You’ve booked a car transport. The price is confirmed, the route is clear, and you’re excited to receive your vehicle.
But then the waiting begins … and sometimes it feels longer than expected.
So why does car transport across Europe take time? And what’s really happening between the moment you book and the moment the car is delivered?
Let’s take a look behind the scenes.
1. Route Planning Isn’t Instant
Unlike a courier van, a car carrier doesn’t drive directly from Point A to Point B. Routes are carefully planned to:
- Combine multiple pickups and drop-offs into one efficient trip.
- Avoid empty runs that drive up costs.
- Meet border, toll, and regulatory requirements.
This scheduling can add a few days before your car is assigned to the right transporter.
2. Transporter Availability
A car carrier can only load a limited number of vehicles – usually 6-10. To maximize efficiency, drivers often wait until the trailer is full (or nearly full) before hitting the road.
This batching system keeps prices competitive but may extend waiting times, especially in less busy regions.
3. CMR Checks and Vehicle Condition.
Before loading, every vehicle must be checked and documented on the CMR (the official transport contract in Europe).
This protects both the client and transporter, but it takes time – especially if multiple cars are being loaded at one location.
4. Cross-Border Logistics
Even within the EU, moving cars across borders can involve:
- Traffic restrictions (e.g., weekend or night bans for heavy trucks in some countries).
- Border checks outside the EU (Switzerland, UK, Norway).
- Local regulations for loading/unloading.
These factors can slow down journeys but ensure compliance and safety.
5. Vehicle-Specific Challenges.
Not all cars load the same way.
- Electric cars require extra care (low clearance, heavy batteries).
- Non-runners need winches or special handling.
- Oversized SUVs or vans reduce the number of vehicles per load.
Each of these adds time to the planning and loading process.
6. Communication and Coordination
Behind the scenes, logistics planners are constantly:
- Matching vehicles to the right driver.
- Coordinating pickup appointments.
- Updating clients when schedules shift due to traffic, weather, or delays.
This communication is what ensures your vehicle still arrives safely and insured.
How Transporting Highway Handles Delays
At Transporting Highway, we work hard to minimize waiting times while keeping prices fair:
- Instant price calculation with no hidden costs.
- Draft orders you can save and confirm only when ready.
- Dedicated logistics planner to keep you updated at every step.
- Fully insured, vetted transporters (coverage up to €1 million).
- Typical delivery: 5-10 working days depending on the route and country.
Final Thoughts
When your car transport feels slow, it’s usually because a lot is happening behind the scenes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and safety.
By understanding the process, you’ll know why the wait is worth it, and how a trusted partner like Transporting Highway makes the process easier.
