Car Transport - Timeframes for Auto Shipping

One of the most common questions asked of auto transport companies is in what timeframe can my vehicle be transported. There is no simple or general answer to this question, as there are a number of different facts that will determine the timeframe in which your vehicle is delivered. This article will lay out a general framework for the delivery times of vehicles to certain areas in the country.

First, it is important that one understands what kind of service that auto transport companies provide. Auto shipping is not as simple as it would be, for instance, to hail a cab. We do not have drivers waiting outside of your house; it will generally take at least 1-3 days for one of our drivers to be available to pick your vehicle. Second, pick up times and delivery times are generally estimates. And while our estimates are correct roughly 90% of the time, things can happen on the road that delay your auto shipping.
However, there are some guidelines that can help you estimate your auto shipping timelines. The best way to estimate and categorize delivery times is to split routes up based on the route and region. Leaving from Florida and going to California, for example, typically takes 7-10 days, depending on what the weather and traffic is on the way.
It’s important to note that shipping times are more or less the same for all auto transport companies. This is because of the legal and physical limitations of auto shipping. All coast to coast auto transport will take roughly 7-10 days. Travel along the coasts takes about 2-3 days. Shipping from the Midwest to the surrounding just about any other region takes between 3-5 days. And auto shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico takes roughly 10-21 days.
Pick up times are a little more difficult estimates, as there are many different factors that can affect exactly when a truck will be available. Generally, however, standard sized vehicles (including cars, and mid-sized trucks and SUVs,) going from and to high population areas typically takes 1-3 days. Non-standard vehicles typically take between 3-7 days for pickups, as do pickups in most low-population areas.
Auto transport companies want to make sure that you have the most accurate information to base your decisions off of. It is important that you have the right information to make the best choices. So let your auto transport company know exactly what your needs are so that they can make it happen for you!