diff --git a/scenes/ai/hauling_provider.gd b/scenes/ai/hauling_provider.gd
index e8b6d4a..422b27c 100644
--- a/scenes/ai/hauling_provider.gd
+++ b/scenes/ai/hauling_provider.gd
@@ -35,9 +35,14 @@ var _last_orphan_tick: int = -1
 
 func _init() -> void:
 	category = &"haul"
-	# Priority 3 — below chop (5) and mine (4); above rest (1).
-	# Adjusted once the full 9-category matrix is authored in Phase 17.
-	priority = 3
+	# Priority 5 — same tier as Plant and Chop. At priority 3 (the original
+	# Phase-6 placeholder) pawns were eclipsed by every gathering provider
+	# and crafting output piled up at the workbench tile forever, never
+	# reaching player-painted storage. Player playtest 2026-05-16: "where is
+	# all the bread going?". Memory.md flags the 9-category matrix as
+	# Phase-20 tuning territory; this is an interim bump that keeps the loop
+	# visible.
+	priority = 5
 	# Reset haul_rejected items whenever stockpile layout changes so a newly-
 	# painted stockpile or filter edit unblocks previously-rejected items.
 	EventBus.stockpile_layout_changed.connect(_on_stockpile_layout_changed)