How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Across the Country?

March 21, 2023Car Shipping Essentials
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

If you’re planning on relocating to a different part of the country or selling your car to someone who lives far away, transporting a vehicle across the country can be an overwhelming task. Not only do you have to find a reliable auto transport company, but you also need to know how long does it take to ship a car across the country. This will be one of the crucial aspects of your move, and you will probably coordinate other things according to this time frame.

Relocation to a new state is a complicated process, and it takes a lot of time and energy. To prevent any unnecessary energy loss, it is important to organize your move, and to do so, you will need some time determinants. Whether you are last minute relocating or have all the time in the world, transporting a car to another state will last approximately the same. Let’s see how long it will take to ship the car across the country.

What are the Factors That Affect Shipping Time

When it comes to transporting a car from one state to another, there are various factors that can influence how long it takes for your vehicle to arrive at its destination. Some of the most significant factors include the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the type of transport used, the time of year, and the size and weight of the vehicle being shipped.

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Distance and Destination

Distance is perhaps the most obvious factor. The farther your car needs to travel, the longer it will take to reach its destination. For example, if you are transporting a car from California to New York, it will take longer than if you are transporting a car from Florida to New York. Cross-country shipments can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days, depending on the route and the specific transport company used.

The destination of your car is also important. Some destinations may be more difficult to reach than others, particularly if they are in remote or rural areas. For example, if you are relocating to Alaska or Hawaii, it may be a bit more expensive. Also, this can cause delays in shipping, particularly if the transport company needs to make additional arrangements to get your car to its final destination.

Carrier and Vehicle Size

The size of your vehicle is another important factor to consider. Larger and heavier vehicles may require specialized transport carriers, which can have longer wait times and slower travel speeds. Additionally, if your vehicle is oversized, it may require special permits or routing, which can add additional time to the transporting process.

Also, there are several ways you can move your car, and the most reliable car transport companies will offer different options to their customers. You can choose between the open and enclosed trailer, where the price and time needed for delivery will be different, and you can choose the way you want your car to be delivered.

Time of Year

The time of year is another critical factor that can affect the transporting time for your car as well as car transport costs.

For example, weather conditions can play a significant role in how long it takes to transport your vehicle, so you can guess that transportation in winter may be a bit difficult. During the winter months, snowstorms and other adverse weather conditions can cause significant delays in transporting schedules. This is particularly true for cross-country shipments, where routes may be impacted by a range of weather conditions. But don’t be fooled into thinking that summer transportation can go without hiccups.

Similarly to the winter season, during hurricane season in coastal regions, transporting may be delayed due to storm activity and resulting damage. Go to the National Weather Service website and see what kind of weather will be in the area you are relocating to. This will help you organize and pack in a much better way.

Holidays can also impact transporting times. For example, during the Christmas and New Year holidays, there may be increased traffic on the roads, which can slow down transporting times. In addition, some transport companies may have reduced staffing levels during holiday periods, which can result in longer wait times.

When planning to ship your car, it’s essential to consider the time of year and any potential weather or holiday-related delays. Be sure to plan and factor in additional time for transporting if you are transporting during peak periods or adverse weather conditions. By doing so, you can help ensure a smooth and timely delivery of your vehicle. Also, consider what are the cheapest ways to ship a car because the time of your move will play a significant role here too.

Winter and summer tires clipart
Weather season can be a huge factor in car shipping

Does the Shipping Method Affect the Duration of Shipping

To answer the question of how long it takes to ship a car cross country, we need to address another crucial factor, and that is the transporting method you will use as part of your car transporting services. The transporting method can have an impact on the duration of transporting your car. For example, if you are transporting a luxurious car, this service may take longer than transporting a regular SUV. So how does car transport work?

Open vs. Enclosed – Which One Is Faster

Ah, the age-old question of open vs. enclosed trailers – it’s a debate that has been raging for years! But if you’re wondering which option is faster, we’ve got you covered. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, in general, an open trailer is faster than enclosed car shipping. Why is that so?

Well, open transport trucks are more widely available and can transport multiple vehicles at once, which means they can pick up and deliver your car more quickly. However, keep in mind that this faster option may come at the expense of protection for your vehicle during transit. Ultimately, the decision of which option to choose should be based on your individual needs and preferences, as well as the specific details of your car and its destination.

Terminal-To-Terminal vs. Door-To-Door – Which One to Choose

When you need to transport your car across the country, you may be wondering which option to choose: terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door.

Terminal-to-terminal transportation entails that you drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated terminals. This option is generally less expensive, but it requires you to arrange for transportation to and from the terminals. This means that you’ll need to take extra time and effort to drop off and pick up your car.

On the other hand, door-to-door auto transport involves having your car picked up from your location and delivered directly to your destination. This option is more convenient, but it is also generally more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping. However, door-to-door pick-up and delivery will typically be faster as your car will be delivered and picked up from your doorstep.

usa auto transport truck
Enclosed trailers are slower but safer

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Across the Country on Average

Transporting a car from state to state is a process that requires careful planning and consideration. One of the most important factors to consider is how long it will take to transport your vehicle from its current location to its destination.

On average, it can take anywhere from 5 to 30 days to ship a car across the country, depending on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations and the specific transport company used. Generally, the farther your car needs to travel, the longer it will take to reach its destination.

