Shipping a vehicle during a harsh North American winter requires more than just a truck and a trailer; it requires a strategy. With the January 2026 winter storms bringing record-breaking snowfall to New Mexico and hazardous ice to the Texas panhandle, “standard” shipping just won’t cut it.
Whether you are relocating to Las Vegas, sending a gift to Albuquerque, or moving a fleet to Dallas, you need a service that understands the unique risks of winter logistics. At Minute by Minute Logistics, we provide specialized, insured auto transport designed to navigate the snow, salt, and sub-zero temperatures currently affecting the Southwest.
🌨️ Winter-Ready Shipping Options
The cold doesn’t stop the world from moving, but it does change how we move. We’ve adapted our core services to ensure your vehicle safely navigates the I-10 and I-40 corridors.
Door-to-Door Car Transportation in the Cold
In freezing conditions, the last thing you want is to meet a driver at a dark, icy terminal miles from your home. Our Door-to-Door Car Transportation remains our most popular winter service. We pick up and deliver as close to your front door in Houston, Reno, or Santa Fe as the snow plows allow, ensuring you stay warm while we handle the heavy lifting.
Nationwide Open Car Hauler Transport Services
While this is the most economical route, winter adds a layer of complexity. Our nationwide open car-hauler transport services are currently staffed with drivers experienced in “winter chain” zones.
Note: If you use an open carrier during the winter, your vehicle will likely arrive with a layer of road salt. We recommend a “Protect-from-Freeze” wash immediately upon delivery in cities like Amarillo or Las Vegas.
Enclosed Shipping for Luxury Vehicles
If you need to transport expensive luxury cars to another state during a blizzard, open transport is a risk. Our enclosed shipping for luxury vehicles acts as a mobile garage. It shields your investment from:
- Road Salt & Chemicals: Which can cause instant corrosion to undercarriages.
- Flying Ice: Chunks of ice from other vehicles can crack windshields on open trailers.
- Extreme Cold: Protecting sensitive electronics and fluid systems in high-end models.
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🚀 Priority Moves: Expedited Auto Transportation Services
Winter storms often cause massive backlogs in the shipping industry. If your move is time-sensitive—perhaps a job start in El Paso or a military PCS to Kirtland AFB—our Expedited Auto Transportation Services jump you to the front of the line. We bypass the standard “wait-and-fill” logistics to get a driver to you within 24–48 hours.
🛠️ How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Transit
To ensure a successful trip when shipping a car across the country in 2026, follow this “Winter-Ready” checklist before our driver arrives:
- Check Antifreeze: Ensure your engine coolant is rated for at least -20°F, especially if moving from a warm climate to the high altitudes of New Mexico.
- Battery Health: Cold kills weak batteries. If your car won’t start at the delivery point in Nevada, carriers may charge an “Inoperable Vehicle” fee.
- Tire Pressure: Air density drops in the cold. Ensure tires are properly inflated to prevent flat spots during the long haul to Texas.
- Quarter Tank of Gas: Keep exactly 1/4 tank. This is enough for loading/unloading, but keeps the weight down for transport regulations.
🛡️ Why Trust Minute by Minute Logistics?
We aren’t just a voice on the phone; we are your boots-on-the-ground advocates. In an industry where “ghosting” is common during weather delays, we maintain 24/7 transparency.
- Real-Time Weather Monitoring: We reroute drivers to avoid the worst of the January ice shells.
- Full Insurance Verification: We don’t just “have” insurance; we verify the cargo limit of the specific driver assigned to your luxury vehicle move.
- Local Expertise: From the “Windy Plains” of Lubbock to the steep grades of New Mexico’s mountains, we know the terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the current January 2026 snowstorm affect my shipping quote?
While we strive for transparent pricing, extreme weather can occasionally affect “Spot Rates” if certain mountain passes are closed. However, once you book with Minute by Minute Logistics, we work to lock in your rate against these winter spikes.
2. Is my car covered if it’s damaged by road salt on an open hauler?
Standard insurance covers “accidental damage” (dents, scratches, collisions). Surface grime or salt is generally considered a maintenance issue. For total protection against environmental elements, we highly recommend enclosed shipping for luxury vehicles.
3. What happens if the driver gets stuck in a snowstorm in New Mexico?
Safety is our first priority. If a “Disaster Emergency” is declared (as seen recently in several states), the driver will pull over at a secure rest stop. You will receive an automated text update and a personal call from our support team to adjust the delivery window.
4. Can I ship my car to Nevada if it has summer tires?
Yes, but please inform us! Summer tires lose traction below 40°F, making it difficult to drive the car onto the metal ramps of the trailer. We may need to use specialized equipment to load it safely.
5. Why is enclosed shipping so much more expensive in the winter?
Availability. Many owners of expensive luxury cars refuse to ship any other way during the snow season, which creates high demand for a limited number of enclosed trailers. Booking at least 2 weeks in advance is recommended.
6. Does “Door-to-Door” mean you will drive on my unplowed driveway?
For the safety of your vehicle and the carrier’s 80-foot rig, drivers will meet you at the nearest cleared public road or parking lot if your specific street is blocked by heavy snow or ice.
Ready to move your vehicle safely through the winter? At Minute by Minute Logistics, we deliver expertise, transparency, and dedicated service to provide you with confidence throughout your vehicle shipping experience.
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (205) 565–8118
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