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How long does it take to ship a car?

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How long does it take to ship a car?

What is the average time it takes to ship a car?

Local or short distances typically take 1 to 3 days, while cross-country shipping takes 7 to 10 days. However, the average time it takes to ship a car can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance, type of shipping service, and specific circumstances.

DistanceTransit time
Up to 500 miles1-3 days
500-1000 miles2-4 days
1000-1500 miles3-5 days
1500-2000 miles4-6 days
2000-2500 miles5-7 days
2500-3000 miles6-8 days
3000+ miles7-10 days

* Please keep in mind that the prices are for an open car transport carrier and a small-size vehicle, and that both transit times and shipping prices shown are approximate estimates. Actual costs and delivery times may vary based on factors such as seasonal demand, fuel prices, pick-up and delivery locations, transport type, weather conditions, road conditions, carrier availability, etc.

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Factors that affect the time it takes to ship a car

To answer the question “How long does it take to ship a car?” we must explore several factors that can impact the timeframe. Our industry experience highlights the following critical elements:

how long does it take to ship a car factor metro vs provincial or rural

Pick-up and drop-off locations - metro vs. provincial or rural

The preferred locations for pick-up and drop-off influence the time it takes to ship your vehicle. This is because some locations will be more challenging to reach than others. Factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, and demand all play a role.

Shipping from metropolitan areas typically benefits from well-developed road networks, proximity to major highways, and the availability of multiple service providers. Such factors allow for easier and quicker access for transport trucks, facilitating faster transit times. Cities also benefit from extensive and well-maintained infrastructure, allowing for more efficient routing and coordination.

In contrast, shipping from more rural areas presents more challenges. The road infrastructure tends to be more limited, and locations may be far from major highways. This requires additional travel time to reach the primary travel corridors.

The need for more service providers in these areas can lead to longer wait times for pick-up and delivery, further increasing the shipping timeline. Additionally, the lower demand for car shipping in rural areas means that transport companies may operate less frequently, potentially growing wait times.

The demand and frequency of services also play a critical role. In metropolitan areas, demand is typically higher, leading to more frequent trips by transport companies. Conversely, lower demand in rural areas means fewer shipping requests, resulting in less efficient routes and potentially longer travel times.

Weather and seasonal conditions can also affect car shipping times. Urban areas tend to have better-maintained roads and quicker responses to weather disruptions, ensuring smoother operations. They also have more resources to deal with weather-related issues, minimizing delays.

Distance has a part to play

This factor requires little explaining, but it’s still worth mentioning. The longer the distance between the pick-up and delivery, the more time it takes to deliver your vehicle.

Let’s share a few examples to illustrate the point:
  • Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA (2,872 miles) takes 7-9 days
  • New York, NY to Chicago, IL (790 miles) takes 3-5 days
  • Houston, TX, to Miami, FL (1,187 miles) takes 4-6 days
  • Orlando, FL, to Miami, FL (235 miles) takes 1-2 days
how long does it take to ship a car factor distance
how long does it take to ship a vehicle factor seasonality

Time of the year affects availability

The car shipping industry experiences peaks and troughs in demand, which can affect the cost of transporting your car. When demand is high, it increases the price, but on a more positive note, it may shorten transit time.

The peak moving season is late April through to early September, when the highest demand for car shipping services occurs. At this time of year, you can expect your vehicle to be picked up sooner because more trucks travel back and forth across the country.

Demand is much lower from November through to February, and it may take longer to arrange pick-up and delivery. It’s also the time of year when some carriers and drivers take a holiday break to spend time with family, so fewer carriers can accommodate your schedule.

Rain, snow, hail, and other severe weather conditions can alter schedules

Bad weather can sometimes lead to longer shipping times. We’re not talking about light showers here, but more severe conditions such as snow, heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds.

Safety is a priority for the trusted and experienced carriers we work with, which means drivers drive much slower during such weather conditions. In certain circumstances, drivers may have to stop and wait until the weather is more suitable and safer for driving.
how long does it take to ship a vehicle factor weather conditions
how long does it take to transport a car factor road conditions

Road conditions can affect the speed of delivery

If you’re wondering how long does it take to ship a car there is another factor over which shipping companies have little control. Carriers can encounter road construction or unexpected detours anytime during a journey. Scheduled roadworks can lead to lane closures and reduced speed limits, calling for detours and adding travel time.

