What Causes Car Shipping Delays?

Like most people, you may be asking yourself: why is my car shipping taking so long? Unfortunately, there are many reasons for car shipping delays. Some of these reasons are within your control, while others are beyond your control.

Delays in your car shipping mean your car is being shipped during a busy time of the year. This includes the summer or holiday season. These are typically the busiest times for car shipping companies. Hence, delays are more likely.

This blog post will explore the most common reasons for car shipping delays and what you can do to avoid them.

What Happens During a Car Shipping Delay?

There are many possible causes of car shipping delays. One of the most common reasons is terrible weather conditions. This delays your shipment until the roads are clear and safe again. Another common cause is mechanical problems with the carrier, such as if they experience heavy traffic or have an accident.

Other potential causes include truck breakdowns, accidents involving other vehicles, or even a strike by workers within the company. Finally, your vehicle may have been held up in customs if it needs to get entry approval from local authorities before entering the country it's headed.

Weather conditions

The current condition of the weather plays a significant role in car shipping delays. Ice and snow can make roads impassable if you're shipping your car during the winter months. It can also cause accidents. This can lead to delays in getting your car to its destination.

One way to avoid weather-related delays is to ship your car during the summer months, when conditions are typically more favorable. Also, you should watch the forecast and plan your shipment accordingly. For example, if there is a chance of bad weather, it's best to delay your shipment until the conditions improve.

Traffic congestion

Another common reason for car shipping delays is traffic congestion. This can be caused by several things, including construction, accidents, and bad weather.

To avoid delays due to traffic congestion, you should plan your shipment when traffic is typically lighter. For example, avoid shipping during rush hour or holiday periods when everyone is on the road.

You can also check the current conditions of the roads before you ship to make sure there won't be any delays.

Customs delays

If you're shipping your car internationally, being held up in customs is another potential cause of delay. Customs can hold up a shipment for reasons including inspections and paperwork issues.

To avoid customs delays, you should make sure all paperwork is in order before you ship. You should also allow extra time for your shipment to clear customs.

There are no customs delays to worry about if you're shipping your car within the United States. Usually, auto transport carriers in the US will be able to ship your car in one day or less.

Road construction

Road construction is another common cause of car shipping delays. If you schedule your shipment when roads are under construction, there will likely be traffic due to impassable routes that can slow down shipping.

You should plan your shipment when road conditions are more favorable to avoid this. You should also consider traffic and construction updates before your ship.

Truck breakdowns

Truck breakdowns are among the most common causes of car shipping delays from sub-par auto transport companies. If a truck breaks down while carrying your car, it will have to be towed to a repair facility. This can cause significant delays in getting your car to its destination.

You should choose a shipping company with a good reputation for maintenance and safety in their auto transport services to avoid this. You should also ask about their policies for dealing with truck breakdowns.

Mechanical problems with the car owner/carrier

Another common cause of auto shipping delays is vehicle repairs. If your car needs to be repaired before it can be shipped, this will cause a delay.

To avoid this, you should have your car serviced before you ship it. This will ensure no mechanical issues that could cause delays in the shipping process. You should also choose a shipping company with a good reputation for maintaining their vehicles. This will help to minimize the chance of delays due to vehicle repairs.

Late delivery of the car carrier

Another common cause of car shipping delays is a delivery delay by the car carrier. If your shipment has already been scheduled, but the vehicle carrier arrives late, this can cause significant delays.

One way to avoid this is to inquire about the expected arrival time informed by your auto shipping company before you schedule your shipment. If possible, choose a car shipping company that uses carriers with reliable arrival times.

Lack of necessary equipment

If the car shipping company doesn't have the necessary equipment to ship your car, this can cause delays. Thus, you should ensure that the shipping company has all of the necessary equipment needed to ship your car before scheduling your auto transport service.

You should also inquire about the company's policies for dealing with delays due to a lack of equipment.

Poor communication from the car shipping company

Finally, delays can also be caused by poor communication from car transport companies. If you're not kept updated on the status of your shipment, this can cause significant delays.

To avoid this, you should choose a car shipping company with good customer communication or consider getting in touch with a reliable auto transport broker. The company should provide updates on the status of your shipment and let you know if there are any delays.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid car shipping delays is to work with an experienced and reliable shipping company like A1 Auto Transport. With professional help, you can get your car where it needs to go on time every time!

Tips to Ensure Smooth Car Shipping

In addition to these potential causes of car shipping delays, here are steps you can take to ensure your shipment goes as smoothly as possible:

1. Schedule your shipment in advance

One of the best ways to avoid unexpected delays is to schedule your car shipping in advance. This will give you more time to plan and prepare for your shipment.

2. Choose the right time of year to ship

As we mentioned earlier, traffic and weather can cause significant delays. So, it's necessary to choose the right time of year to ship your car. For example, you need to consider snow and ice if you're shipping during the winter season. On the other hand, you'll need to consider heat and traffic if you're shipping during the summer season.

3. Choose the right time of day to ship

In addition to choosing the right time of year, you should also consider the time of day that you ship. For example, if you're shipping during rush hour or on holiday, there will likely be more traffic and delays. You may also want to avoid shipping on weekends when most people travel.

4. Do your research ahead of time

As we mentioned earlier, it's necessary to choose a car shipping company with a good reputation for reliability and customer service. To find the right company for your needs, research in advance and read online reviews from past customers.

5. Choose an enclosed carrier

If possible, you should also opt for an enclosed carrier. This type of vehicle carrier provides more protection for your car than an open carrier. Besides, this type of carrier can help avoid damage during transit.

6. Be prepared for delays

Even if you take all of these steps, there's always a chance that your shipment will be delayed. So, always be prepared for this possibility. Make sure you have a backup plan if your car doesn't arrive on time. Also, choose a car shipping company that offers insurance in case of any damage during transit.

7. Stay in touch with the shipping company

Finally, to ensure a smooth car shipping experience, it's necessary to stay with your car shipping company. Keep them updated on any changes or delays that you may encounter. With good communication and cooperation, you can avoid many of the common causes of car shipping delays!

Why You Need an Experienced Car Shipping Company

In conclusion, there are several steps that you can take to help ensure a smooth and timely car shipment. These include scheduling your shipment in advance, choosing an enclosed carrier when possible, and choosing a reliable and experienced car shipping company like A1 Auto Transport. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy a stress-free vehicle shipment every time!​

A1 Auto Transport has many years of experience in the car shipping industry. With their help, you can choose the right time to ship your car, find a suitable carrier for your needs, and get your car shipped without any problems.

To learn more about how we at A1 Auto Transport can help with your next car shipment, request your free quote today and we’ll be in touch.