Most car shipments in the U.S. take three to 10 days, depending on distance, pickup location, and carrier type. Shorter routes can take less than a week, while cross-country deliveries may take up to three. Weather, demand, and scheduling also play a big role in how long it takes your car to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Car shipping companies typically provide a pickup window of three to five days before transport begins, and total delivery time varies based on the carrier’s route and scheduling
- Average shipping times range from three to seven days for under 500 miles, five to 10 days for 500–1,500 miles, and seven to 21 days for cross-country deliveries
- Overseas car shipments can take 30–60 days, depending on the shipping method and destination country
- You can speed up car shipping by booking early, choosing open transport, being flexible with delivery locations, or requesting expedited service
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Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our proprietary rating system, we evaluate more than 2,400 car shipping companies across the U.S. based on pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. Our editorial team also verifies all content for accuracy and ensures that every recommendation we make is backed by verified consumer feedback and industry research.
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What Car Shipping Timelines Look Like
Car shipping typically starts a few days after you book. Most carriers provide a pickup window of three to five days from your reservation date. Transit time then depends on distance.
| Route | Estimated Distance | Pickup Time | Transport Time | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh — NYC | 375 miles | 1–3 days | 1–4 days | 2–7 days |
| Boston — Detroit | 700 miles | 1–3 days | 1–6 days | 2–9 days |
| Lincoln, NE — Houston | 850 miles | 1–3 days | 2–7 days | 3–10 days |
| Vero Beach, FL — Fort Wayne, IN | 1,200 miles | 3–5 days | 2–8 days | 5–13 days |
| Cincinnati — Phoenix | 1,800 miles | 3–5 days | 3–11 days | 6–16 days |
| Buffalo, NY — Fresno, CA | 2,650 miles | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
What Affects Car Shipping Times?
- Distance: The farther the route, the longer it takes to deliver your vehicle
- Pickup and drop-off locations: Deliveries to rural or remote areas can take longer than major metro routes
- Transport type: Enclosed carriers move fewer cars and are less available than open carriers, which adds time
- Seasonal demand: Summer months and holidays tend to have longer lead times due to high booking volume
- Weather and traffic: Severe weather or road closures can delay shipments by a few days
- Carrier availability: Door-to-door and enclosed services take longer to schedule since fewer trucks offer these options
How Car Shipping Works
A lot goes on behind the scenes to get your vehicle from point A to point B. Here’s a step-by-step look at how the car shipping process works so you’ll know exactly what to expect:
- Request a quote. Contact at least three top car shippers to compare pricing and services. Most companies offer instant online quotes where you’ll provide your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, transport method (open or enclosed carrier), and preferred shipping date. Check out our guide on how to get car transport quotes quickly and easily.
- Schedule your pickup. Once you accept a quote, you’ll schedule a pickup date. Some carriers offer guaranteed pickup for an extra fee, while most provide a three- to five-day pickup window. You may need to pay a deposit at this point to reserve your spot.
- Prepare your vehicle. Before pickup, wash your car, take photos of its condition, and remove personal items. Keep the gas tank about one-quarter full and make sure the vehicle is ready for inspection.
- Meet your driver for pickup. The carrier will arrive at your home or a nearby terminal on the scheduled day. Together, you’ll inspect the car and note its condition on the Bill of Lading before loading it onto the truck.
- Track your shipment. While your car is in transit, you can often track progress via GPS or carrier updates. Delivery usually takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on distance and route.
- Receive and inspect your car. When your vehicle arrives, inspect it for any damage and compare it to the Bill of Lading before signing off. If you notice any issues, document them immediately and contact the carrier to file a claim.
- Pay your remaining balance. Most car shippers require payment in full upon delivery, typically by credit card, check, or certified funds.
How To Ship Your Car Faster
- Choose open transport. It’s faster and more affordable than enclosed transport since more trucks run open routes.
- Ask about expedited shipping. Some companies offer rush pickup within 24–48 hours for an extra fee.
- Be flexible with locations. Terminal-to-terminal service is often faster than door-to-door delivery.
- Book early. Booking two to four weeks in advance ensures you get your preferred pickup window.
- Avoid summer shipping. Shipping during the off-season (October-April) helps avoid long wait times from high demand.
Which Car Shipper Should You Choose?
Working with a reputable car shipping company can help you get faster and more reliable delivery. Our top recommendation is Nexus Auto Transport for their pricing, availability, and large carrier network covering all 50 states. They offer both open and enclosed transport for all vehicle types.
Sherpa Auto Transport is best for guaranteed pricing thanks to their Price Lock Promise, while Montway Auto Transport is ideal for long-distance shipments and strong customer satisfaction ratings.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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FAQ
Why does it take several days for my car to be picked up?
Car shipping companies work with carrier networks that plan routes based on vehicle volume and location. It usually takes 3–5 days after booking to match your vehicle with an available carrier heading in your direction.
Pickup can be delayed if you’re in a remote area or shipping during a busy season, so scheduling early can help secure faster pickup dates.
Do weekends or holidays affect car shipping schedules?
Yes, most auto transport carriers don’t operate on weekends or major holidays. This can extend your total delivery time by a few days if your shipment overlaps those dates.
When booking, try to plan your pickup and delivery windows around weekdays to avoid downtime from carrier closures.
Can traffic or road closures delay my car shipment?
Heavy traffic, construction, and road closures can all slow down delivery, especially on long-distance routes. Drivers sometimes have to take alternate paths, which can add several hours or even a day to your estimated arrival time.
Good carriers monitor routes in real time and adjust plans quickly, but you should still expect minor delays if your shipment passes through major metro areas.
How does carrier type impact shipping time?
Open carriers run more frequent routes and can fit up to 10 cars per trip, so they usually ship faster. Enclosed carriers protect vehicles from the elements but carry fewer cars and have less availability.
If speed matters more than protection, open transport will almost always get your car delivered sooner.
Does the time of year really make a difference for shipping speed?
Absolutely. Summer is peak moving season (May-September), which means higher demand and slower pickup times. Winter can also cause delays because of snow, ice, or fewer active carriers.
Spring and fall are considered the “sweet spots” for car shipping, offering the best balance between pricing and faster turnaround times.
Can I make my car arrive faster after it’s picked up?
Once your car is on the truck, your timeline mostly depends on the driver’s route. However, you can shorten total delivery time by choosing terminal delivery instead of door-to-door, since terminals are often more accessible for carriers.
Choosing a shipper that runs frequent cross-country routes or booking expedited service can also cut your total time by several days.
Do larger vehicles take longer to ship?
Yes, larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or vans can take longer to ship because they require more space on a carrier. Carriers must balance weight and capacity limits, which can delay pickup until they find a trailer that fits your vehicle safely.
Booking early and noting your vehicle’s exact dimensions when requesting a quote can help ensure your shipper matches you with an appropriate carrier more quickly.