Advanced notification of such issues can allow transport companies to plan alternative routes, but these routes may be longer. Unexpected road repairs or emergency works cause sudden and unavoidable delays, often with little warning.

Traffic conditions can also impact transport times. In urban areas, high traffic volumes, especially during peak hours, can cause significant delays. Traffic congestion, frequent stops, and complex city street navigation can slow the transport process.

While rural areas typically have less traffic, encountering slow-moving vehicles, such as tractors or wildlife crossings, can still cause delays. Rural roads may also have fewer alternative routes available in case of closures or blockages.

Weather-related issues further complicate the auto transport process. Urban areas are typically better equipped to handle adverse weather conditions, such as snow plows and drainage systems, reducing the impact on transit times. Rapid response to weather-induced road damage helps maintain smoother operations in cities.

In contrast, rural areas may have fewer resources for weather-related road damage, such as flooding, landslides, or ice, leading to longer delays. Seasonal weather can cause significant and prolonged disruptions in rural road networks.

Driver’s hours are set in stone

The US Department of Transport regulates how long truck drivers can be behind the wheel. These Hours of Service (HOS) regulations define daily and weekly limits for driving hours and mandatory rest breaks. They also require drivers to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their on—and off-duty status. The goal is to keep drivers off the road and ensure safety.

Professional drivers are limited to driving up to 11 hours per day. After 70 hours, they must take a break for 34 hours before getting behind the wheel again.
how long does it take to transport a car factor driver hours
how long does it take to get a car shipped factor vehicle type

Vehicle type makes a significant difference

The type of vehicle you want to ship can influence shipping times due to several factors:
  • Size and weight: Larger and heavier vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, may require specialized transport equipment and take longer to load and unload. This can extend overall shipping times compared to smaller, lighter vehicles.
  • Handling requirements: Vehicles that require special handling, such as luxury cars, classic cars, or motorcycles, may need additional precautions and care during transport. This can slow down the process to ensure safe and secure handling.
  • Availability of transporters: Common vehicle types are easier to accommodate and can be shipped more quickly due to the availability of suitable carriers. In contrast, specialized or less common vehicles might need specific carriers, potentially resulting in longer wait times for suitable transport options.
  • Loading and unloading complexity: Vehicles with unique dimensions or modifications might be more challenging to load and unload, requiring additional time and effort. This can delay the shipping process compared to standard vehicles that easily fit into transporters.

Vehicle condition influences the time it takes

The condition of a vehicle significantly influences the time it takes to ship it. Vehicles that are in running condition can be easily driven onto transport carriers, and this straightforward loading and unloading process generally speeds up shipping.

On the other hand, inoperable vehicles can’t be driven and require special equipment, such as winches or forklifts, to load and unload. If there is no forklift to load the vehicle, the pick-up process is slower, and a winch is required. Not every truck has this device, so the number of available truckers is lower, increasing the dispatch time. Inoperable vehicles also block other cars on the trailer, making deliveries cumbersome and slow.

Carriers can ship vehicles in good working and physical condition more quickly. In contrast, inoperable and damaged vehicles require extra handling, preparation, and documentation time, leading to longer shipping times.
how long does it take to get a car shipped factor vehicle condition
how long does it take to transport a car factor transport type

Type of transportation method - open car transport vs. enclosed car shipping

Open car transport is the most common and usually the fastest method. This involves loading vehicles onto an open trailer and transporting multiple cars simultaneously. The high availability of open carriers and the efficiency of loading and unloading vehicles makes this method quicker.

However, since these carriers transport several vehicles, the route may include multiple stops for pick-up and drop-off, which can slightly extend the overall time.

Enclosed car shipping, while offering greater protection for the vehicle, typically takes longer. Fewer enclosed carriers are available, and they often prioritize high-value or classic cars, leading to potential scheduling delays.

