Most car shipments within the U.S. take between 1 and 10 days of actual transit once the car is picked up. Short trips under 500 miles usually take 1–3 days, while a coast-to-coast move typically takes 7–10 days. Add the time it takes to assign a carrier and schedule pickup (usually 1–5 days), and most customers have their car in hand within one to two weeks of booking.
Key takeaways
- Transit time depends mostly on distance: about 1–3 days under 500 miles and 7–10 days coast to coast.
- Total time = pickup window + transit time. Plan for both, not just the drive.
- Federal hours-of-service rules limit how far a truck driver can go each day, so most carriers cover roughly 400–500 miles per day.
- Rural addresses, winter weather, peak seasons and enclosed transport can add a few days.
- Expedited service and a guaranteed delivery date option can shorten the wait or lock in your timeline when dates really matter.
The short answer: typical car shipping times by distance
Distance is the biggest factor in how long car shipping takes. A truck can only cover so many miles in a day, and it usually makes several pickups and drop-offs along the way. The table below shows typical transit times once your car is on the truck. These are estimates, not promises, and real trips can vary.
| Distance | Typical transit time | Example route |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1–3 days | Los Angeles to Phoenix |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–5 days | Chicago to Atlanta |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | 3–6 days | New York to Miami |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | 5–8 days | Dallas to Seattle |
| 2,000+ miles (coast to coast) | 7–10 days | New York to Los Angeles |
| Mainland to Hawaii | About 2–4 weeks door to door | Denver to Honolulu |
If you want a feel for your specific route, our popular car shipping routes page lists common city pairs, and the car shipping cost calculator gives you a price estimate at the same time.
Pickup time vs. transit time: the part most people miss
When people ask "how long does it take to ship a car," they usually mean the drive. But your total wait has two parts.
1. The pickup window
After you book, the shipment has to be matched with a carrier whose truck is heading your way and has an open spot. In most cases this takes 1–5 days. Busy metro areas along major interstates are usually on the fast end. Small towns far from main highways can take longer because fewer trucks pass through.
Same-day pickup is available in most large metros when a truck is nearby, but it is not guaranteed everywhere. If your schedule is tight, tell us your dates up front.
2. Transit time
This is the time from when the car is loaded until it is delivered. It is the number shown in the table above. Once your car is on the truck, the carrier will give you an estimated delivery window, and you will get in-transit updates along the way.
Putting it together
Here is a simple way to estimate your total time: take the pickup window (1–5 days) and add the transit time for your distance. A 1,200-mile move might look like 2 days to pickup plus 4 days in transit, for about 6 days total. A cross-country move might be 3 days to pickup plus 8 days in transit, for about 11 days total.
Why a truck can't just drive straight through
A car carrier is a commercial truck, and its driver must follow federal hours-of-service rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Under these rules, a property-carrying driver can typically drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window, and then must take 10 consecutive hours off. There are also weekly limits.
In real life, that works out to roughly 400–500 miles per day for most car haulers. Traffic, weigh stations, fuel stops, loading and unloading other cars, and city driving all eat into that number. That is why a 2,800-mile trip takes about a week, not three days.
Multiple stops on one trip
Most open carriers haul 7 to 10 vehicles at a time. Your car shares the truck with other customers' cars, and the driver plans a route that picks up and drops off each one. That shared load is what keeps open car shipping affordable, but it also means your car may not travel in a straight line from A to B.
Factors that make car shipping faster or slower
Two shipments of the same distance can take different amounts of time. Here are the factors that matter most.
Route and location
Routes between big cities on major interstates (like I-95, I-10, I-40 or I-80) move fastest because there are many trucks running them. Rural pickup or delivery points can add 1–3 days, since a carrier may need to detour or wait to fill the truck heading that way. If you live far from a main highway, meeting the driver at a nearby large parking lot can sometimes speed things up.
Season and weather
Summer is the busiest moving season, so demand is high and pickup windows can stretch. Late fall and early spring bring heavy "snowbird" traffic between the Northeast or Midwest and Florida, Arizona and Texas. Winter storms can close mountain passes and slow trucks for a day or more. If you are moving south for the winter, our snowbird car shipping page covers those busy routes.
Open vs. enclosed transport
There are far more open carriers on the road than enclosed ones. Enclosed trucks also carry fewer cars, so it can take a little longer to find one that matches your route. If you are shipping a classic, exotic or high-value car, enclosed car shipping is often worth the extra day or two.
