Auto transport
Kansas City, MO

✔ Distance traveled: The distance between locations is the main factor that determines delivery time. Here are a few examples to help you estimate:

• Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL (510 miles) takes 2–3 days
• Kansas City, MO to Houston, TX (680 miles) takes 2–3 days
• Kansas City, MO to Orlando, FL (960 miles) takes 2–3 days
• Kansas City, MO to New York City, NY (1300 miles) takes 3–5 days
• Kansas City, MO to Los Angeles, CA (1780 miles) takes 4–6 days

These are typical transit ranges, though exact timing may vary depending on carrier schedules, weather conditions, and seasonal demand.

✔ Vehicle type: Compact vehicles such as sedans and hatchbacks are easier to load and more readily accommodated on most trailers. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, and vans, occupy more space, which can extend scheduling times. Modified or oversized vehicles may require special permits and equipment, resulting in additional time before they can be shipped.

✔ Pick-up and drop-off locations: Delivery speed often depends on accessibility. Car shipping to and from Kansas City, MO, is typically faster when both locations are near major highways or larger cities. Transporting vehicles to or from smaller towns or rural areas can take longer, as carriers must coordinate additional stops or route adjustments.

✔ Type of transport: There are two primary options for auto transport to and from Kansas City, Missouri: open transport and enclosed transport.

Open car transport is the most common and cost-effective option. These carriers haul multiple vehicles simultaneously, making them widely available and facilitating faster scheduling. However, cars remain exposed to weather and road debris.

Enclosed auto transport offers maximum protection, keeping vehicles shielded from the elements in a covered trailer. Because these carriers move fewer vehicles, scheduling can take longer, and rates are typically 40–60% higher than open transport.

✔ Level of service: Your service selection affects delivery time.

Standard car transport typically includes pick-up within several days of booking, with delivery depending on distance and route. Expedited auto transport prioritizes your vehicle for faster pick-up—usually within 1–2 days—and quicker loading and unloading for an added premium.

Guaranteed pick-up (GPU) is another option for time-sensitive shipments. You choose a specific 24-hour pick-up window, and the carrier guarantees collection within that timeframe. This premium service usually costs about one-third more than standard transport.

✔ Time of year: Demand for Kansas City auto transport changes with the seasons. Between late April and early September, shipping volumes rise, and carriers are highly active on major routes, which often speeds up pick-up times. From November to February, demand typically decreases, and winter weather may lead to slower scheduling or longer delivery times.

✔ Weather: Midwestern weather can significantly impact Kansas City, MO, car shipping. Winter brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can delay routes on interstates like I-70 and I-35. Spring and summer thunderstorms may also slow progress. Reliable car shipping companies plan around adverse conditions, but it's smart to allow extra time during harsh weather periods.

✔ Road conditions and traffic: Traffic congestion and construction zones can cause delays in routes in or around Kansas City and other major metropolitan areas. While carriers plan detours when needed, alternate routes can sometimes increase travel time.

✔ Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles require winches or specialized loading tools, which aren't available on all carriers. As a result, scheduling may take longer when arranging transport for a non-running car.

✔ Driver regulations: Federal law limits the amount of time drivers can be on the road. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Hours of Service regulations, truckers must take mandatory rest periods and observe daily and weekly driving caps. These rules ensure safety but can also add time to overall delivery schedules.