Quick answer: Yes, you can ship a car during the holidays, but book early: from Thanksgiving week through New Year, fewer carriers are on the road while snowbird, college and family-move demand rises, so pickup dates tighten and prices usually land at the top of the normal range. Book 2–3 weeks ahead of your pickup date, keep your window flexible by a few days, and avoid scheduling pickup or delivery on the holiday itself.
NexGen Auto Transport has shipped more than 150,000 vehicles since 2021, and the holiday season is when planning ahead pays off most. This guide covers the 2026 holiday calendar, what to budget, and how to keep your shipment on schedule.
Do you want to ship your car before the holidays?
Call Now: + (832) 886-1321 Get a Free Instant QuoteHow the Holidays Affect Car Shipping
Car shipping runs on supply and demand. During the holidays, both sides of that equation move in the wrong direction at the same time.
- Fewer drivers on the road. Many carrier drivers take time off around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, so there is less trailer space available in those weeks.
- More cars that need to move. Snowbirds head south, college students go home for winter break, families relocate during school breaks, and some people ship a car as a gift.
- Winter weather. Snow and ice in the Midwest, Northeast and mountain states can slow carriers down or push back a pickup by a day or two. Our guide to shipping a car in winter covers this in detail.
- Business closures. Dealerships, auctions, storage lots and some apartment complexes close or run short-staffed on holidays, which limits when a car can be picked up or dropped off.
The good news: outside the busiest holiday weeks, late fall and winter are usually among the cheapest times of year to ship a car. The squeeze is short. If you can ship a week before or after a holiday, you often get a better rate and a faster pickup.
2026 Holiday Car Shipping Calendar
Use these dates as planning targets if you need your car delivered before a holiday. They assume an open carrier and a flexible pickup window of a few days.
| Deliver before | Book by | Latest pickup: cross-country (2,000+ miles) | Latest pickup: about 1,000 miles | Latest pickup: under 500 miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving (Thu, Nov 26) | Nov 5 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 22 |
| Christmas (Fri, Dec 25) | Dec 4 | Dec 14 | Dec 18 | Dec 21 |
| New Year’s Day (Fri, Jan 1, 2027) | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 |
These are planning guidelines, not guaranteed delivery dates. Weather and road conditions can change transit times. If you are already past a “book by” date, call us: expedited auto transport can still get many cars moving in time.
How Much Does Holiday Car Shipping Cost?
Holiday weeks usually price at the top of the normal range, especially on busy routes. Here is what to budget in 2026 for a standard sedan:
| Distance | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | Typical transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| About 500 miles | $450 – $650 | $650 – $1,000 | 2–4 days |
| About 1,000 miles | $650 – $900 | $900 – $1,350 | 3–5 days |
| About 2,000 miles | $1,050 – $1,450 | $1,450 – $2,200 | 4–7 days |
SUVs, pickups and non-running vehicles cost more, and so does a guaranteed pickup date. For a full breakdown of what moves the price, see our car shipping cost guide and car shipping cost factors.
The Busiest Holiday Routes
- Snowbird routes to Florida and Arizona. From the Northeast and Midwest down to Florida and Arizona, demand peaks from October through January. If you are heading south, read our snowbird car shipping guide or see car shipping to Florida.
- College students heading home. Winter break moves cars between campuses and home states in mid-December. Our student car shipping service is built for this.
- Families relocating over the break. Many families move between semesters so kids can start at a new school in January. Texas, Florida and the Carolinas are common destinations. See car shipping in Texas.
- Cars bought as gifts or at year-end sales. Year-end dealer deals and online purchases often need shipping to another state. See how to transport a car from a dealership.
7 Tips for Shipping a Car Over the Holidays
- Book 2–3 weeks before pickup. Holiday trailer space fills first. Our guide on how far in advance to book car shipping explains the timing by distance.
- Give a flexible pickup window. A window of 3–5 days lets us match your car to a carrier already on your route, which keeps the price down.
- Avoid the holiday itself. Schedule pickup and delivery at least one business day away from Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Name a backup contact. If you will be traveling, someone you trust can hand over or receive the car. Here is how to ship a car without being there.
- Choose enclosed transport for valuable cars. Winter road salt and slush are hard on paint. Compare open vs enclosed car transport if you are shipping a luxury, classic or freshly detailed car.
- Prepare the car for winter. Check antifreeze, battery and tire pressure, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Use our 15-step car prep checklist.
- Know the change and cancellation terms. Holiday plans change. With NexGen, cancelling is free before a carrier is assigned. Read the full cancellation and refund policy before you book.
Can You Ship a Car on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day?
Carriers on long routes keep driving through the holidays, so your car can be in transit on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pickups and deliveries on the holiday itself are rare, though, because drivers, customers and businesses are usually unavailable. Plan for your car to be picked up or delivered the business day before or after.
Why Ship With NexGen Over the Holidays
- Experience: in business since 2021, with more than 150,000 vehicles shipped and 100,000+ customers served.
- Licensed and insured: FMCSA MC 1482694 and USDOT 3969190, with cargo coverage up to $250,000 on open carriers and $500,000 on enclosed carriers. See our insurance details.
- Simple payment: a card or electronic reservation hold to book, with the balance due on delivery.
- Real people: a team based in Stafford, Texas, available by phone to update you on pickup and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is car shipping more expensive during the holidays?
Usually, yes. Thanksgiving week and the two weeks around Christmas and New Year often price at the top of the normal range because fewer carriers are running while demand rises. Shipping a week before or after the holiday can lower your price.
How far in advance should I book car shipping for the holidays?
Book 2–3 weeks before your desired pickup date. For delivery before Christmas 2026, aim to book by December 4. For delivery before Thanksgiving, book by November 5.
How long does holiday car shipping take?
Transit times are similar to the rest of the year: about 2–4 days for 500 miles, 3–5 days for 1,000 miles and 4–7 days for 2,000 miles. Winter weather and holiday pickup schedules can add a day or two.
Can someone else receive my car if I am traveling for the holidays?
Yes. Any adult you authorize can sign the bill of lading at pickup or delivery. Tell us their name and phone number when you book.
What happens if my holiday plans change after I book?
You can cancel for free before a carrier is assigned. After a carrier is assigned, or within 7 days of pickup, a cancellation fee applies. See our cancellation and refund policy for details.
Book Your Holiday Car Shipment
The earlier you book, the better your pickup date and price. Get a free quote now, or call our team to plan your holiday shipment around your travel dates.