Vehicle type and condition
Oversized vehicles like lifted trucks, large SUVs and vans take up more space and may need a specific spot on the trailer. Cars that do not run need a winch and a driver who has one. Both can narrow the pool of available trucks and add time.
Your flexibility
The more flexible your pickup dates, the easier it is to match you with a truck at a good price. A tight window is possible, but it may cost more.
How to speed up car shipping
If you are on a deadline, you have a few options.
- Book early. Booking 1–2 weeks ahead gives the most choice of carriers and dates.
- Choose expedited service. With expedited car shipping, your load gets priority matching and a tighter pickup window.
- Pick a guaranteed delivery date. CTS offers a guaranteed delivery date option for customers who need certainty, not just an estimate.
- Be easy to reach. Answer calls and texts from the driver quickly so pickup is not delayed.
- Have the car ready. Clean it, remove personal items and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Our vehicle shipping checklist covers every step.
- Use a major-road meeting point. If your street is narrow or far from a highway, offer a nearby lot where a big truck can turn around.
What can cause a delay?
Even well-planned trips can run late. Being aware of common causes helps you plan a buffer.
- Weather: snow, ice, hurricanes and flooding can close roads.
- Mechanical issues: a truck breakdown can hold up every car on board.
- Traffic and construction: big-city traffic can cost hours each day.
- Other customers: if someone ahead of you on the route is not ready, the driver may wait.
- Inspections and weigh stations: routine stops are part of commercial trucking.
A good rule of thumb is to build in a 2–3 day buffer on either side of your estimate. If you are flying to your new home, consider renting a car for the first few days or arranging a ride, rather than booking travel that depends on the car arriving on an exact hour. If you are selling or leaving a home, make sure someone you trust can meet the driver if pickup slides by a day.
Most delays are measured in hours or a day or two, not weeks. With 24/7 in-transit updates, you will know if your timeline changes.
Timelines for special shipments
Hawaii and Alaska
Shipping to Hawaii combines a truck leg to a West Coast port and an ocean crossing. Vessel schedules are set, so your car must reach the port before the cutoff for a sailing. Door-to-door, this often adds up to roughly 2–4 weeks depending on where you start. See our Hawaii car shipping page for details. Alaska shipments can also involve ocean or long overland routes and vary a lot by season.
Military moves and college students
PCS orders and school terms come with fixed dates. If that is you, book as soon as you have your report date or move-in date. Our military car shipping and college car shipping pages explain how to plan around those deadlines.
Dealer and online purchases
When you buy a car from a dealer, auction or online seller in another state, the seller's release paperwork and pickup hours can affect timing. Have the gate pass or release form ready so the driver is not turned away.
A simple planning timeline
Use this checklist to keep your shipment on schedule.
- 2–4 weeks before: Get quotes and compare. Ask about pickup windows and delivery estimates for your route.
- 1–2 weeks before: Book your shipment and confirm pickup and delivery addresses.
- 3–5 days before: Wash the car, take date-stamped photos and remove personal items and toll tags.
- Day before: Confirm the pickup time with the driver. Check tire pressure and battery.
- Pickup day: Walk around the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading inspection report.
- In transit: Watch for updates and keep your phone on.
- Delivery day: Inspect the car carefully before signing, note any issues, then drive away.
New to the process? Our step-by-step guide on how car shipping works walks through each stage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
Coast-to-coast car shipping usually takes 7–10 days of transit once the car is picked up. Add 1–5 days for pickup, and most cross-country customers should plan on about 1.5 to 2 weeks total.
Can I get my car shipped in 1–2 days?
For short trips under about 500 miles, yes, transit is often 1–3 days. Longer distances cannot be driven that fast because of federal driving limits, but expedited service can shorten the pickup window.
Does enclosed transport take longer than open transport?
Sometimes. Enclosed trucks are less common and carry fewer cars, so finding one on your route can take an extra day or two. The drive itself is about the same speed.
Will I know exactly when my car will arrive?
You will get an estimated delivery window, and the driver will typically call ahead 12–24 hours before arrival. CTS also provides 24/7 in-transit updates. If you need a fixed date, ask about the guaranteed delivery date option.
Is car shipping slower in winter?
Winter storms can cause short delays, especially in mountain and northern states. Outside the snowbird routes, winter is often a quieter season, which can actually make pickup faster.
Ready to plan your move? Get a free quote with an honest pickup window and transit estimate for your route, with $0 deposit and our Best Price Guarantee.
Updated November 4, 2026