Whether you’re shipping across the state or across the country, how much time should you give to the auto transport company? Time is important to consider when securing a carrier, avoiding delays, and even negotiating the best price. Regular customers indicate they wait for too long to get a reservation only to find that trucks are full, prices increased, or their preferred dates became unavailable.
In this guide, we discuss when to book, the variables that play a role in availability, and how scheduling ahead of time will save you money and reduce your stress. If you have another car shipping project on the horizon, turn to CarShippingSource.com to help you find good options.
Why Booking Early Matters in Auto Transport
Shipping a car is not similar to booking a last minute flight or hailing a rideshare and requires an understanding of how carriers ship cars across the U.S. with limited routes and seasonal demands. These factors help to explain about why early booking is so important.
Limited Carrier Availability
Auto transport companies schedule routes in advance and each truck normally accommodates 8 to 10 cars so these vehicles fill up fast. Booking early ensures you:
- Secure a spot on your desired route
- Avoid waiting several days for the next available carrier
- Maintain control over your pickup and delivery window
Carriers reward early planning with access to better schedules and better pricing.
Lower, More Predictable Pricing
Auto transport pricing is similar to airfare pricing: prices increase as availability decreases. You can save money by:
- Lock in prices before seasonal surcharges
- Avoid last-minute premiums
- Secure the most competitive quote options
- Prevent bidding wars between brokers during peak periods
In short, the earlier you book, the less affected will be your budget.
Ideal Timeframes: How Early Should You Book Transport Services?
- The length of time you should allow on the trip depends on the route, season and type of vehicle.
- Standard shipments are usually booked 2 to 4 weeks ahead of time.
Book 2–4 weeks in advance for standard shipments
This window gives dispatchers enough time to find you the best carrier available at a decent price. Of course, each situation varies. Below is a general guideline for your reference in particular.
Standard Car Shipping (Most Moves)
- The best time for booking happens 14 to 28 days before pickup.
- The best time of the year for sedans, SUVs, and standard vehicles is right now.
Peak Season Moves (Summer & Snowbird Season)
- For best results: book 4-6 weeks before pickup
- Demand increases during the return of students to college and the arrival of snowbirds, and during relocations during the summer months. Book in advance.
Enclosed Transport or Luxury Cars
- Book during 3-5 weeks in advance.
- Spaces within enclosed carriers are limited and can fill quickly.
Remote or Hard-to-Reach Locations
- Best to book 3 to 6 weeks ahead
- In rural or low-traffic areas it takes longer to schedule a carrier willing to service the route.
Expedited or Last-Minute Shipping
- Book 24-72 hours prior to your pickup time
- This increased responsiveness is available, but at a considerably higher cost, when booked ahead.
What Happens If You Book Too Late?
The later you wait to pack, the fewer options are available to you, and the more stressful moving is.
Higher Costs
Shipping companies charge higher prices for urgent shipments for incentives.
Longer Wait Times for Pickup
If there are no available carriers, this may delay your shipment by several days or weeks.
Limited Delivery Windows
The carrier’s schedule might require an adjustment to the timetable.
Difficulty Finding the Right Transport Type
Enclosed, oversized, or specialty vehicle transport may be fully booked.
Coordination Stress During a Move
- Last-minute arrangements may disturb work schedules, home moves, or travel plans.
- Booking early generally avoids this problem and is usually more convenient.
Factors That Influence How Early You Should Book
In general, 2-4 weeks is the guideline but there may be certain issues you face that dictate when you can book.
Seasonal Demand Fluctuations
High-demand periods include:
- June–August (summer relocations)
- October–December (snowbird season)
- January–March (return snowbird travel)
You will want to book early in these peak seasons to know what to expect.
Type of Vehicle Being Shipped
Some vehicles require additional planning, including:
- Oversized trucks
- Modified vehicles
- Classic or luxury cars
- Inoperable vehicles
Early bookings provide more options as the equipment and carrier must be available to meet requirements.
Distance and Route
Direct routes between Florida and New York are quite frequent, while others on more remote or low-traffic routes require more planning.
Pickup and Delivery Flexibility
If you require:
- Exact pickup dates
- A narrow delivery window
- Specific timing preferences
…then you really will have to book well in advance.
How CarShippingSource.com Makes Early Booking Easy
At CarShippingSource.com, we handle everything from booking your transport to delivery:
- Fast, accurate quotes
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Access to trusted, licensed, and insured carriers
- Flexible scheduling to match your timeline
- Door-to-door delivery service nationwide
- Carrier tracking options depending on route
Advance planning will help in the event of a cross-country move or when shipping a second car for a seasonal trip.
The Earlier You Book, the Better the Experience
The best time to reserve auto transport services is usually two to four weeks ahead. Book your shipment even sooner for peak seasons and specialty services that require a more flexible vehicle carrier. Book early for a better price, timeframe, selection, and overall peace of mind as the move happens. Go to CarShippingSource.com today if you are ready to schedule your preferred pickup window.