The loading process is more meticulous to ensure vehicle safety, adding to the time required. Additionally, enclosed carriers usually transport fewer vehicles at a time, which can mean less frequent trips and more extended waiting periods for a carrier with available space.

We can arrange express or expedited service to minimize transit time. Transit time usually is longer because of multiple stops for pick-up and delivery. If a customer needs their vehicle quickly, hiring a trucker who transports only their vehicle is the fastest option. To do this, the customer must pay for all the spots on the trailer.

Approximate car shipping costs are as follows:
  • For shorter distances (up to 1,000 miles), the cost is about 4 times higher than regular open transport.
  • For longer distances (over 1,000 miles), the cost is about 8 times higher than regular open transport.
Lastly, terminal-to-terminal shipping can be slower than door-to-door auto transport services. With terminal shipping, you must drop your car off and pick it up at designated locations, which can add time depending on the distance to these terminals and their operating hours.
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Customer experiences, in their own words:

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Top tips for speeding up the auto transport process

Book early

1. Book early

Scheduling your transport well in advance allows you to secure a spot with your preferred carrier, avoid last-minute delays, and get better rates.

Book your auto transport around two weeks before the scheduled pick-up date to save time

Verify credentials and insurance

2. Get multiple quotes from reputable companies

Obtain quotes from several reputable transport companies to compare prices and services. This will help you find competitive rates and ensure you choose a reliable provider with a proven track record for timely deliveries. 

Choose the right transport method

3. Choose the right transport method

If you’re looking for the fastest option, choose open car transport. It’s more widely available and typically has quicker turnaround times than enclosed car shipping.

If time is critical, consider expedited shipping or guaranteed pick-up. Although more expensive, these services prioritize your vehicle for faster collection and delivery.

Be flexible with dates

4. Be flexible with dates

Flexibility with pick-up and drop-off dates can help you find a carrier more quickly, as transport companies can accommodate your vehicle on a truck that matches their existing schedule.

Understand seasonal demand

5. Understand seasonal demand 

Be aware of peak seasons, like summer and around holidays, when transport demand is higher. If possible, schedule your shipment during off-peak times to avoid delays. Some of the slowest months for car shipping are during spring and fall.

Select door-to-door auto transport

6. Select door-to-door auto transport

Door-to-door auto transport eliminates the need for drop-offs and pick-ups at terminals, reducing additional time spent in transit.

Prepare your vehicle

7. Prepare your vehicle

Ensure your car is in good working order to avoid complications during loading and unloading. Remove personal items, secure any loose parts, and ensure the fuel tank is at an appropriate level (typically a quarter full).

Provide accurate information

8. Provide accurate information

Give precise details about your vehicle’s condition, size, and any modifications. Accurate information helps the carrier plan better, avoiding delays caused by unexpected issues.

Optimize pick-up and drop-off locations

9. Optimize pick-up and drop-off locations

Choose locations that are easily accessible for transport trucks, such as wide streets or parking lots, to streamline the loading and unloading process.

Stay in communication

10. Stay in communication

Keep in regular contact with your transport company to stay updated on any changes or requirements. Prompt responses to any queries help avoid delays.

Check carrier’s reviews and reliability

11. Check carrier’s reviews and reliability

Select a reputable transport company with good reviews. Reliable carriers are more likely to adhere to schedules and provide timely updates, ensuring a smoother process.

Speak to one of our car shipping experts

12. Speak to one of our car shipping experts

Contact a car shipping expert from our company to discuss your specific needs. The more information we have about your requirements, preferences, and timeline, the better equipped we are to provide you with tailored options.

Our experts can offer personalized advice and guidance, helping you choose the best shipping solution to meet your needs and ensure a smooth and efficient transport process.

WeShipCars has an extensive network of reliable and vetted carriers at our disposal and a commitment to customer satisfaction. You can trust us to deliver your vehicle safely and on time, with a hassle-free experience from the moment you get in touch to the final delivery of your vehicle and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transport a car from one state to another?

Delivery times vary depending on the distance between the pick-up and delivery location.

