"High" season shipping costs

So I'm in the process of finding a shipping company.  Below is a question from me to a shipping company representative. I'm unsure about his response and wanted some feedback from trusted UK-Yers.

(me)What is the date high season starts?
(he) High season? Regards costing?
In International shipping there is no high cost season as in domestic shipping.
Summer is busier than winter, but that's about it. Costs are what they are. Ocean freight is the biggest cost due to oil prices.


Also, has anyone gone through American Relocation & Logistics for their shipment across the pond?

Summer is a much busier time for shipping, so as with anything that is seasonal - the costs will go up due to "supply and demand".  When we moved across the pond (UK to US) last spring (end of April), we were able to negotiate since it was still low season.  We got estimates from many different shippers (had them come out and look to estimate).  Then we narrowed down to 3 and then renegotiated with the 3 to come out with the best price, playing one against the other.  At first the one that we ended up using was one of the highest and it was as a "shared container".  We worked with them and they finally brought the price down and gave us the container solo even though it was only a bit over 1/2 full.  So call around and get prices and then negotiate.  But if you are moving in the middle of the summer season, you have very little room for negotiation - and may have to just pay the price they quote.  good luck

 Yep, thanks Debinator. That's what I thought. I believe high season starts in May so when I get back from Scotland in a few weeks I'll continue to look around.
My guy is a much better negotiator than I, so I'll hand him the ball at that point.