However, these numbers can vary depending on various factors. As we mentioned, factors that can impact transporting time include the time of year, the transporting method chosen, and the size and weight of your vehicle. During peak periods, such as holidays or inclement weather, transporting times may be longer due to increased demand or adverse travel conditions.

It’s important to plan when transporting your car to ensure timely delivery. Be sure to choose a reliable auto transport company that has experience transporting cars to your specific destination, and factor in additional time for any potential delays that may arise during the transporting process. By doing so, you can help ensure smooth and hassle-free delivery for your vehicle.

Distance Average Time
0-500 miles 2-3 days
500-1000 miles 3-5 days
1000-1500 miles 5-7 days
1500-2000 miles 7-9 days
2000+ miles 9-30 days

How to Speed Up Shipping Time?

Now that you know how long it takes to ship a new car or an old one, let’s find out if there is a way for you to speed up this transportation time and get your car to your new home faster.

Looking to get your car shipped across the country in a hurry? While there’s no magic formula for speeding up the transporting time, there are a few things you can do to help move the process along:

  • First, consider using an open transport carrier. Open carriers are more widely available and can transport multiple vehicles at once, which means they may be able to pick up and deliver your car more quickly than an enclosed carrier.
  • Second, be flexible with your pickup and delivery dates. This can allow the carrier to better coordinate with other pickups and deliveries and may result in a faster overall transporting time.
  • Third, choose a reliable auto transport company that specializes in cross-country shipments. These companies have experience navigating the complexities of long-distance transport and may be able to offer faster transporting times than a less experienced carrier.
  • Finally, be sure to communicate clearly with your chosen carrier throughout the transporting process. This can help prevent any potential delays or issues and ensure that your car arrives at its destination as quickly and safely as possible.

Bonus tip – if you are also relocating out of state and need the help of professional movers, choose a company that can provide you with all the services you need, from auto transport to moving services. This way, you will prevent any unnecessary delay made because of coordination with a couple of different companies at the same time. For instance, USA Auto Transport company is a company that offers both services to its customers.

Open Carrier Auto Transport

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Enclosed Auto Transport

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Contact Your Car Shipping Company and Ask About Time Estimate

As you can see, shipping cars in the USA doesn’t take long if you have the right partners to help you with the whole process. And if you hire a company to take care of auto transportation and the moving process, you will save more time and energy. USA Auto Transport is an auto transport company that also does long-distance relocations, so if you need a reliable and trustworthy partner to help you with your upcoming move, look no further than our company. Contact us today to get a free quote, and our agents will be more than happy to help you navigate the whole process.

FAQ

Does the Type of Carrier Used Affect the Shipping Time for a Car?

The type of carrier used to ship a car can impact the shipping time due to various reasons. Enclosed carriers offer more protection and security to the vehicles during transportation, as they shield the car from any external elements such as weather, road debris, or dust. However, enclosed carriers are typically slower than open carriers due to the limited capacity and higher demand for this type of carrier.

Does the Size or Weight of a Vehicle Affect the Shipping Time?

The size and weight of a vehicle can affect the transporting time. Larger vehicles may require specialized carriers or additional permits, which could increase the transporting time.

Are There Any Seasonal Factors That Impact the Shipping Time for a Car?

Yes, seasonal factors can impact the transporting time for a car. During peak seasons, such as summer and winter, demand for car transporting services increases, which can lead to longer transporting times.

What Are the Average Shipping Times for Different Shipping Methods?

The average transporting times for different transporting methods vary. For example, domestic transporting by the open carrier can take 1-2 weeks, while international transporting can take up to 8 weeks.

Is It Possible to Expedite the Shipping Time for a Car?

Yes, it is possible to expedite the transporting time for a car. Most car transport companies offer expedited transporting services that prioritize the shipment and deliver the vehicle faster than the standard transporting time. However, expedited transporting usually comes with an additional cost, which varies depending on the distance, the type of carrier, and the level of urgency.

If you need your car to arrive quickly, opting for expedited transport can be a viable option. Still, it’s essential to discuss the pricing and estimated delivery time with the car transporting company beforehand.

What Are the Additional Costs Associated with Expedited Shipping?

The additional costs associated with expedited transporting vary depending on the car transporting company and the specific transporting method. Generally, expedited transportation will cost more than standard shipping.

Can I Track My Car During the Shipping Process?

Yes, most car transport companies provide tracking information so that customers can monitor the progress of their vehicle during the transporting process.

What Happens If My Car is Damaged During the Shipping Process?

If your car is damaged during the transporting process, you should immediately report it to the car transporting company. Most reputable companies have insurance to cover any damages incurred during the transporting process.

What Should I Do to Prepare My Car for Shipping?

Before transporting your car, you should ensure that it is in good working condition, remove all personal items, and secure any loose or aftermarket parts. You should also document any existing damage before shipping.

Can I Ship Personal Items Inside My Car During the Shipping Process?

Most car transporting companies prohibit transporting personal items inside the car during the transporting process. It is best to remove all personal items before transporting your car.

How Do I Choose a Reputable Car Shipping Company?

To choose a reputable car transporting company, you should do your research, read reviews from previous customers, and verify that the company is licensed and insured.

What Should I Do if My Car Does Not Arrive Within the Estimated Shipping Time?

If your car does not arrive within the estimated transporting time, you should contact the car transporting company to inquire about the delay and determine the next steps.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Professional Car Shipping Company?

Using a professional car transporting company can save time and reduce stress. These companies have the expertise and resources to handle the entire transporting process, from pickup to delivery, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

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