The holiday seasons carry their own set of challenges when it comes to car transport. It is the peak requirement for car transport during the dates surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Carrier availability becomes more difficult as the date in December draws near. However, one of the customers did everything correct. They booked their 2019 BMW 440i car transportation on November 16th. The pickup date was scheduled for December 1st in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The final destination was Fremont, California.
Why This BMW Shipment Stands Out
Here is what typically happens when someone books a cross-country car transport.
This owner of a BMW knew how the process went. They knew December was a busy month for auto transporters; more people are moving during the holidays than at any other time of the year.The smart move was booking on November 16th. We had ample time to find the right carrier for them. We were able to match them with a reliable driver who knew the route. The carrier was assigned on November 25th, which was only six days prior to the pickup. Everything worked just right.
The Route from Hershey to Fremont
This journey from Pennsylvania to California is approximately 2,800 miles. It stretches directly across the country. Typically, one travels via Interstate 80 West from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Next, it continues via Indiana and Illinois.
The Midwest part can be challenging during December. Snow and ice are also things to worry about, especially in states such as Nebraska, Wyoming, and others. Delays are more likely during this period. Our carrier, however, knew what they could expect. They looked at the weather predictions prior to leaving on their journey. The BMW 440i was collected on time on December 1st.
What Makes the BMW 440i Special for Transport
The 2019 BMW 440i car model is not just any car model. This car model is considered to be a luxury sports car that requires careful handling.
The car model has low ground clearance, which means that it requires extra care.
Regular car carriers are good for this version. The weight of the 440i is approximately 3,700 pounds. This is about right for typical auto carrier trailers.
The value matters too. A functioning vehicle with this model year and make could cost between $30,000 and $40,000 in respectable condition. Buyers want to be confident that their automobile is protected.
We suggested closed transportation in this case. Open transportation was chosen instead by the client. Sometimes, customers choose the cheaper form. Open transport was working quite well here. BMW car delivery was without problems. The carrier secured it well on its trailer.
The Nine-Day Journey Across USA
Most cross-country car shipments are done in 7-10 days. This BMW shipment was right on target. It was picked up on December 1st. It was delivered on December 10th.
This is nine days from Pennsylvania to California. The driver averaged about 300 miles per day. Federal regulations restrict the number of hours that truck drivers work each day.
The carriers cannot just drive straightforwardly. They require stopping for a nap and for fuel. Inclement weather is also factors for them.
December means shorter days and less daylight. Drivers like to commute during the day when the weather is clearer. No one wants to drive through the mountains during the darkness of night.
The I-80 route passes through some rough terrain. There are Sierra Nevada mountains near California that have to be navigated with care. Sometimes, the passes are closed due to snowfall during the winters. This consignment did not encounter severe weather conditions. The transporter planned everything properly. They checked the weather reports and adjusted their schedule accordingly.
Why Advance Booking Matters During Holidays
Everybody suddenly needs their car moved next week. The challenge is the availability of carriers. The better drivers are all booked in advance. The ones who know the routes sign up their carrier time slots quickly.
Last-minute bookings incur extra charges. Airlines charge high rates for rapid transportation. They involve themselves in extra stress and route planning.
This customer didn’t have to go through all that trouble. Booking on November 16th gave us ample options. This customer was able to get a good carrier within normal rates. The carrier assignment occurred on November 25th. It was still a week prior to the pickup. Everything was in order because no one was in a hurry.
What Made This Shipment Successful
There was perfect coordination of factors in this scenario. The advance booking was to our favor. The customer picked the right date to get the truck.
The route from Pennsylvania to California is popular. Providers offer services along this route frequently. This is because the demand is high.
The BMW 440i itself is not particularly tricky to transport. It is a normal size coupe. There were no special permits or equipment required by the carrier.
Communication was an important aspect too. The customer was involved throughout the process. The customer reacted promptly whenever we needed information. The carrier was keeping us informed along the way. We were aware of the exact whereabouts of the BMW. The customer was getting updates on the status.
Real-World Timing for Cross-Country Transport
People are often interested in the time it takes to ship something. The honest answer to this question depends on many factors, with distances being the most important.
Weather creates the biggest variable. A clear December week means faster transport, while snow and ice can add days onto the schedule.
In all, this shipment took nine days. That is actually very good for cross-country transport in the beginning of the winter. Some shipments during winter can take up to 12 to 14 days. The key is managing expectations. We set a timeline of 7-10 days with the customer, and that is what it took to deliver.
Transport Summary
Vehicle: 2019 BMW 440i
Route: Hershey, PA 17033 to Fremont, CA 94538
Distance: 2,800 miles (cross-country)
Primary Routes: I-80 W through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Sierra Nevada mountains
Service: Open-air multi-car carrier
Cost: $1512.00 ($0.54 per mile)
Transit Time: 9 days (December 1 pickup – December 10 delivery)
Season: Autumn-Winter
