If you need your car shipped quickly, for some reason like a recent move to another state, an unexpected car purchase, an upcoming deployment, or a college move-in date, standard car shipping may not work. You may want to consider priority car shipping options instead. Priority shipping is a faster option where the carriers pick up your car in less time and their waiting time is minimal, allowing faster delivery.
Automobile Shipping understands that a lot of our customers require priority shipping, or expedited services. This article details how these priority slots and services are allocated, and the factors that affect this allocation. We will also explore how you can obtain the fastest possible transport for your vehicle.
What Are Priority Car Shipping Slots?
Priority car shipping refers to reserved vehicle transport space, with preferences given to these reservations over regular bookings. Priority shipping offers:
- Faster pickup dates
- Higher carrier match rate
- Better placement in the scheduling queue
- Increased likelihood of same-week or next-day pickup
- Reduced wait time during peak seasons
Priority transport is suited for customers with tight timelines and the need for immediate vehicle delivery.
Why Priority Car Shipping Is Sometimes Necessary
The default mode of transport may take 1-7 days to assign a carrier, but priority shipping increases the speed, which is helpful for companies needing transport for:
You’re Relocating Quickly
Last minute job moves or unexpected life changes may require urgent vehicle transport.
You Purchased a Vehicle Online
In an auction or dealership scenario, prompt pickup may avoid storage fees.
You Have a Military Deployment
With deadlines, priority transport is a viable option.
College Students Need Advance Planning
School schedules are tight and delivery must be quick.
You’re Shipping During Peak Seasons
Priority spots can be priceless during the summer, holidays, or snowbird months.
Knowing when and how to use priority allows for planning.
How to Get Priority Car Shipping Slots: Proven Strategies
Priority shipping is dependent on timing, flexibility, preparation, and communication. The following steps will help you schedule your priority shipment as quickly as possible.
Book Early—Even for Priority Transport
Perhaps because priority shipping is instantaneous to so many people, booking ahead of time pays off.
Why Early Booking Helps:
- Ensures more carriers are available
- Gives dispatch teams more time to assign a truck
- Secures your preferred pickup window
- Avoids last-minute surcharges
Priority slots can be purchased for lower prices by booking 1-2 weeks in advance.
Be Flexible with Pickup Times and Location
Flexibility remains a powerful tool for priority placement.
You’re more likely to secure a priority slot if:
- You allow a 1–2 day pickup window
- You can meet the carrier at a nearby city instead of a rural area
- You’re available early morning or late afternoon
- You consider alternative drop-off points
Carriers prefer loads that fit easily into their route, and with flexibility, you can match faster.
Choose Popular Transport Routes
Routes with high traffic have more carriers available.
Major examples include:
- East Coast to Florida
- California to Texas
- New York to Chicago
- Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Florida to the Midwest
If you live in a remote area, meet your carrier in a larger city area where availability is greater.
Use Enclosed Transport for High-Value or Urgent Moves
Short-notice availability is greater for enclosed carriers, which typically have smaller fleets with less long-distance travel.
Benefits:
- Higher chance of same-day or next-day pickup
- Premium service level
- Reduced risk during fast transport
For luxury, vintage, or exotic cars, enclosed transport offers security and speed of transit.
Increase Your Carrier Offer Rate During Peak Times
Carriers prefer lucrative loads, particularly during peak demand times.
Increasing your carrier pay:
- Moves your shipment to the top of the dispatch list
- Ensures faster acceptance of your load
- Can secure a truck within hours instead of days
This is one of the most successful ways of obtaining priority slots.
Avoid the Slowest Shipping Days
Certain days see fewer trucks on the road.
Avoid:
- Major holidays
- Sunday pickups
- The final week of December
- Bad weather weeks
- Peak summer weekends
Reservations midweek often lead to faster scheduling.
Work with a Reputable Company That Offers True Priority Service
Some auto shipping companies do not actually have priority scheduling, but rather simply “rush” your order.
At Automobile Shipping, our priority service includes:
- Same-day carrier matching when available
- Direct communication with dispatch and drivers
- Route optimization for faster pickup
- Guaranteed scheduling windows
- Expedited enclosed and open options
Choosing the right partner makes a noticeable difference.
What Affects Priority Shipping Availability?
Priority availability depends on the following factors:
Seasonal Demand
Priority slots fill quickly during:
- June–August (summer moves)
- October–January (snowbird season)
- Holiday periods
Vehicle Size
Oversized SUVs, lifted trucks and commercial vehicles may take longer and require additional equipment.
Distance and Route Type
Shorter, more popular routes have a preferred slot.
Weather Conditions
- Storms, blizzards, or hurricanes can temporarily reduce available power.
- Understanding these factors helps you plan strategically.
Why Choose Automobile Shipping for Priority Transport?
If you need guaranteed fast pickup, you need a transport company with the experience and the network to handle your transport project nationwide. At Automobile Shipping we offer real priority scheduling. It’s not just faster paperwork, it’s true expedited transportation.
Our Priority Transport Advantages:
- Fastest pickup options nationwide
- Same-day driver assignment (when available)
- Dedicated customer support
- Licensed and insured professional carriers
- Open and enclosed expedited shipping
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Flexible delivery options
We help customers to ship on time without jeopardizing safety or quality.
Final Thoughts: Get Priority Car Shipping Slots with Confidence
Priority car shipping slots are for the fastest possible transportation. By planning ahead, being flexible, upgrading your transportation, and working with a good company, you can make shipping your car a fast, simple process.
With guaranteed priority booking, customers can count on us at Automobile Shipping, no matter how busy the peak shipping season. Shipping can be fast, whether moving, buying, or simply needing urgent transport.
To obtain a fast-track car shipping quote, visit Automobile-Shipping.com today and make sure your slot is reserved!
