Understanding Weekly Car Shipping Trends
If you’ve ever thought about shipping your car, you might’ve noticed something weird: not all days feel the same. Mondays? Total chaos. Fridays? Weirdly chill. And honestly, it’s not just random. The car shipping world has its own rhythm, and if you catch the beat, you can actually save yourself some serious cash—and a whole lot of headaches.
You know what’s wild? Car shipping companies are kinda like busy diners. Early in the week, everyone’s piling in with orders, but by the weekend, the kitchen’s slowing down. So, if you’re planning to hand over your ride to a transporter, it really matters which day you pick.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s break down why Mondays are madness—and what you can do about it.
Why Auto Transport Companies Struggle on Mondays
Let me paint you a picture: It’s Monday morning. Dispatchers are dragging themselves to their desks, coffee in hand, only to find a fat stack of shipping requests waiting for them. Weekend bookings, last-minute requests, and holdover orders from Friday—boom, all crashing in at once.
It’s not just human laziness, though (even if Mondays are universally hated). A lot of dealerships, auctions, and even private sellers hold off on finalizing deals until the end of the weekend. So, Monday becomes the de facto “get it moving” day. Plus, many transporters plan their routes weekly, meaning Mondays are the big reorganization day.
Result? Dispatchers scramble. Drivers get flooded with assignments. Slots fill up faster than a free Chick-fil-A giveaway. And if your car isn’t already booked by the time they open their laptops, you’re just another ticket in a very long line.
Kinda brutal, right?
Impact of Monday Spikes on Car Shipping Cost
Here’s the thing: Supply and demand isn’t just some boring economic theory you learned in school—it’s alive and kicking in the auto transport world.
When there’s a flood of requests on Monday, companies know they can be picky. Drivers choose the highest-paying jobs first (and who could blame them?), which pushes prices up for everyone else. If you’re booking on Monday, you’re not just fighting for attention—you’re probably paying for it too.
It’s a little like trying to get an Uber at 2 AM on New Year’s Eve. Good luck getting a ride without surge pricing.
And that price jump? It can be sneaky. You might see $100-$300 higher quotes on Monday compared to slower days like Thursday. And yeah, it stings—especially when you realize you could’ve spent that cash on gas, snacks, or, you know, anything more fun than shipping fees.
Data Snapshot: Monday vs. Friday Shipping Rates
Want some real numbers to chew on? Here’s a quick snapshot based on industry data from major auto transport brokers:
| Day | Average Open Carrier Quote | Average Enclosed Carrier Quote |
| Monday | $950 | $1450 |
| Wednesday | $870 | $1375 |
| Friday | $830 | $1340 |
Crazy, right? That’s almost a $120 difference just by waiting a few days.
It’s not a perfect science—weather, route popularity, and even gas prices can mess with the numbers—but on average, Monday is hands-down the most expensive day to ship.
Should You Avoid Booking Car Transport on a Monday?
Short answer? If you can, absolutely.
But hey, life isn’t always that neat. Maybe you’re starting a new job in another state on a tight timeline. Maybe the dealership’s breathing down your neck. Sometimes, Monday is the only choice.
If that’s you, don’t panic. There are still ways to soften the blow (we’ll get to those booking hacks soon). Just know that if you can afford to be flexible—even by 48 hours—you could save a nice chunk of change.
Think of it like flying: you could pay top dollar for a last-minute Monday morning flight, or you could chill, book a Wednesday red-eye, and use the savings for a steak dinner when you land. Your move.
When to Ship Your Car for Maximum Savings
Here’s the golden window according to the folks who’ve been in the trenches: midweek is your best bet. Specifically, Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
Why? A few reasons:
- The Monday rush has been sorted out.
- Drivers have their weekly routes planned but still have open slots.
- Demand is lower, so negotiation power shifts a little back to you.
Some transport pros even recommend booking your pickup to happen between Wednesday and Thursday if you’re hunting for bargain rates. It’s like hitting happy hour, but for car shipping.
One little bonus tip? Avoid booking on holidays or immediately after long weekends. Think Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July. Everyone’s trying to move cars around then, and prices shoot through the roof.
Booking Tips: How to Outsmart the Monday Rush
Alright, let’s get tactical. If you’re stuck shipping around Monday—or just want the best deal no matter what—here’s your survival guide:
1. Book Early—Really Early.
Aim to lock in your shipping at least 7-10 days before your desired pickup. Early birds get the worm… and the lower price.
2. Be Flexible on Pickup Windows.
The more wiggle room you give, the better deal you’ll snag. “I need my car picked up at 9 AM sharp on Monday” = $$$. “Anytime Monday through Wednesday” = driver flexibility, lower cost.
3. Consider Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping.
It’s less convenient, but dropping off and picking up at designated terminals can shave serious bucks off your bill.
4. Watch Seasonal Trends.
Shipping a car in winter? Rates drop. Summer? Total madhouse. If you’re planning months ahead, time it smart.
5. Vet Your Broker.
A good shipping broker (like AmeriFreight or Montway Auto Transport) can work magic finding hidden deals—even if you’re stuck moving on a Monday.
And seriously, if a quote looks too good to be true (like $300 cheaper than everyone else)? It probably is. In car shipping, if you go bargain-bin hunting, you often get what you pay for… or you don’t get your car moved at all.
Conclusion: Timing Is Everything in Car Shipping
You know, shipping a car feels deceptively simple—kinda like ordering pizza. Pick a company, make a call, done, right? But once you peel back the curtain, timing becomes everything.
Mondays bring madness. They spike prices, create scheduling nightmares, and basically turn a simple move into a chess match. But you’re smarter now. You know the game.
If you can, book midweek. Stay flexible. Lock things in early. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll avoid paying that painful Monday premium.
At the end of the day (okay, by the end of the week), it’s not just about moving your car—it’s about moving smart.
So, next time you’re planning a move or snagging that sweet ride from across the country, remember: your wallet will thank you for waiting until Wednesday.
Need help finding the right transporter?
A few legit companies young guys trust for reliable, affordable shipping are Ship a Car Direct, Sherpa Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight. Might be worth checking them out if you want to save yourself some gray hairs.
