The two main factors that determine the time it takes to ship a car are the time involved in scheduling the pickup and the actual time your car spends in transit.
Typically, you’ll want to schedule your car shipment and pickup time 1-2 weeks in advance. This gives the auto transport company enough time to schedule and determine the best route and truck for the job. It is also important to note that the pickup date is usually a 3-day window. (See How the Car Shipping Industry Works for more details.) If you are in a rush and need to get your vehicle shipped in less than 7 days, let your car shipping company know. In most cases, it is possible to ship within this timeframe, but you may incur an additional charge.
Once the truck has picked up your vehicle for shipping, the time in transit is a matter of how far the car is being shipped, and if the truck is scheduled to make any stops along the way. Shipping a vehicle across the U.S., for example, typically takes 1-2 weeks, whereas shorter distances, e.g. New York to Washington, DC will arrive in less time. To find out how long it will take to ship your car from Point A to Point B, contact your car shipping company to receive an accurate estimate.
MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companies, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping companies. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving, car shipping tips , and a glossary of auto transport terms.