When you book services for auto transport and when you do it make all the difference when it comes to pricing, convenience and availability of these services. How to time your move vehicle shipping? Whether it’s across the country or you are buying or selling any car. Knowing what are the best times to book auto transport services can save you money, save you a reliable carrier, and ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
In this post, we will go through all the factors that can affect when auto transport happens, the best time to schedule your shipment and some tips on how to get the most affordable and efficient service for your automobile.
The Importance of Timing for Car Transport Services
There are a number of other variables that can affect the speed and cost of your auto transport services. Transporters experience ups and downs in demand for their services, the availability of carriers and the condition on the road. All of which can impact the final price of your shipment. When you book auto transport services, timing matters more than you can imagine.
- Car shipping rates may vary based on demand influenced by seasonality. In summer and holiday months, prices increase, and you may not get a reliable carrier for your move which can be a drawback.
- Carrier Availability refers to the availability of the carrier may depend on season. Due to scarcity of carriers during peak times, lesser carriers are available thereby leading to higher prices and waiting times.
- Because carriers are more likely to stick to popular routes in the off season, it’ll be easier to book your transport on a preferred time slot.
- If you anticipate which factors will influence the shipping process and cost for your car, you will be in a good position to negotiate a better deal.
The best time to book: put together an early plan
Booking early is one of the main factors in achieving the best price and services. Booking your auto transport services well in advance (at least 2 to 3 weeks before your desired pickup date) allows you to.
- You will get better rates. Booking ahead of time gives you better choices regarding the affordable carriers. You get the option to book these cheaper rates long before the peak season starts.
- The sooner you book, the easier it will be to find a carrier who fits your desired pickup and delivery schedules.
- Schedule to deal with emergencies. The earlier you book, the more you are equipped to solve problems in case of any delay.
- Overall, the best way to save money and ensure that your car arrives on time at the destination is through an early booking. It works specifically for long-distance moving or shipping during peak seasons.
The busiest times of the year
Depending on the season, the ideal time to use an auto transport service can vary. Some months of the year are popular for shipping your vehicle because of weather, school end, and holidays. Knowing these peak seasons can help you plan ahead.
Months of Summer May to August
Auto shipping companies are generally busiest during the summer months. People are traveling, vacationing, or shipping their cars for several reasons. Consequently, the demand for carriers is high which causes the .
- Hold Up: Since there’s a high volume of shipments in these months, it may take longer to get a carrier or schedule a pick-up.
- In case you’re looking on shipping your vehicle summer time, be sure to book well in advance with a view to avoid the rush and get the best pricing.
Holiday Period from November to January
During the holidays, we see a spike in demand. Particularly for families moving cross-country or people shipping cars for special events. The weeks before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are usually extra busy for people. It can result to.
High demand for vehicle transport during the holiday season leads to increased prices as the demand increases.
Limited carrier availability may be an issue if many drivers are taking time off for the holidays. So there may be a delay in shipments.
Whenever you want to ship a car make sure to book your auto transport services at least a month prior during these times to ensure you get a slot. Moreover, it helps you avoid paying hefty amounts.
Autumn and spring are off-peak seasons
If you are looking to save money on shipping costs, the best time to book auto transport services is during the off-peak seasons like late fall (October to November) and early spring (March to April). This times of the year demand is lower, which often means.
- Transporters want to fill their available slots. Therefore, as they will not get as many loads, expect lower rates from them.
- More flexible schedules: You may also have a better selection of flexible pickup and delivery dates on containers moving with fewer vehicles.
- Less competition for carriers during off-peak times means it can be easier to find a transport company who can work with your schedule.
- When you book your auto transport services during these months, you can take advantage of lower prices and a larger selection of available carriers.
Circumventing Seasonal Interruptions due to Weather
The costs of auto transport and the delivery time will also be affected by the weather conditions. Extreme weather events, including snowstorms, hurricanes or flooding, disrupt travel routes, cause delays and add to shipping costs.
During winter and storm seasons, carriers may take different routes to avoid dangerous conditions, which affects the service.
One of the reasons airlines increase ticket prices to cover higher costs. If conditions are not safe enough, they will divert the route. The diverted route takes up more fuel, therefore, airlines will increase ticket prices.
When moving your vehicle in winter season or during busy hurricane season. It is important to get a jump on booking as soon as possible and provide extra time.
Express delivery : when time is essence
At times, you may need the vehicle to be delivered for you quickly due to some circumstances. For instance, an unexpected move moving to an event, or car shipping to your location for a quick timeframe, and so on. When you find yourself needing a vehicle on short notice for a useful purpose. Expedited auto transport services can be a great choice.
Although expedited services cost more than standard shipping, they have their benefits.
Expedited services can get your vehicle shipped in a few days. Or weeks a time frame that is less than a standard car shipping service.
When time is of the essence, speed shipping can be beneficial but weigh the additional cost to see if it is essential for you.
Prepare for the Best Auto Transport Costs
The best times for auto transport services are inevitable depending on your needs but if you plan early and learn about the peak seasons as well as the weather conditions, you will save money while ensuring timely deliveries. It is best to book in the non-peak months. Avoid the rush with a summer or holiday booking because that can lower your shipping costs.
We have flexible scheduling options and competitive pricing to suit your needs whether you are shipping during peak season or looking for a change of service. Get in touch with us today for a complimentary quote. We will find the best auto transport solution for your vehicle!
