How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle online, or heading out for college, you’ve probably asked yourself: how long does it take to ship a car? It’s one of the first things people want to know—and for good reason. You’ve got logistics to plan and maybe a life waiting on the other end.

Each year, around 3 million Americans move across state lines, and many of them trust auto shipping to get their vehicles from point A to point B. In this guide, we’re breaking down how long to ship a car really takes, what slows things down, and how to get things moving fast with quick transport.

What’s the Average Timeline? Let’s Break It Down

If you’re wondering how long does shipping a car take, here’s a general idea based on mileage:

0–200 miles: 1–2 days
200–600 miles: 2–3 days
600–1,000 miles: 3–5 days
1,000–1,500 miles: 4–6 days
1,500–2,000 miles: 5–7 days
2,000+ miles: 7–9 days

These aren’t guarantees, but they’ll help you plan. So if you’re trying to figure out how long car shipping takes, it really depends on the distance and the details.

What Impacts How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car?

A few key factors shape your delivery window:

Distance: More miles = more time. Obvious, but true.
Route Popularity: Metro-to-metro is faster. Rural? Add a day or two.
Transport Type: Open carriers move faster than enclosed ones used in luxury vehicle shipping.
Weather and Season: Think holidays, snowstorms, and hurricane zones.
Carrier Availability: Fewer trucks in your area? Expect delays.
Vehicle Condition: If your car doesn’t run, it takes more time to load and transport.

Transport Type Matters More Than You Think

Wondering how long does it take to ship a car in an open vs. enclosed carrier?

Open Auto Transport

Fastest and most common
More trucks, quicker pickups
Great for everyday vehicles

Enclosed Auto Transport

Ideal for classic or high-end cars
Limited carriers
It can take longer to schedule

If speed matters most, open transport and quick auto transport options are your go-to.

Regional vs. Cross-Country Delivery: What’s the Difference?

If you’re trying to gauge how long to ship car locally versus coast-to-coast, here’s a quick chart:

Trip Type	Typical Timeframe	What to Know
In-State	1–2 days	Fastest turnaround
Regional (500–800 mi)	2–4 days	Popular for job/college moves
Coast-to-Coast	7–9 days	Plan ahead for longer lead times

Using carriers like Crossroads Auto Transport can help reduce wait time thanks to optimized routes and more consistent availability.

Need it Faster? Expedited Shipping Can Help

For anyone needing immediate service, quick auto transport is an option worth considering.

Benefits of Expedited Shipping:

Pickup within 1–2 days
Faster loading priority
Ideal for tight timelines or last-minute plans

Just note—it costs more. But if how long does car shipping take is giving you stress, the added speed may be worth every penny.

Shipping Internationally? Here’s What to Expect

If your vehicle is heading overseas, you’ll need to factor in:

Prep & Booking: 5–7 days
Ocean Transit: 10–30 days
Customs & Final Delivery: 5–10 days

So how long does it take to ship a vehicle internationally? Plan for 3 to 6 weeks total.

Be sure to go with the best car shipping company for global moves—they know how to handle the paperwork and delays.

Tips to Move It Along Faster

Still wondering how long does it take to ship a car? Here’s how to shave time off the process:

Book in advance to lock in dates
Be flexible with pickup and delivery spots
Choose open over enclosed carriers
Clean out your car and prep it for transport
Stay in communication with your carrier

Each of these steps helps your shipper stay on schedule.

High-Season Shipping: Expect Delays

During summer months and holiday seasons, how long does it take to ship a car often stretches out. Here’s when to expect slower turnarounds:

May–September: High demand, fewer trucks
December holidays: Limited service
Storm seasons: Mother Nature doesn’t care about your schedule

Best move? Book early and ask for status updates.

How Your Career Impacts the Clock

A lot depends on who you choose. Companies with national reach often have more trucks and better routing. That translates into fewer delays and more accurate timelines.

Choosing a reputable provider also gives you peace of mind, especially when you’re juggling a move, job change, or big purchase.

What to Expect During Each Stage of the Car Shipping Process

If you’re asking yourself how long does it take to ship a car, it’s worth knowing that the answer depends on more than just the number of miles. The full process, from booking to final drop-off, includes several key stages, and each one affects your overall timeline.

1. Booking and Scheduling (1–5 days)

After you lock in a shipping quote and confirm the order, the countdown begins. It can take a few days for the company to assign a driver, especially if you’re not near a major hub. The more flexible you are with dates, the faster this step tends to move.

2. Pickup Window (1–3 days)

Carriers typically operate within a flexible window when it comes to pickup. If you’re close to a common route or shipping terminal, pickup can happen fast. For door-to-door delivery, factor in extra time to coordinate schedules.

3. Transit Time (1–9 days)

This is the heart of the trip. Short distances (say, under 500 miles) may only take a day or two, while coast-to-coast trips often stretch to 7–9 days. So when folks ask how long car shipping takes, this is the stage they’re most focused on, and understandably so.

4. Delivery and Drop-Off (Same day to 2 days)

Final delivery is usually smooth, though sometimes carriers will ask to meet nearby if your neighborhood has tight turns or low-clearance trees. It’s rare, but still something to consider.

Altogether, from quote to delivery, how long does it take to ship a car, usually landing somewhere between 5 and 14 days.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to ship a car? The honest answer: it depends. But now you know the key variables and how to plan ahead. Whether you’re shipping a standard vehicle or need vehicle shipping, choosing the right company can make all the difference.

Specialty Hauling Svcs. offers reliable, efficient service you can trust. From short hauls to cross-country routes, we’re committed to getting your car there safely and on schedule.

Want a stress-free experience from pickup to delivery? Whether you’re moving across town or the country, we’ll get your vehicle there on time and in one piece.Email: [email protected]
Call: 912-803-8356

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