The best time to book is one to two weeks before the earliest day your car can be collected. That window lets us match your order with a carrier that already runs your route, rather than paying a truck to leave its circuit.
How long does carrier assignment take?
Our working estimate is one to three working days from booking to a carrier accepting your order. That covers the assignment only; the pickup itself happens within the window the carrier confirms once it has accepted.
When shorter notice works
On high-volume corridors such as New York to Florida or the Northeast to California, carriers run regular circuits and short-notice orders are often matched quickly. On routes with less traffic, or to rural addresses, a truck has to be found that is willing to deviate, and that takes longer.
When to book earlier
Southbound snowbird demand peaks in October and November and northbound in April and May, and capacity tightens across the whole corridor. Summer moves and the weeks around major holidays are busy everywhere. In those periods, book as early as your plans allow.
Booking early costs nothing: Rivalane's fee is due only when a carrier accepts your order, and you can cancel at no cost before then.
Related questions
- How does carrier assignment work after I book?
- Is my pickup or delivery date guaranteed?
- Do you ship cars for snowbirds?
Go deeper: The Best Time to Ship Your Car: Seasonal Trends & Cost-Saving Tips.
