During the holidays, transit can prove difficult because of holiday travel. Weather acts unpredictably in the holiday season. Strict deadlines exist. Therefore, potential customers may ask, “How does holiday shipping affect timelines?”
Shipping a car in reality during major holidays can affect pickup and delivery times in transit, but not always the way one might think. Plan ahead to avoid holiday delays. Work with a trustworthy auto transport broker like Car-Transport24.com.
Reference guide with information about holidays that may affect your transport schedule, that may delay it, and that will help you get your shipment there.
Understand Why Holidays Affect Auto Transport Timelines
Auto transport is a coordinated effort between the carrier, the dispatchers, and the customers, so the holidays can be a problem.
Driver Availability Decreases
Most drivers take time off of work around holidays, such as:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- New Year’s
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
Fewer drivers on the road leads to fewer available trucks and slower scheduling.
Traffic Increases Dramatically
Holiday travel means:
- Heavier highways
- Increased congestion
- Longer travel times
- More frequent delays
When traffic is congested, it can make long-distance trips take hours longer or even days longer than expected.
Weather Conditions Can Be Challenging
Winter holidays often bring:
- Snow
- Ice
- Road closures
- Reduced visibility
Trucks may be required to stop until conditions improve.
Limited Hours at Pickup/Delivery Locations
Storage facilities, dealerships, and auctions may operate with:
- Shortened holiday hours
- Full closures
- Limited staff availability
Even with carriers in place, the location may not be available.
Higher Demand for Shipping
The holidays, particularly November to January, are the peak season for:
- College student transport
- Snowbird transport (north-to-south moves)
- Military relocation
- Year-end car purchases
- More demand + limited supply = longer wait times
They affect the pickup and delivery schedules.
How Much of a Delay Should You Expect During Holidays?
These timeframes are subject to delay given the holidays; however, this provides a general idea.
You may experience:
- 1–3 day delays due to traffic
- 3–5 day delays due to weather or road closures
- Up to 7 days of delay if scheduling overlaps with major holiday closures
However, delays aren’t guaranteed.
Some customers still experience:
- On-time pickups
- Early deliveries
- Flexible scheduling from available carriers
You are more likely to stay on a healthy track under an experienced provider.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Auto Transport During Holidays
Plan ahead in order to avoid holiday-related delays. The following steps can help you minimize the impact of the holiday season on your timeline.
Step 1: Book Early
For major holidays, try to reserve your spot:
- 10–14 days before Thanksgiving
- 2–3 weeks before Christmas
- 2 weeks before New Year’s
- 7–10 days before summer holidays
The earlier you book, the more time dispatch has to assign an available driver.
Step 2: Choose Flexible Pickup Windows
The 1- to 3-day window allows carriers to schedule shipments more efficiently, lowering the risk of a delay.
Step 3: Opt for Open Transport If Timing Is Critical
Open carriers, however, are more common and can be scheduled at shorter notice than enclosed transport.
Step 4: Prepare for Weather Delays
If you’re shipping in winter:
- Choose daytime pickup when possible
- Avoid scheduling near storms
- Stay in communication with dispatch
Carriers prioritize safety.
Step 5: Keep Your Phone Available
Drivers may call:
- To adjust pickup times
- To avoid traffic
- To confirm early or late delivery windows
This immediate communication can prevent missed appointments.
Step 6: Use Alternate Pickup or Drop-Off Locations If Needed
Holidays can make delivery a challenge. Nearby options include:
- Shopping centers
- Large parking lots
- Roadside truck stops
These locations help carriers to remain on-schedule.
Real-World Example of Holiday Shipping Impact
A customer booked transport from Chicago to Miami the week of Christmas. Snow in Illinois delayed pickup by two days. The driver took a different route to avoid further weather problems, and arrived a day late, helped by the early booking and communication with the local driver.
This example shows that holiday travel delays can be planned for in advance.
Work With a Reliable Company That Navigates Holiday Logistics Smoothly
Holiday shipping requires skill, communication, and experience that many transport providers simply do not have. That is why it is necessary to choose the right one at once.
Why customers trust Car-Transport24.com during the holidays:
- Strong carrier network for flexible scheduling
- Proactive communication about weather and traffic
- Reliable coordination with storage lots and dealerships
- Clear expectations about timelines
- Fast solutions when unexpected delays occur
Their team makes the holiday experience as stress-free and uncomplicated as possible.
Holiday Shipping Does Impact Timelines—But You Can Stay Ahead
So does this mean holiday shipping will take longer? Unfortunately yes. Holidays can slow shipping down because of a driver shortage, heavier traffic, bad weather, facility closures, and increased demand throughout. However, if you plan, set flexible dates, and find a good transport company, you can ship and be sure that your shipment stays on track. If you look to Car-Transport24.com today, you find professional assistance and reliable dates for your car shipping during the holidays. They will do everything possible to bring your car to the destination safely, whatever the season.
