How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?
Are you planning a long-distance move and stressed about your car and its time to ship it? Well, the truth is that the vehicle's shipping process varies depending on different factors, such as the shipping method you choose, the distance between the pickup and drop-off points, and the time of the year. In this guide, we will take you through the car shipping process and address some common questions people ask about car shipping.
How Long Does a Car In Transit Take?
As we know, several factors can affect the time it takes to ship a vehicle. The type of carrier and the shipping route can affect the shipping time of the car. Moreover, the distance between the pickup and drop-off points is also essential. It is important to note that shipping times can vary based on several factors, such as weather conditions, carrier schedules, and traffic. Your best idea is to ask your shipping company for a more accurate time based on your shipment.
How Does the Car Shipping Process Work?
Before diving into the specifics of shipping your car, it's important to consider the two main players involved: you and the auto transport company. You'll be responsible for gathering key information about your vehicle and shipment, while the company will handle the logistics of transporting your car safely and efficiently. This process typically involves six main steps to preparing your car for its journey. Let's dive deeper into each step to ensure a smooth and successful car shipping experience.
Getting a Quote
The first step in shipping is getting a quote from a reliable car shipping company. You need to provide information such as the model of your car, the desired shipping dates, and the pickup and delivery locations.
Booking the Shipment
Once you've founded a registered shipping company you're comfortable with, you must book your shipment. This includes some initial deposits and paperwork.
Loading The Car
Once your car is ready for shipping, you must choose the proper transportation to load it. Your vehicle may be loaded onto a flatbed truck, shipped overseas, or onto a trailer, depending on the transportation time.
Shipping the Car
Shipping a car can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the distance or the shipping method. At this time, your vehicle will be in the hands of the shipping company, and you also receive updates on your shipment progress.
Delivering to its Destination
Once your car has been delivered to its destination, you must check it properly for any damage during shipping and then sign off on the delivery. The best option is to capture pictures of your car before and after shipping, just in case of any damage during shipping.
Impacts of Enclosed Vs. Open Transportation on Shipping Time
It's essential to understand these different shipping methods and how they impact the overall time of shipping. These two are the main ones:
- 1. Enclosed transport includes shipping your vehicle in a covered transport, offering more protection from environmental hazards, debris, and potential theft. This method is specifically for expensive and luxury cars. Enclosed transport is more costly and can take longer due to the limited availability of carriers.
- 2. Open transport is the most affordable and best car shipping option. Vehicles can carry an open trailer, which holds more than one car. This method is quicker; finding an open transport carrier matching your desired pickup and delivery dates is easier. However, it can also cause minor damage to your car. When choosing a car shipping method, it is easy to understand these methods. This will help you make informed decisions for your required dates and budget.
Key factors That Affect The Time it Takes To Ship a Car
When it's time to ship your car, the time it takes to complete the process can vary based on different factors. Here are the factors that affect the time it takes to ship a car:
Distance
The distance between the pickup and the drop-off points is one of the main factors that affect the shipping process. The further your car has to travel, the longer it will take to ship.
Time of the year
Peak season, during the summer months, can take longer due to the increasing demands of people. If you want to ship your car during that time, you must book your shipment to secure a spot. Also, harsh weather conditions can affect the delivery time.
Vehicle type
The size and shape of the car can also impact the delivery time. Oversized or huge vehicles may require different kinds of transportation, such as open transport, and can take longer to deliver.
Pickup and Delivery locations
Locations can also impact delivery time. Travel to rural areas and difficult-to-reach destinations can be more challenging for transport carriers willing to travel to those areas.
Essential Tips For Shipping Your Car Faster
Car shipping is daunting nowadays, but it can be done efficiently and quickly with proper time and planning. Whether buying a new car or traveling into a new state, these essential tips can help you get your vehicle shipped faster and save time.
Choose a Reliable Transport Carrier
Once you've received quotes, it's time to determine which Department of Transportation DOT fully licenses the registered company and meets your requirements.
Communicate Properly
It would be best if you communicated clearly with the car shipping company and told them your pickup and delivery dates, as well as any special requirements. This will help ensure your car arrives on time and in good condition.
Choose a Direct Route for Car Shipping
Choosing a direct route for shipping is faster than a multi-stop route. So, ask your shipping company about its shipping routes and select one of the direct routes.
Avoid Peak Season During Shipping.
Avoid the summer months during the shipping process; avoiding delays and ensuring a faster shipping time is essential.
Use GPS tracking
Most shipping companies offer GPS tracking so you can easily track the progress of your shipment to ensure that your car arrives on time. This provides peace of mind.