If you’ve ever asked the question do car shipping drivers work at night, the short and simple answer is yes, with some caveats.
Auto transport carriers do not always drive at night. When they drive at night depends upon safety laws, the route taken, and customer needs. Understanding of when nighttime driving usually takes place and of how it happens can help you anticipate any delays your vehicle’s delivery may encounter during the overnight hours.
This article explains what nighttime driving schedules mean for drivers, the effect on your shipment, and actions to help ensure smooth deliveries with a reputable company like Carson Shipping.
Understanding When Drivers Can Drive at Night
Car shipping drivers sometimes drive at night to stay on schedule to avoid heavy traffic to make a long-distance delivery. Under transportation safety regulations, there are restrictions about how long drivers can be on the road.
What federal regulations allow
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hours of service regulations controlling when a commercial driver can operate a vehicle also apply to auto transporters.
Key limits include:
- Maximum of 11 hours of driving per day
- Mandatory 10-hour rest period
- 14-hour work window, including loading and unloading
- Nighttime driving is allowed as long as drivers stay within these limits
Therefore, although car shipping drivers might be on the road during night hours, they are required to follow their HOS schedule.
Why night driving happens
Drivers may choose to drive at night for some reasons.
- Avoiding major city traffic
- Meeting multi-day transport deadlines
- Delivering vehicles early in the morning
- Taking advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures to prevent engine overheating
Safety concerns typically cause drivers to avoid these late-night visits.
Learn How Night Driving Impacts Delivery Timing
Driving during the night also keeps the drivers busy, but that does not necessarily mean the car is delivered at night. The car is delivered during the day, but the truck is driving at night.
Why deliveries rarely happen after dark
Carriers prefer dropping off at daylight:
- Visibility is better for inspecting vehicles
- Residential areas often restrict late-night noise
- Customers may not be available after typical business hours
- Loading/unloading in the dark increases safety risks
Most deliveries occur from 8 AM to 6 PM, though some travel happened at night.
How you benefit
Because the drivers can drive at night, the timeline of your transport may:
- Move faster
- Experience fewer traffic delays
- Provide more accurate delivery estimates
This is especially helpful for long cross-country shipments.
Preparing for a Shipment That May Involve Nighttime Travel
Because night journeys are part of the transport process, you should be ready beforehand to collect your vehicle.
Steps to prepare your vehicle:
- Remove personal items — They can shift during transport, especially during overnight travel.
- Check for leaks and low tire pressure — Night temperatures can impact tire pressure levels.
- Document the vehicle’s condition — Take time-stamped photos for your records.
- Disable alarms — A triggered alarm overnight can be disruptive for the driver.
These simple steps help ensure your vehicle travels safely, whether the journey occurs by day or night.
Communicating with your carrier
Before your pickup date:
- Ask for an estimated transport schedule
- Clarify whether the driver expects to drive overnight
- Request regular tracking updates
When you ship through Carson Shipping, their team provides consistent communication so you always know where your vehicle is — day or night.
Know What Happens if the Driver Must Stop at Night
Just because a driver can legally go out driving at night does not mean they should.
Reasons why drivers may stop instead of driving all night:
- Severe weather conditions
- Fatigue requiring rest per HOS rules
- Traffic restrictions on certain highways after dark
- Scheduled rest periods at truck stops
- Tight residential delivery restrictions
If a driver stops for the night, this is not usually seen as a delay, but part of safe fleet operation.
How to stay informed
A reputable carrier will update you automatically if delays occur due to nighttime stops.
Carson Shipping prides itself on strong communication, ensuring customers never feel left in the dark about their vehicle’s progress.
Plan for Successful Pickup and Delivery (Even with Nighttime Travel)
To make your experience as easy as possible, consider planning your schedule for nighttime driving.
Steps for a smooth pickup:
Stay flexible with timing. Drivers may arrive earlier or later than expected depending on road conditions.
- Use a well-lit area to avoid nighttime loading problems.
- Keep your phone on, as drivers sometimes call with updates as they are driving overnight.
Steps for a smooth delivery:
- Delivery times are often during the day, even if your vehicle was transported during the night.
- Inspect the vehicle closely, daylight is the best condition for spotting any damage.
- If paying upon delivery, have payment ready.
Since we drive at night to get your shipment there on time, the delivery will almost always take place during the day.
How Carson Shipping Helps Make the Process Smooth
Yes, for compliance with FMCSA safety regulations, car haulers occasionally drive at night only if keeping the cargo on schedule requires it, and generally deliver the car only during the daylight hours when it is more visible. Knowing about how night driving on car haulers works can help you know what to expect during your car shipping experience. Carson Shipping updates you in a timely manner, ships safely, and communicates reliably with drivers throughout the auto transport process to guarantee your vehicle arrives on schedule, whether it’s driven during the day or during the night. Visit Carson Shipping to experience hassle-free and smooth car shipping and to estimate for free!
