Booking auto transport services at the right time can influence the pricing and availability of lift-on lift-off services dramatically. Doing the same can also lessen inconvenience. When you’re moving across the country, buying or selling a car, sharing a vehicle, or whatever the case might be, timing is everything. Knowing the best time to book auto transport services will save you money, a reliable car carrier with an excellent reputation, and your vehicle will reach the destination without any damages.
In this post, we will highlight the factors affecting the timing of auto transport services, the best time to book your auto shipment and ways in which you can get the best and cheapest auto transport service.
The Significance of Timing in Auto Transport Services
There are a number of factors that can affect the cost, speed and route of your car shipping services. The demand and availability of carriers and the conditions for traveling may prompt fluctuations in the final price of your shipment in the transport industry. Here are some of the key reasons why timing matters when booking auto transport services.
- Auto shipping costs can change according to the time of the year. In summer and holiday months, passenger and freight prices surge, and getting a quality carrier becomes more difficult.
- The accessibility of carriers changes according to seasons. There won’t be many carriers available at peak times. As a result, the price will increase and the wait time to pick-up will increase.
- Both shippers and carriers benefit from route flexibility. During the off-peak season, carriers are likely to operate more high-demand routes thus making it easier to book.
When you know when they are applicable, you can plan ahead and book your vehicle shipping at the best price.
1. The Best Time to Book: Early Planning
One of the best ways to get the price and service you want is going to book early. By booking your auto transport services well in advance (at least 2 to 3 weeks before your required pickup date), you will be.
- Book earlier for better prices: Booking early gives you more choices of cheap carriers helping you to book a lesser price before the peak season arrives.
- Book your carrier as far in advance as possible to increase your chances of having your preferred pickup and delivery dates available.
- Failure to prepare for delay may lead to your unhappy customers. It is best to book early to handle any unexpected issues.
As early as possible, book your automobile. This is more relevant when relocating great distances or during peak season. This could really help keep costs low and ensure that everything is delivered on time.
2. Summer and Holidays is peak season.
The time of year matters when booking your auto transport services. When is the best time to book? Several months are more popular months for vehicle shipments due to the weather, school schedules, and holidays. Knowing these peak seasons helps you to plan ahead.
Summer months (may – august)
Auto transport companies are busiest during summer months of the year. Individuals are moving, holidaying or transporting vehicles for several reasons. Consequently, leading to a huge demand for carriers in the industry.
- Higher prices: Buyers require a three-week window for standard shipping.
- Expect to wait longer to get a carrier or schedule a pickup in any of these months due to the heavy volumes of shipments.
- If you plan to ship your car during the summer, you are advised not to delay your booking. During peak times, prices can rise unexpectedly.
Holiday Seasons (November – January)
During the holidays, demand also increases, particularly for families relocating across the country or individuals sending their vehicles to special events. The weeks prior to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are usually quite busy. This may result in.
- Demand during the holiday season results in the increased prices of all kinds of vehicle transporters.
- Not all carriers can be available due to holidays as many drivers call off during this time. As a result, you should expect some delays.
- To ensure that you have a spot booked and will not have to pay the premium rate for it, you should book your auto transport services at least a month in advance during these times.
3. Off-Peak Seasons: Fall and Spring
If you wish to save on shipping costs then the best time to book auto transport services, is the off-peak seasons which are late fall, (October to November) and early spring, (March to April). Lower demand occurs in these months, which commonly translates into.
Due to the recent dip in traffic, transport companies are having to make do with few shipments at hand. Hence, they are offering lower rates to customers to fill the available slots.
- Shorter wait times may provide you with more options for flexible pickup and delivery dates, as fewer vehicles have to be shipped.
- Greater availability of carriers: The months where demand is lower competition for carriers typically diminishes too, making it easier to schedule using a transport company.
- Booking your auto transport services during these months will get you better prices and much more options in our available auto carriers.
4. Weather Conditions: Avoiding Seasonal Disruptions
Another aspect impacting auto transport pricing and delivery times is the weather. Inclement weather may interfere with routes leading to delays and increased shipping costs. These include snowstorms, hurricanes and flooding. Carriers will take alternate routes that may lengthen the delivery times during winter and storm.
- For long-distance transport, bad weather can cause significant delays.
- Higher costs: If the routes are diverted due to a situation like the weather or hazardous situations, carriers may raise higher prices to cover up the costs and time taken to complete these routes.
- If you are transporting a vehicle in the winter season or in the hurricane season, you need to book as early as possible to allow an extra for delays.
5. Expedited Shipping: When Time is Critical
There are instances when you may need to send a vehicle quickly. For example, you may need to move abroad because of an unexpected event or have your car delivered in a short time. In these circumstances, a faster auto transport service may be the right choice for you, letting you pay more for quicker delivery.
- Standard shipping services are usually cheaper than expedited services but they offer many benefits.
- Expedited services can decrease the time it takes to ship your vehicle by a day or two or even a week, depending on the distance.
- The carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle quickly. This is called priority scheduling.
When you need a quicker solution, expedited shipping may be your choice. But don’t forget about the cost because it may or may not be right for you.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for the Best Auto Transport Rates
When to book auto transport services depends on your needs. If you are clear about your requirements from the start, there are numerous things you can do to save money and get your vehicle delivered on time. If you book during off-peak months and not during busy times like summer or the holidays, your shipping costs will be lowered.
At 1st Car Shipping, we can provide you with scheduling and pricing to fit your needs. We are here for you whether you are shipping during peak times or need expedited shipping. Contact us today for a free quote and let us find the best auto transport option for you.