  • For distances between 0 to 500 miles, expect a 1 to 2 day delivery time.
  • For 500 to 1,000 miles, anticipate a delivery window of 2 to 3 days.
  • For distances spanning 1,000 to 1,500 miles, delivery typically takes 3 to 5 days.
  • For longer distances, such as 1,500 to 2,000 miles, plan for 5 to 6 days.
  • Distances ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 miles generally result in a 6 to 7-day delivery timeframe.
  • Deliveries ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 miles should take 7 to 8 days.
  • For distances exceeding 3,000 miles, delivery may take approximately 10 to 12 days.

How long does it take to get a car shipped from one country to another?

Transit times for international car shipping services typically take 30 to 60 days.

The exact time frame depends on factors such as the distance between ports, the chosen transport method, the frequency of shipping routes, and the time it takes to prepare the vehicle and load it.

How long does it take to ship a car overseas?

The time it takes to ship a car overseas can vary widely depending on several factors, including the distance, the shipping method chosen, the origin and destination ports, and any potential delays such as customs clearance or weather conditions.

  • Container Shipping: It typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks for the vehicle to reach its destination.
  • Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Shipping: The vehicle usually takes 1 to 4 weeks to arrive at the destination port.

Additional factors like customs clearance, weather conditions, and port congestion can also affect the overall shipping time.

How long does it take to ship a vehicle using open car transport?

The timeframe for open car transport varies depending on the distance:

  • For distances between 0 to 500 miles, expect a 1-2 day delivery time.
  • Distances of 500 to 1,000 miles will likely take 2 to 3 days.
  • Distances ranging between 1,000 to 1,500 miles should take approximately 3 to 4 days.
  • Longer distances of 1,500 to 2,000 miles generally take 5 to 6 days to deliver.
  • Deliveries between 2,000 and 2,500 miles should take between 6 and 7 days.
  • Distances of 2,500 to 3,000 miles take 7-8 days on average.
  • Any deliveries exceeding 3,000 miles should take 10-12 days.

How long does it take to transport a car using enclosed car shipping?

For enclosed car shipping, the estimated delivery times are as follows:

  • 0-500 miles: 1-2 days
  • 500-1,000 miles: 2-3 days
  • 1,000-1,500 miles: 3-4 days
  • 1,500-2,000 miles: 5-6 days
  • 2,000-2,500 miles: 6-7 days
  • 2,500-3,000 miles: 7-8 days
  • 3,000+ miles: 10-12 days

How long does it take to ship a car 500 miles?

For a distance of 500 miles, the expected shipping duration is:

  • 1-2 days

How long does it take to ship a vehicle 1,000 miles?

The typical shipping duration for a journey of 1,000 miles is:

  • 2-3 days

How long does it take to transport a new car?

The estimated delivery times for transporting a new car are:

  • 0-500 miles: 1-2 days
  • 500-1,000 miles: 2-3 days
  • 1,000-1,500 miles: 3-4 days
  • 1,500-2,000 miles: 5-6 days
  • 2,000-2,500 miles: 6-7 days
  • 2,500-3,000 miles: 7-8 days
  • 3,000+ miles: 10-12 days

Why sometimes it may take a long time to ship a car?

A car’s shipping time is affected by several factors:

  • Distance
  • Weather conditions
  • Road conditions
  • Carrier availability
  • Vehicle preparation

If your car takes longer than expected to ship, poor driving conditions, longer distances, or lower driver ability are likely causes.

How long does it take for an auto shipping company to pick up my car?

The time it takes to pick up your car depends on the location.

Can I be specific about the dates for my car shipping?

Yes, you can often specify desired dates for your car shipping.

The degree of flexibility can vary depending on factors such as the shipping company, the chosen shipping method, and the availability of transport carriers. Planning and allowing for some flexibility in your schedule can help mitigate potential delays and ensure a smoother shipping experience.

How far in advance should I book my car transport?

Booking your car transport well in advance is advisable to ensure smoother logistics and secure your preferred dates.

We recommend you book at least two weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons or busy periods. This lead time allows us to allocate a reputable and vetted carrier and schedule your shipment accordingly.

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