Introduction: How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car in 2025?
If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to ship a car?”, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re buying a vehicle online, relocating for work, or heading south for the winter like thousands of snowbirds, timing is crucial when it comes to auto transport.
Shipping your vehicle isn’t as simple as placing it on a truck and driving it across the country. There are several variables—from weather and distance to route accessibility and carrier availability—that impact how quickly your car arrives at its destination.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, you’ll learn:
- The average number of days it takes to ship a vehicle
- What can delay (or speed up) delivery
- Why choosing the right shipping partner like MBM Logistics makes all the difference
Average Auto Shipping Timeframes in 2025
| Distance (Miles) | Estimated Delivery Time |
| 0 – 500 miles | 1–3 days (Short hauls) |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | 2–5 days (Regional moves) |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | 3–6 days (Multi-state trips) |
| 1,500 – 2,000 miles | 4–7 days (Cross-regional) |
| 2,000+ miles | 7–10 days (Coast-to-coast) |
Example: If you’re shipping a car from Chicago to San Diego, a distance of nearly 2,100 miles, you can expect it to take about 7–9 days with an open carrier and slightly longer (up to 10 days) with enclosed transport.
These timeframes reflect typical conditions—peak seasons, weather events, or truck delays can impact them.
What Affects How Long It Takes to Ship a Car?
Let’s break down the biggest factors influencing car shipping duration:
1. Distance
Unsurprisingly, the farther your vehicle needs to go, the longer it’ll take. Short hauls within a single state can often be completed in 1–2 days, while long-distance or cross-country deliveries require closer to a full week or more.
2. Route Popularity
Highly trafficked routes (e.g., LA to Dallas, NYC to Miami) tend to move faster due to the availability of carriers. Remote rural areas or off-route locations may require detours or add pickup time.
3. Type of Carrier (Open vs. Enclosed)
- Open carriers are more common, with quicker scheduling and larger capacity.
- Enclosed carriers, used for luxury or exotic vehicles, provide extra protection but have limited availability and can delay scheduling by a day or two.
4. Vehicle Condition
Running cars are easier and faster to load/unload. If your car is non-operational (Inop), it may need specialized equipment like a winch, extending scheduling and handling time.
5. Time of Year
During busy seasons (e.g., snowbird car shipping from North to Florida in October–December), demand spikes and transport availability shrinks. Bookings in the off-season (spring/summer) tend to move faster.
💡 Want to know how timing affects cost and delivery? Check out our seasonal car shipping guide.
6. Expedited Shipping
If you’re in a time crunch, MBM offers expedited services. We can often secure pickup within 24–48 hours and cut total shipping time in half by prioritizing your vehicle.
When Should You Book Your Car Shipment?
Planning ahead is key.
The best time to book is 7–10 days in advance. This gives dispatchers time to match your shipment with the best carrier available and helps avoid higher last-minute pricing.
Booking early means:
- 📉 Lower rates (carriers charge more for urgent jobs)
- 📆 More flexibility in pickup windows
- 🚛 Better chances of matching with experienced drivers
If you’re shipping during a high-demand window (like holidays, back-to-school season, or winter relocation), consider booking 2 weeks ahead.
How MBM Logistics Delivers With Confidence
At MBM, we don’t just ship cars—we deliver peace of mind.
✅ Real-Time GPS Tracking
You’ll know where your car is 24/7 via live GPS tracking updates, accessible on any device.
✅ Transparent Timelines & Honest Quotes
No guesswork. No bait-and-switch. We give you accurate delivery windows and clear pricing based on your route and carrier type.
✅ Fast, Nationwide Pickup
With a vetted network of trusted carriers, we can schedule pickups within 1–3 days in most locations across the U.S.
✅ Responsive, Human Support
Questions? Delays? Route changes? Our trained logistics agents are always on call to keep your move smooth and stress-free.
✅ Custom Options for Every Vehicle
From inoperable cars to luxury enclosed transport, MBM handles each vehicle with tailored care.
Final Thoughts: So, How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?
In most cases, 3 to 7 days. But with the right partner—like MBM—it can feel instant.
By planning ahead and choosing a professional car transport provider, you avoid hidden delays, inflated rates, and frustrating surprises.
✅ Whether you’re a snowbird, a car buyer, or a job relocator, we make it easy.
✅ From coast to coast, your timeline matters—and we hit it.
Get Started with MBM Today
Need to move your car fast? We’re ready.
👉 Get your personalized quote now and see how fast, safe, and affordable car shipping really can be.
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