Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Plenty of people move to Key West, buy a car or relocate for work during those months, and most of the time shipping goes just as it would any other time of year. But when a storm is in the forecast, things can change quickly. Here’s how to plan car shipping to Key West in hurricane season so a storm doesn’t throw off your whole move.
One Road In, One Road Out
Every vehicle that reaches Key West by truck comes down the Overseas Highway. There’s no alternate route. When a storm threatens the Keys, officials may issue evacuations, and traffic and road access can be restricted. That affects every carrier heading south, not just us.
That’s why the most important part of hurricane-season planning is flexibility.
Why Loads Get Rescheduled
When a storm is approaching, we don’t try to beat it down the Keys. We would rather move your delivery by a few days than send a driver and your car toward a closure or an evacuation. Once official guidance says it’s safe and roads are open, we pick the schedule back up.
A rescheduled load can be frustrating, but it protects your vehicle, our driver and the people who are trying to leave the Keys.
How to Plan Your Shipment
Build in Slack
If you can, give us a pickup window of several days instead of one fixed date. And don’t schedule your car’s arrival for the same day you absolutely need it.
Watch the Forecast
Before and during your shipment, follow the National Hurricane Center for forecasts and Monroe County Emergency Management for local evacuation and re-entry information. Those are the official sources. We’ll keep you posted on how they affect your schedule.
Stay in Touch
Keep your phone on and make sure we have a backup contact. If plans change, we’ll reach out quickly.
Think About Where the Car Waits
If a storm hits while your car is in transit, it may need to wait on the mainland until it’s safe to continue. Ask us how that works for your route when you book.
Shipping a Car Out of the Keys Before a Storm
Some owners want their car off the island when a storm is on the way. If that’s you, reach out early. Once a storm is close, trucks and drivers are in high demand and roads get busy. Our guide to shipping a car out of Key West covers the northbound side. For routes leaving the Keys, payment may be split because a separate transporter is usually used. We’ll work it out with you up front.
Prep Tips for Storm Season
- Take dated photos of your vehicle before pickup.
- Remove loose items, and don’t pack the car with household goods.
- Make sure we have the right delivery address and a backup contact on the island.
- If you’re moving, keep important documents with you, not in the car.
Moving or PCSing During Storm Season
A lot of moves land in the summer and fall. If you’re relocating, read our Moving to Key West guide. Service members heading to NAS Key West should also see our PCS checklist and Military PCS page.
Payment
We prefer COD whenever possible. 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. With COD, you’re paying when your car actually arrives, which is reassuring when storm delays are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car to Key West during hurricane season?
Yes. Most shipments go as planned. If a storm threatens, we may reschedule until official guidance says it’s safe.
What happens if a storm hits while my car is in transit?
It may wait on the mainland until roads are open and it’s safe to continue. We’ll keep you updated.
Where should I check storm updates?
Follow the National Hurricane Center for forecasts and Monroe County Emergency Management for local evacuation and re-entry information.
Should I give you a flexible date?
Yes. A pickup window of several days makes it much easier to work around weather.
Plan a Storm-Smart Shipment
Tell us your vehicle, your pickup and delivery addresses, and your dates. Request a free quote online or call (754) 714-2439. We usually reply within the hour.
Key West Auto Shipping is run by In-N-Out Keys LLC (USDOT 4120018, MC 1583555), a veteran-owned, family-operated interstate carrier and broker and a direct carrier for all of Florida. Owner Steve Janowski is an Army veteran. We serve the entire Florida Keys. Learn more about us.