How does a “pick-up window” work?
This refers to the time-frame the Auto Carrier uses in the transportation of your vehicle. For example, they could have a 10-day time-frame, meaning they could pick-up your vehicle 5 days prior or 5-days after your pick-up date. Normal pick-up time-frames are contingent upon service level. There are many factors that affect the pick-up and delivery dates. What we can give you is an approximate time-frame. Make sure that the Auto Carrier informs you of the delivery time-frame. It is important that you have a reasonable time-frame and that it fits your auto shipping needs. *Keep in mind that the transportation time-frame of your vehicle varies on several factors: the pick-up and drop-off locations, the dates of the pick-up and drop-off, weather, traffic, maintenance, the drivers routes, etc.
When a transporter says “pick-up window” they are referring to estimated time surrounding your pick up date. It is hard to narrow down a time frame until the day before actual shipment. Why are pick up and delivery times not guaranteed? An exact pick up date and delivery date cannot be guaranteed. It is hard to narrow down a time frame until the day before actual shipment. Delays can be due to weather, Department of Transportation requirements for driver’s hours of service, other “pick up and deliveries”, traffic, maintenance issues and many other factors. If a company informs you that they can pick up or deliver a vehicle on an exact date you could be in for disappointment. Road Warriors will call you 24 hours in advance of both pick up and delivery.
A pickup window refers to the time surrounding your preferred pickup date. For example, some shippers may have a 14 day window – reserving the right to pick up your vehicle between 7 days before and 7 days after your preferred pickup date. Other carriers may have a 1-3 day pickup window. The difference is usually tied directly to price. Beware of lower priced carriers who do not specify their pickup and delivery dates. You may receive a low price, however you may not see your vehicle for weeks.
