Table of contents
Quick answer
A day or two outside the quoted window is common, because carriers juggle several cars, traffic, weather and federal driving limits. Ask your broker for the carrier's name and the driver's contact, get a revised date in writing, and plan around it. If there is still no carrier after several days, or the company stops responding, ask about repricing, cancellation and your deposit, and consider rebooking or filing a complaint.
Why car shipments run late
| Cause | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| No carrier has accepted the price yet | Pickup can't be scheduled until one does |
| Other cars on the truck | The driver is working through several pickups and drop-offs |
| Weather and road closures | Snow, storms and wildfires slow whole regions |
| Driving-hour limits | Drivers must stop after reaching federal limits |
| Breakdowns and inspections | Trucks can be held for repairs or roadside checks |
| Access problems | A truck that can't reach your street needs a new meeting point |
No carrier has accepted the price yet
- What it means for you
- Pickup can't be scheduled until one does
Other cars on the truck
- What it means for you
- The driver is working through several pickups and drop-offs
Weather and road closures
- What it means for you
- Snow, storms and wildfires slow whole regions
Driving-hour limits
- What it means for you
- Drivers must stop after reaching federal limits
Breakdowns and inspections
- What it means for you
- Trucks can be held for repairs or roadside checks
Access problems
- What it means for you
- A truck that can't reach your street needs a new meeting point
What counts as a normal delay
Most companies quote a pickup window of a few days rather than a single date, and a transit estimate after that. Being a day or two outside those windows, with an explanation, is usually a normal part of how trucks move.
It becomes a problem when there is no carrier assigned well after your first available date, the company can't tell you who has your car, or dates keep moving without a reason.
If pickup is delayed
- Ask whether a carrier is assignedIf not, ask what price carriers are accepting on your route this week.
- Decide on price vs. timeRaising the price or widening your dates are the fastest ways to get a truck.
- Check your deposit termsKnow what you get back if you cancel before a carrier is assigned.
- Set a deadlineTell the company in writing when you will cancel and rebook if nothing changes.
If delivery is delayed
- Get the carrier's name, USDOT number and the driver's phone number
- Ask for the truck's current location and a revised delivery date
- Keep a written log of every call, message and promised date
- Arrange for someone to accept the car if your plans change
When a company stops responding
- Look up the carrier and broker on the FMCSA database to confirm they are still active
- Send a written demand for the car's location and a delivery date
- Dispute card charges for services not provided, within your card issuer's deadline
- File a complaint with the FMCSA and report the company to Scam Watch
How to avoid delays next time
- Book two to three weeks ahead, earlier in summer and snowbird season
- Keep your dates flexible by a few days
- Offer a pickup spot a large truck can reach
- Be wary of quotes far below the rest
- Consider expedited service if your date can't move
Seasonal delays to plan for
| When | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Northern states and mountain passes | Snow, ice and chain laws slow trucks and close roads |
| June to November | Gulf and Atlantic coasts | Hurricanes and tropical storms can halt pickups for days |
| Late fall and spring | Snowbird routes to and from the Sun Belt | Heavy demand fills trucks early |
| Summer | Most of the country | Moving season brings the most bookings |
| Holidays | Everywhere | Drivers take time off and schedules tighten |
Winter
- Where
- Northern states and mountain passes
- Why
- Snow, ice and chain laws slow trucks and close roads
June to November
- Where
- Gulf and Atlantic coasts
- Why
- Hurricanes and tropical storms can halt pickups for days
Late fall and spring
- Where
- Snowbird routes to and from the Sun Belt
- Why
- Heavy demand fills trucks early
Summer
- Where
- Most of the country
- Why
- Moving season brings the most bookings
Holidays
- Where
- Everywhere
- Why
- Drivers take time off and schedules tighten
What to keep in writing
- Your order with the quoted pickup window and transit estimate
- Every revised date the company gives you
- The carrier's name, USDOT number and driver contact
- Any promise of a discount, refund or guaranteed date
- Receipts for rentals or other costs caused by the delay
A clear record makes it easier to ask for a refund, dispute a card charge or file a complaint if a delay turns into a failure to deliver.
If your car ends up at a terminal
When a delivery can't happen as planned, some carriers drop the car at a storage lot or terminal. Ask where it is, the hours, what ID you need to collect it and whether storage fees apply, and get that in writing before you agree.
How to talk to the company about a delay
- Ask specific questions: which carrier, where is the truck, what's the new date
- Ask what caused the delay and what the company is doing about it
- Agree next steps and a time for the next update
- Follow every call with a short email summarizing what was agreed
- Stay polite; drivers and dispatchers are often juggling many customers
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for car shipping to be delayed?
Short delays are common. Carriers work with pickup windows and adjust for other cars, weather and federal driving limits. Ask for a revised date in writing.
Why hasn't a carrier picked up my car?
Usually because no carrier has accepted the price for your route and dates. Raising the price or widening your dates tends to fix it.
Will I be compensated for a late delivery?
Only if your contract says so. Many car shipping contracts give estimated dates rather than guarantees, so check the terms before you book.
Can I cancel if pickup is late?
Usually yes, especially before a carrier is assigned. What you get back depends on your contract's refund terms.
Deposits and paymentCan I get a guaranteed pickup date?
Some companies offer guaranteed or expedited pickup for an extra charge. Get the guarantee and what happens if it's missed in writing.
Expedited car shippingWhere can I report a company that won't deliver my car?
File a complaint with the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database, and report the company to Scam Watch so others are warned.
Report a companyHow late is too late for a car pickup?
If there's still no carrier assigned several days after your first available date, ask about raising the price, changing dates or cancelling, and check your refund terms.
Can weather delay my car shipment?
Yes. Snow, ice, storms and wildfires can close roads or make loading unsafe. Carriers wait for safe conditions, so allow extra days in winter and hurricane season.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
