Car Shipping Timeline: How Long Does It Take? (2025 Guide)

Car shipping takes **5-14 days** on average, depending on distance, route popularity, and timing. Here's everything you need to know about shipping timelines.

Average Shipping Times by Distance

Short Distance (0-500 miles)

**Time:** 2-5 days

Examples:

Medium Distance (500-1,500 miles)

**Time:** 5-8 days

Examples:

Long Distance (1,500+ miles)

**Time:** 7-14 days

Examples:

Cross-Country (2,500+ miles)

**Time:** 10-14 days

Examples:

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Factors That Affect Shipping Time

1. Distance (Primary Factor)

**Direct relationship:** Longer distance = longer time

**Formula:** ~250-300 miles per day

Examples:

2. Route Popularity

Popular routes (faster):

Less popular routes (slower):

3. Season & Weather

Peak season (slower):

Off-peak season (faster):

Weather delays:

4. Carrier Schedule

**Full truck loads:** Faster (direct route)

**Partial loads:** Slower (multiple pickups/deliveries)

**Backhaul routes:** Faster (return trip)

5. Vehicle Type

**Standard cars:** Normal time

**Oversized vehicles:** +1-2 days (special handling)

**Inoperable vehicles:** +1-3 days (special equipment)

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Detailed Shipping Timeline Breakdown

Week 1: Booking & Preparation

**Day 1-2:** Get quotes, choose carrier

**Day 3-5:** Carrier schedules pickup

**Day 6-7:** Prepare vehicle for shipping

Week 2: Pickup & Transit

**Day 1:** Vehicle pickup

**Day 2-6:** Transit (depending on distance)

**Day 7:** Delivery (for shorter routes)

Week 3: Extended Transit (Long Routes)

**Day 8-14:** Continued transit for cross-country routes

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Real Timeline Examples

Example 1: Los Angeles → Dallas (1,400 miles)

**Day 1:** Posted shipment on FreightFloo

**Day 2:** Received 15 bids, accepted best one

**Day 3:** Carrier scheduled pickup for Day 5

**Day 5:** Pickup completed (morning)

**Day 6-7:** Transit through Arizona/New Mexico

**Day 8:** Delivery in Dallas (afternoon)

**Total time:** 7 days

Example 2: Miami → Seattle (3,100 miles)

**Day 1:** Got quotes, booked carrier

**Day 2-3:** Carrier scheduled pickup

**Day 4:** Pickup completed

**Day 5-10:** Transit across southern US

**Day 11-12:** Transit through northern states

**Day 13:** Delivery in Seattle

**Total time:** 12 days

Example 3: New York → Los Angeles (2,800 miles) - Peak Season

**Day 1:** Booked during summer peak

**Day 2-4:** Longer scheduling (peak season)

**Day 5:** Pickup completed

**Day 6-12:** Transit (slower due to traffic)

**Day 13:** Delivery in Los Angeles

**Total time:** 12 days (vs 9 days off-peak)

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How to Get Faster Shipping

1. Choose Expedited Service

**Cost:** +$200-$500 extra

**Time savings:** 2-4 days faster

**How it works:** Priority loading, direct routes

Example:

2. Ship During Off-Peak Times

**Winter months:** Faster scheduling

**Mid-week pickup:** Less competition

**Avoid holidays:** No delays

3. Choose Popular Routes

High-traffic routes:

4. Be Flexible on Dates

**Flexible pickup:** Faster scheduling

**Flexible delivery:** Faster transit

**Very flexible:** Can catch earlier departures

5. Use FreightFloo's Priority Service

How it works:

**Cost:** +$150-$300

**Time savings:** 1-3 days

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What Causes Delays

1. Weather Delays (Most Common)

**Snow storms:** +1-3 days

**Hurricanes:** +2-7 days

**Flooding:** +1-4 days

**Ice storms:** +1-2 days

**Protection:** FreightFloo provides weather updates and alternative routes

2. Mechanical Issues

**Truck breakdown:** +1-2 days

**Trailer problems:** +1 day

**Tire blowouts:** +1 day

**Solution:** FreightFloo carriers have backup equipment

3. Traffic Delays

**Major accidents:** +1-2 days

**Construction:** +1 day

**Holiday traffic:** +1-3 days

4. Scheduling Issues

**Carrier delays:** +1-2 days

**Pickup delays:** +1 day

**Delivery delays:** +1 day

5. Documentation Problems

**Missing paperwork:** +1-2 days

**Insurance issues:** +1-3 days

**Registration problems:** +1-2 days

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How to Track Your Shipment

FreightFloo Real-Time Tracking

Features:

How to access:

1. Log into FreightFloo account

2. Go to "My Shipments"

3. Click "Track Shipment"

4. See real-time location

Traditional Tracking

Limited information:

Carrier Direct Tracking

Some carriers provide:

Limitations:

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Timeline Planning Tips

1. Book Early

**Best booking window:** 2-4 weeks in advance

Benefits:

2. Plan for Delays

Add buffer time:

3. Have Backup Plans

If delayed:

4. Communicate with Carrier

Stay in touch:

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Rush Shipping Options

Same-Day Pickup

**Available:** Major cities only

**Cost:** +$300-$800

**Limitations:** Limited availability

Next-Day Delivery

**Available:** Short routes (under 500 miles)

**Cost:** +$200-$500

**Example:** Miami to Orlando

3-Day Express

**Available:** Medium routes (500-1,500 miles)

**Cost:** +$150-$400

**Example:** Los Angeles to Dallas

5-Day Express

**Available:** Long routes (1,500+ miles)

**Cost:** +$100-$300

**Example:** New York to Los Angeles

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International Shipping Times

Canada

**Time:** +2-4 days

**Additional:** Customs clearance

**Example:** New York to Toronto: 8-12 days

Mexico

**Time:** +3-7 days

**Additional:** Border crossing, customs

**Example:** Texas to Mexico City: 10-15 days

Overseas (Europe/Asia)

**Time:** 4-8 weeks

**Method:** Container shipping

**Additional:** Port handling, customs

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FreightFloo Timeline Advantages

1. Faster Quotes

**Traditional brokers:** 24-48 hours

**FreightFloo:** 15 minutes

2. Faster Scheduling

**More carriers:** Better availability

**Competition:** Faster pickup times

**Technology:** Automated scheduling

3. Real-Time Tracking

**GPS updates:** Every 30 seconds

**ETA calculations:** Based on real traffic

**Route optimization:** Fastest available routes

4. Better Communication

**Direct carrier contact:** No broker delays

**Automated updates:** Regular notifications

**Mobile app:** Track anywhere

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Timeline FAQ

Q: Can I get my car faster if I pay more?

**A:** Yes, expedited service is available for +$200-$500, saving 2-4 days.

Q: What's the fastest possible shipping time?

**A:** Same-day pickup and next-day delivery for routes under 500 miles.

Q: Can weather delay my shipment?

**A:** Yes, severe weather can add 1-7 days. FreightFloo provides updates and alternatives.

Q: How accurate are delivery estimates?

**A:** Within 1-2 days for most routes. Real-time tracking provides exact ETAs.

Q: Can I change my delivery date?

**A:** Yes, most carriers offer flexibility for +$50-$150 fee.

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Get Your Fastest Quote

FreightFloo provides:

**Average FreightFloo shipping time:** 5-10 days (vs 7-14 days traditional)

[Get Fast Quote →](/signup?type=shipper)

Ship fast. Ship smart. ⚡🚗