How Long Does it Take to Ship a Car?
Typical Shipping Timelines and Factors Affecting Transport
How Long Does it Take to Ship a Car?
Our analysis of car shipping statistics shows that once a vehicle is picked up, it is usually delivered within 1 to 8 days across the country, barring unexpected delays.
Shipping time varies by distance:
- For short distances (a few hundred miles), it can take as little as 1 day.
- For longer distances, like from California to the East Coast, shipping typically takes about 5 to 7 days.
- International shipments often exceed a week.
To estimate your car shipping time, divide the distance by 150. For example:
- A 450-mile shipment takes about 3 days.
- A 600-mile shipment takes about 4 days.
Car Shipping Distances and Estimated Transit Times
Discover typical auto transport pickup times and estimated delivery durations based on mileage, detailed in the table below.
| Distance in miles | Estimated transit time | Average booking to pick-up time | Estimated delivery time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 7 days |
| 500-1000 | 2-3 days | 3-5 days | 8 days |
| 1000-1500 | 3-4 days | 3-5 days | 9 days |
| 1500-2000 | 4-5 days | 3-5 days | 10 days |
| 2000-2500 | 5-7 days | 3-5 days | 12 days |
| 2500-3000 | 6-8 days | 3-5 days | 13 days |
| 3000+ miles | 9-12 days | 3-5 days | 17 days |
Key Factors that Affect the Time it Takes to Ship a Car
Car shipping may take longer than anticipated due to various factors that affect total shipping time.
To get the most accurate answer to “How long does it take to ship a car?” consider these six factors:
Route distance
Longer routes naturally take more time. Expect realistic timelines; shipping a car from New York to California in two days is not feasible.
Pick-up and drop-off locations
Difficult-to-navigate neighborhoods or rural areas can slow down the process, adding time to pick-up and delivery.
Traffic and season
Traffic conditions and weather can affect transit times. Peak seasons (May to September) may result in shorter transit times due to increased transport availability.
Road conditions
Construction, closures, or accidents can lead to unexpected delays. Always account for potential road issues.
Other stops
While carriers may need to make additional stops, most can resolve these issues quickly, leading to only slight delays.
Choice of transport
Open car carriers are typically faster and more available, while enclosed carriers, which make up only about 10% of auto transport, require more time and cost.
Estimated Timetable for Interstate Transport
We ship and transport your car as fast and as carefully as possible. This is our estimated timetable for interstate car transport.
| Distance | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Coast to Coast | 7 - 10 days |
| 3/4 Cross Country | 5 - 7 days |
| 1/2 Cross Country | 3 - 5 days |
| North to South / South to North | 3 - 5 days |
| Interstate and/or the Neighboring States | 1 - 3 days |
| With in the Same State | 1 - 3 days |
18+
Years
of Experience
50 States Coverage Across Country
25,000 + Carriers for Auto Delivery
30,000+ Vehicle Moves a Year
Estimated Vehicle Shipping Times for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands
Alaska
Alaska car transport times vary by route. Shipping a car from Seattle to Anchorage takes 10 to 14 days, while transporting a car between Honolulu and Anchorage takes 18 to 25 days.
Hawaii
Hawaii car transport times vary by port. Shipping to Honolulu (via Long Beach, CA, Seattle, or Oakland) takes 10 to 12 days, while auto transport to Kahului, Hilo, or Nawiliwili takes 17 to 20 days.
US virgin Island
For car shipping to the US Virgin Islands, the estimated transport time between Saint Thomas and either Port Everglades or the Port of Jacksonville (Jaxport) is typically 7 to 10 days.
Puerto Rico
For Puerto Rico car transport, the estimated shipping time between Puerto Rico and the ports of Jacksonville or Philadelphia is typically
7 to 10 days.
Ready to Ship Your Car with AutoStar Transport Express?
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Which is Faster?
Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping is generally faster due to the higher availability of carriers and trucks. Since most car shipping companies operate more open trailers, they can schedule pickups and deliveries more frequently. The increased capacity allows for quicker transport, especially along major routes. However, because vehicles are exposed to the elements, it might not be the best option for luxury or classic cars.
Get an Open Car Transport Quote
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping offers added protection by keeping vehicles shielded from weather and road debris, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or expensive cars. However, fewer carriers offer enclosed trailers, which means scheduling can take longer. While the delivery time might be extended, the priority is on ensuring maximum safety and care for your vehicle during transport.
Get an Enclosed Car Transport Quote
Ready to Ship Your Car with AutoStar Transport Express?
Tips for Shipping Your Car Faster
- Plan Ahead: Book your car transport at least two weeks in advance to secure a suitable carrier and potentially reduce costs. Last-minute bookings may result in delays.
- Use Open Transport: Open transport is cost-effective and quicker to book, saving around $420 compared to enclosed transport. However, it exposes your vehicle to the elements, so choose enclosed transport for valuable cars if protection is a priority.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: Opting for terminal shipping allows carriers to deliver to centralized locations, speeding up the process compared to navigating residential routes.
- Guaranteed Pickup: For tight schedules, choose guaranteed pickup or express transport, with services available within 1-2 business days, though they may come at a higher cost.
Seasonal Impact on Car Shipping Times
High Demand During Peak Seasons: Certain seasons experience a surge in demand for car shipping services. Typically, the peak season for car shipping is from May to September (summer). During this time, many individuals and families relocate, contributing to a higher demand for vehicle transportation services.
Increased Availability in Off-Peak Seasons: Conversely, during off-peak seasons, such as November to March (winter), demand tends to decrease. This often results in increased availability of carriers, potentially leading to shorter transit times. Our car shipping company has more flexibility in scheduling pickups and deliveries during these times.
Weather-Related Challenges: While high demand during peak seasons is significant, weather conditions can also play a role. Winter, with its potential for snowstorms and adverse weather, might lead to longer transit times due to the need for cautious driving and potential delays.
Planning is Key: Understanding the seasonal patterns in the car shipping industry is crucial for customers. Planning ahead and booking in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer, can help ensure that your vehicle is scheduled for transport promptly.
Flexible Options for Different Seasons: Our car shipping company often offers flexible options to accommodate seasonal fluctuations. Whether it’s planning for winter weather challenges or managing increased demand in the summer, our reputable car transport services aim to provide reliable solutions tailored to each season’s unique conditions.
FAQs About How Long to Ship a Car
Does it take the same time to ship a single car or a truck with multiple cars?
How long does it take to ship a car 1,000 miles?
How long does it take to transport a car across the country?
Why does shipping a car take so long?
How long does it take to deliver a car by driving or by shipping?
How much does across-country car shipping cost?
- 1–500 miles: $0.60 – $1.20 per mile
- 501–1,500 miles: $0.40 – $0.80 per mile
- 1,501–2,500 miles: $0.30 – $0.70 per mile