Shipping a car isn’t like shipping anything else; it’s a big purchase and an even bigger item to ship. For this reason, it’s not like purchasing something on Amazon that will arrive the same day or even the next day. While this is possible, it’s unlikely, so it’s important to learn how long it takes to ship a car on average.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. If you’re wondering – how long does car shipping take? You’re in the right place. Read on to learn more.
How Long Does it Take to Ship a Car?
Shipping a car isn’t as simple as shipping something from Amazon or FedEx. After all, you’re having a heavy vehicle shipped. This requires more logistics, larger transport vehicles, and greater attention to detail. For these reasons, expect a car to take a few days to a few weeks. Unfortunately, depending on the vehicle and who’s shipping it, it may take up to a month.
In fact, you have to consider the factors that influence how long it takes to ship a car. For example, cars that are being transported across the United States might take a few days or weeks. On the other hand, transporting a car in the same state may only take a single day.
Factors that Influence How Long it Takes to Ship a Car
Several factors impact how long it takes to ship a car. We already mentioned the distance earlier, but it’s not just that.
For example, you must consider the route, the manufacturer, and even who’s shipping the vehicle. Learn more about these factors below.
The Shipping Route for the Car
The route for the car is one of the biggest factors determining how long it takes to ship it. As we’ve mentioned earlier, the distance is a big factor, and shipping a car across the country will take longer.
Additionally, the roads or routes leading to where you live may impact the time it takes to ship a car. For example, if large trucks that ship cars can’t make it down your narrow street, this can impact the time it takes.
The Time of Year
Another factor you have to consider is when you order the vehicle. While cars are in demand all year round, the summer months and early winter months tend to be the biggest seasons for new car demand.
This is because many dealers have savings due to the fiscal year coming to an end, and during the winter, many people purchase vehicles for the holidays. After January, the demand starts to die back down until Memorial Day Weekend.
You also have to worry about wintery conditions in the winter. December, January, and February may bring snow, ice, and other hazardous conditions that can slow vehicles down. In fact, according to FreightWaves’ guide, if you’re shipping a car to or from somewhere southern, like Atlanta Georgia, winter weather can still delay your car shipment, so make sure and plan carefully.
The Type of Vehicle
The type of vehicle also plays a role in how long it takes to ship a car. Larger vehicles will take more time because they need more accommodations, bigger vehicles to move them, and sometimes even alternate routes.
What’s more, if the vehicle requires a specialized driver or a specific item to be properly moved, it can take longer to transport it. Delays from car manufacturers can also increase the time it takes for a car to be delivered.
The Shipping Company
The shipping company is a big factor. You have to choose the right company to move your vehicle, or you can spend extra money, waste your time, or even get a damaged vehicle. For these reasons, we recommend working with the Ideal car shipping companies to avoid any problems.
We always recommend spending some time evaluating the car company and choosing the best options if you have a choice. That said, if you purchased a new car, you might have fewer options due to the manufacturer choosing their preferred vendor.
Always Shop with the Ideal Car Shipping Companies
Having a car shipped is a big deal. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as having something delivered like an Amazon package or something from your average postal service.
That said, it doesn’t have to be challenging, and working with the best car shipping companies can help you make the process a breeze. While it takes time for a car to get to you regardless of who you choose, working with the best companies can at least spare you the trouble.