Summer shipping season is officially here and we're knee-deep in it. We've been watching auto transport patterns at American Auto Shipping since 1999 and this summer is shaping up to be one of the more interesting ones we've seen in a while. The data from our AI marketplace is telling a story that doesn't quite match what most of the industry blogs are saying -- and since we're the ones actually processing the quotes and matching carriers, we think our numbers are worth paying attention to.
First, the headline: summer 2026 prices are running about 12 to 18 percent higher than spring rates on most corridors. That's actually normal -- it happens every year between Memorial Day and Labor Day. What's unusual this year is WHERE the increases are hitting hardest. The traditional snowbird corridors (New York to Florida, Michigan to Florida, Illinois to Florida) are only up about 8 to 10 percent. But the tech relocation corridors -- California to Texas, California to Arizona, and the newer California to Colorado route -- are up 20 to 25 percent. The population migration patterns we first noticed in 2023 are still accelerating and carriers have figured out they can charge more on those lanes.
The second thing we're seeing is a shift in vehicle types being shipped. Electric vehicles now make up about 14 percent of our quote volume, up from 9 percent last summer. That matters because EVs are heavier than their gas counterparts -- a Tesla Model Y weighs about 4,400 pounds compared to a Toyota RAV4 at 3,600 pounds -- and that extra weight affects carrier capacity. A standard open carrier that normally fits 8 to 10 vehicles might only fit 7 when half the load is EVs. That capacity squeeze contributes to the price increases we're seeing.
Third -- and this is the one that catches most people off guard -- the cheapest week to ship this summer is not when you'd think. Most people assume August is cheaper because 'summer is winding down.' Wrong. Our data shows that the last two weeks of June consistently offer the best summer pricing because carriers are still building their summer route schedules and competing aggressively for loads. By mid-July, routes are locked in and pricing firms up. If you're flexible on timing, shipping before July 4th can save you 10 to 15 percent compared to the same route in late July or August.
The cross-country routes are where we're seeing the most carrier competition right now. Los Angeles to New York, San Francisco to Miami, Seattle to Atlanta -- these 2,500-plus mile runs have strong carrier availability because drivers want the big-mile paydays. If your route happens to align with one of these major corridors, you're actually in a better position than someone shipping 600 miles within the same region, where fewer carriers compete for shorter-distance loads.
One more thing worth noting: enclosed transport demand has spiked this summer. We're seeing a 30 percent increase in enclosed quotes compared to last summer, driven almost entirely by the high-value EV market. People spending $80,000 on a Rivian R1S or $90,000 on a Mercedes EQS don't want it on an open carrier in the summer heat. Enclosed pricing is running about 50 to 60 percent above open transport right now, which is actually at the lower end of the typical premium -- meaning enclosed is relatively good value this summer if you need it.
Our advice for shipping this summer comes down to three things. Book early -- two weeks ahead minimum, three if you can. Be flexible on your pickup date by two to three days -- that single change can drop your rate by 10 to 15 percent because it gives carriers more routing options. And if you're shipping on one of the hot tech-migration corridors, consider shipping midweek rather than Monday or Friday when everyone else is trying to book. The AI marketplace is your friend here because carriers bid in real-time and the competitive pressure keeps prices honest.
We'll keep watching the data through the summer and report back if anything shifts. If you want to see what carriers are actually charging right now for your specific route, check out our state-to-state corridor pages where we publish real pricing ranges updated from marketplace data. Or just get a quote -- it takes 60 seconds and you'll see real bids from carriers who are actually running your route this week, not estimates from some algorithm that hasn't been updated since March.
About the Author
Dave Armstrong
Dave Armstrong is one of American Auto Shipping's longest-tenured team members. As content manager and strategist, most of what you read on this website came from him. He has extensive knowledge of the auto transport industry, having spent time in every role a brokerage can offer.