Thanksgiving through New Year is one of the busiest stretches of the year for car shipping to the Florida Keys. Snowbirds are heading south for the season, families are coming down for the holidays, and carriers are juggling short weeks and drivers who want to be home too. If you want your car waiting in Key West, Islamorada, or Key Largo for the holidays, timing is everything. Here’s how to plan it.
Why the holidays are different
- Demand peaks. Fall south is the busiest direction of the year, and the holidays stack on top of it.
- Short weeks. Thanksgiving week, Christmas week and New Year’s week all lose working days.
- Weather up north. Early-winter storms in the Northeast and Midwest can slow pickups before the car ever reaches Florida.
- Busy islands. Holiday traffic on US-1 and full Key West streets make the last mile slower.
A simple holiday timeline
| If you need the car in the Keys by… | Aim to book by… |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving week | Early November |
| Mid-December | Mid-to-late November |
| Christmas | Late November or the first days of December |
| New Year’s | Early December |
These are planning guidelines, not guarantees. Moves inside Florida run on our own truck, so they’re the easiest to fit in; long-haul moves from out of state need the most lead time. We will always give you a realistic window rather than a promise we can’t keep.
Shipping from out of state for the holidays
Coming from the Northeast or Midwest? The long leg runs on a partner carrier we name before you book, and the Keys leg is ours. See our route pages for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England, and the Midwest.
Shipping within Florida
From Orlando and Jacksonville, Tampa and the Gulf Coast, or South Florida, we plan the run ourselves as a direct carrier for all of Florida. Holiday weeks still fill up, so earlier is better.
Tips for a smooth holiday delivery
- Be flexible by a few days. A flexible window is the single best way to get a good rate and a reliable slot.
- Name a backup contact at pickup and delivery in case you’re traveling.
- Tell us about gates, condos, and tight streets in Key West’s Old Town, Ocean Reef, or Lower Keys canals.
- Leave about a quarter tank and remove personal items and toll tags.
- Don’t ship gifts in the car. Personal items aren’t covered in transit.
Heading home after the season?
Spring north fills up just as fast. If you already know your return date, ask about booking the trip home when you book the trip down. See seasonal shipping for snowbirds and Key West to mainland Florida.
How payment works
Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route. See pay on delivery.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book car shipping for Thanksgiving in the Keys?
As early as you can. Two weeks or more ahead gives you the best choice of pickup windows; the week of the holiday is the hardest to schedule.
Do car carriers run between Christmas and New Year?
Many run reduced schedules. Expect wider pickup windows, and book well before mid-December if you need the car in the Keys for the holidays.
Is holiday car shipping more expensive?
Timing matters more than anything. A flexible pickup window gives us the best chance of getting you one of the lower rates.
How does payment work?
Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route.
Ready to plan your holiday move? Request a free quote or call (754) 714-2439. In-N-Out Keys LLC · USDOT 4120018 · MC 1583555 · Veteran-owned and family-operated · Serving the entire Florida Keys.
