickup window.

Do you pick up directly from my winter residence?

Yes. We offer door-to-door service, so we’ll pick up from your Florida condo, Arizona winter home, or wherever you’re staying, and deliver to your Canadian address.

How long can my Canadian car stay in the US for the winter?

US Customs allows nonresidents to bring a vehicle in duty-free for personal use for up to one year. The vehicle can’t be sold in the US and must be exported within that time. See shipping a Canadian-registered vehicle as a snowbird.

What documents do I need for snowbird car shipping?

The original title, which should be in the vehicle before pickup. When crossing into the US, you may also be asked for proof that you intend to return to Canada, such as bank statements, property tax bills or return air tickets. Our team confirms exactly what’s needed when you book.