How Long It Takes to Ship a Car: A Simple Guide

How Long It Takes to Ship a Car: A Simple Guide

If you’re thinking about shipping a car, you might be wondering, “How Long It Takes to Ship a Car?” Knowing the answer helps you plan better and gives you peace of mind. Shipping times can change depending on several things, like the distance your car needs to go, the type of service you choose, and even the weather.

In this guide, we’ll explain how long it takes to ship a car based on different factors, the average times you can expect, and how you can make the process faster and easier.

What Affects How Long It Takes to Ship a Car?

Several things affect how long it takes to ship a car. Let’s look at the most important ones:

Distance

The distance your car is traveling is one of the biggest factors. The farther the car has to go, the longer it will take. For example:

• Short trips (0-500 miles): It might take 1-3 days.
• Medium trips (500-1500 miles): It can take 3-5 days.
• Long trips (1500+ miles): It could take 5-10 days or more.

Type of Shipping

There are two main types of car shipping: open and enclosed.

• Open shipping: It’s the most common and usually faster. Your car is loaded onto an open trailer with other cars.
• Enclosed shipping: This takes longer because fewer trucks offer this service. Your car is protected inside a closed trailer, which is a good option for luxury or classic cars.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Where your car is picked up and dropped off also affects how long it takes to ship a car. Shipping to and from large cities is usually faster because those areas are on common routes. If your car is being shipped to or from a small town or a remote area, it might take longer.

Weather and Road Conditions

Bad weather like heavy rain or snow can slow things down. Also, if there is road construction or an accident along the way, the shipment could be delayed.

Time of Year

The time of year can also change how long it takes to ship a car. During the summer, more people are shipping cars, so it may take longer. During the winter, there are fewer shipments, which might make things quicker.

How Long Does It Usually Take?

Now that we’ve talked about what affects shipping times, let’s get into how long it usually takes to ship a car. Here are the average times:

Short Distances (0-500 miles)

If your car is only traveling a short distance, like within the same state or to a nearby state, shipping usually takes about 1-3 days. Sometimes, it might even arrive on the same day.

Medium Distances (500-1500 miles)

For medium distances, like shipping from Florida to Texas or Illinois to New York, it can take about 3-5 days.

Long Distances (1500+ miles)

If your car is traveling a long distance, like across the country, it can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days, depending on the route and other factors.

How to Make Car Shipping Faster

If you want to reduce how long it takes to ship a car, here are a few tips:

1. Book Early: The sooner you book your shipping service, the faster it can be scheduled.
2. Be Flexible with Dates: If you give the company a window of a few days for pick-up and delivery, they might find a faster route.
3. Choose Major Cities: If possible, have your car shipped to or from a major city, as this can speed things up.
4. Avoid Busy Times: Try not to ship your car during peak times like summer. Shipping during the fall or winter can be quicker.

International Shipping

If you’re shipping your car internationally, the time it takes to ship a car will be different. International shipping can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. This is because the car needs to be transported by boat, and it has to go through customs, which can add time.

What Happens If There Are Delays?

Even though companies try their best to be on time, there can sometimes be delays. Here’s what to do if there are delays in how long it takes to ship a car:

1. Call the Company: Ask why the delay happened and when you can expect your car to arrive.
2. Check the Contract: Some companies offer discounts or refunds if your car is delayed beyond the promised time.
3. Stay Calm: Delays can happen because of weather, traffic, or mechanical issues, but they usually aren’t very long.

Bottom Line

So, how long does it take to ship a car? The answer depends on several factors, including distance, the type of shipping service, weather, and the time of year. On average, shipping a car can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. By booking early, being flexible, and choosing the right company, you can reduce how long it takes to ship a car and make the process as smooth as possible.

Now that you know what affects car shipping times and how long it usually takes, you’re ready to plan your shipment. If you’re ready to ship your car, get in touch with a reliable car shipping company today!