A car shipping transit time estimate is a good guide, not a guarantee. Carriers can't promise an exact delivery date because weather, road conditions, and the driver's other stops all move the schedule, but a good company can give you a realistic window based on distance and experience.
One of the most important factors in choosing a car shipping company is time. Which company can deliver within your timeframe, and what kind of guarantee can it offer? Unfortunately, many factors can affect delivery time, such as weather and unexpected construction delays, so carriers cannot guarantee a delivery date. They can give you their best estimate based on industry experience. This guide will help you choose a company that estimates fairly and accurately.
Is There Such Thing as a Guaranteed Delivery Date?
Each car shipping company may give you a slightly different time estimate, which can be confusing and frustrating. Carriers cannot promise an exact delivery date because of weather and changing road conditions. Date guarantees are available only in rare cases, and carriers usually charge a premium.
While a company can't estimate your delivery down to the day, it should be able to give you an accurate time estimate. Work with the carrier by considering a few dates. Can you have the car ready a week earlier than you planned? Provide the earliest date you're willing to release the car. The more flexible your earliest date is, the better your odds of delivery on the day, or near the day, you want.
How Long Will It Take From Pickup to Delivery?
The time you'll be without your car depends on how far it is traveling. A carrier covers roughly 250 to 300 miles on an average day, so these are typical windows:
|
A few hundred miles |
1 to 2 days |
|
A few states over |
2 to 3 days |
|
West coast to the Midwest |
5 to 7 days |
|
West coast to the East coast |
7 to 10 days |
In some situations, a carrier can pick up and deliver a car the same day, depending on the trip length. Our page on door-to-door auto transport explains the process.
What Can Change Your Transit Time
- The carrier's other stops. Transit times vary with how many other pickups and deliveries the carrier has in the area.
- Weather, road conditions, and mechanical problems. Any of them can alter a carrier's schedule.
- The time of year. Peak season, snowbird season, and the holidays all strain carrier availability. See our tips on shipping a car during peak season and during the holidays.
- Hard-to-reach addresses. If a large truck can't safely reach your address, you will need to meet the driver at a nearby location.
How to Get the Most Accurate Estimate
- Give the earliest date you're willing to release the car. Your requested pickup date is only a request, and the dates a carrier gives are projections.
- Get the carrier's details. Once we assign a carrier, you'll receive its name, direct phone number, and estimated dates.
- Expect a call. The driver typically calls the afternoon or evening before pickup and delivery.
- Stay in touch. If the projected dates come and you can't reach your carrier, call us right away so we can help resolve it.
No matter how near or far your car is going, it comes down to quality, care, and service. Ship a Car Direct offers door-to-door service, a vetted carrier network, and our Damage Free Guarantee. We don't charge our deposit until we assign and confirm a carrier, and our terms and conditions outline each payment.
For a price and timing estimate for your route, use our car shipping cost calculator (no personal info needed) or get a free car shipping quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a car shipping transit time estimate?
It is a good guide but not a guarantee. A carrier covers roughly 250 to 300 miles on an average day, and weather, road conditions, and the driver's other stops can move the schedule.
Can a car shipping company guarantee a delivery date?
Only in rare cases, and carriers usually charge a premium for that. Dates are typically estimates and projections, so provide the earliest date you're willing to release the car.
How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
A coast-to-coast shipment typically takes 7 to 10 days. A move of a few hundred miles can take a day or two.
What if my car hasn’t been picked up or delivered by the projected date?
Call our office immediately if the projected dates come and you can't reach your carrier. We will help resolve the situation.
How can I improve my odds of an on-time delivery?
Be flexible on your earliest date, have the car ready, and keep your phone number accurate so the carrier can reach you. Avoid the busiest stretches of the year where you can.
