Asking Vehicle Transport Experts - What are the Best and Worst Routes to Ship a Car?

When it comes to shipping a car, not all routes are the same. Some are smooth and easy, while others can be a nightmare for vehicle transport companies. Below, we'll explore what auto transport professionals say about the best and worst routes to ship a car, highlighting the factors that can affect the process.

Best Routes to Ship a Car: Straight, Popular, and Predictable

Auto transport professionals agree that some of the best routes to ship a car are those that are straightforward and predictable. These routes are usually along major highways and go through well-populated areas.

Why These Routes Work Best:

1. Accessibility – Major highways like I-95, I-10, and I-40 are widely used, offering easy access for transport trucks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 70% of U.S. freight is moved along these major routes, making them reliable for car shipping.

2. Demand – Popular routes between big cities (e.g., Los Angeles to New York or Miami to Houston) are in high demand. Vehicle transport companies often have more shipments on these routes, allowing them to schedule pick-ups and deliveries more efficiently.

3. Weather – Routes in the southern U.S., like I-10, generally avoid harsh winter weather, making them some of the best routes to ship a car year-round. Snow and ice can cause delays, but these routes are less affected by such conditions.

4. Competitive Pricing – Because of higher demand, the cost of shipping along these routes can be lower. Multiple car shipping companies compete for the same routes, giving customers a better chance to find affordable rates.

Examples of Best Routes:

• Los Angeles to Las Vegas (I-15)

• New York to Miami (I-95)

• San Francisco to Seattle (I-5)

Worst Routes to Ship a Car: Remote, Challenging, and Seasonal

While some routes are smooth, others are much harder for auto transport professionals. The worst routes to ship a car are often in remote areas, have difficult terrain, or experience extreme weather conditions. These factors can slow down or complicate the transport process.

Challenges Faced on These Routes:

1. Remote Locations – Shipping to or from small towns or rural areas can be more challenging. For example, if you're shipping a car from a small town in Wyoming, it might be harder for vehicle transport companies to find other customers in the area, leading to higher costs and longer wait times.

2. Mountainous Regions – Routes that cross mountains, such as shipping through Colorado on I-70, can be difficult. Steep grades and winding roads slow down transport trucks. In winter, these routes become even more dangerous due to snow and ice. According to the Federal Highway Administration, around 22% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy or icy roads, adding risk to the transport process.

3. Weather – Northern routes like those passing through the Midwest or Northeast (e.g., I-90 through Montana or I-80 through Pennsylvania) are prone to snowstorms in the winter. These weather conditions can cause significant delays or force transport trucks to take alternate routes, which increases costs for the customer.

4. Low Demand – Some routes, especially those that go through less populated areas, have low demand. For example, shipping from rural areas in North Dakota or New Mexico may be harder to schedule and more expensive because fewer vehicles need transport in these areas.

Examples of Worst Routes:

• Denver to Salt Lake City (I-70)

• Fargo to Billings (I-94)

• Chicago to Buffalo (I-90)

How to Choose the Right Route When Shipping a Car

Choosing the best route when shipping your car depends on your location and destination, but it also helps to understand how vehicle transport companies operate. By considering factors like demand, accessibility, and weather, you can avoid some of the worst routes to ship a car.

1. Plan Around Major Cities – If you can arrange pick-up and drop-off near a major city or along a major highway, you’ll likely get a better price and faster service.

2. Be Flexible with Dates – Flexibility with your shipping dates can also help you avoid delays. If a transport company needs extra time due to bad weather or difficult terrain, they may be able to plan a safer and more efficient route.

3. Ask for a Professional Opinion – Before choosing a route, consult with your vehicle transport company. They know the best and worst routes to ship a car based on their experience and can provide insights into factors like weather patterns, traffic, and road conditions.

Understanding the Best and Worst Routes

The best and worst routes to ship a car depend on factors like demand, terrain, and weather. Major highways connecting large cities tend to offer the smoothest, most cost-effective routes. On the other hand, remote locations, mountainous regions, and areas prone to extreme weather can be challenging for vehicle transport companies.

By working with professionals and choosing the right route, you can make the car shipping process smoother and avoid unnecessary costs or delays. Whether you're moving across the country or just a few states away, knowing the best and worst routes to ship a car will help you get your vehicle where it needs to be safely and efficiently.

A passionate blogger focused on the automotive industry.