Free tool
Transit time estimator
Car shipping takes 1–4 days in transit under 1,000 miles, 3–7 days for 1,000–2,000 miles and 7–10 days coast to coast, plus a 1–5 day pickup window (24–48 hours expedited). Enter two ZIPs and an optional booking date to see the delivery window for your route, based on carriers averaging 450 miles a day.
Updated September 2026
Example transit times
| Route | Miles | In transit | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | 1,289 | 3–5 days | 4–10 days |
| Chicago → Dallas | 950 | 3–4 days | 4–9 days |
| Los Angeles → New York | 2,885 | 7–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Seattle → Phoenix | 1,315 | 3–5 days | 4–10 days |
How transit time is estimated
Driving days = road miles ÷ 450, rounded up. The low end assumes a direct run; the high end adds 1 day under 1,000 miles, 2 days to 2,000 miles and 3 days beyond for loading stops and weather, plus 1 day for enclosed loads (fewer trucks) and 7–14 days for a Hawaii or Alaska ocean leg. The pickup window is 1–5 days standard or 1–2 days expedited. Door-to-door = pickup window + transit.
Transit time estimator FAQ
How long does it take to ship a car?
Under 1,000 miles: 1–4 days in transit. 1,000–2,000 miles: 3–7 days. Coast to coast: 7–10 days. Add a 1–5 day pickup window (24–48 hours expedited), so door to door is usually 2 to 15 days.
Why is there a pickup window at all?
Carriers build a full load before leaving a region. Your car is posted to the network and the first truck routing through your area with space takes it, typically within 1–5 days. Paying for expedited service raises the carrier pay so a truck repositions for you within 24–48 hours.
Do carriers really drive 450 miles a day?
Federal hours-of-service rules cap driving at 11 hours in a 14-hour window, and loading stops eat into that. 400–500 miles per day is the realistic average for a car hauler with several pickups and drops.
How do I track my car during shipping?
Ask the broker that booked your shipment for the driver’s name and phone once a carrier is assigned; most drivers answer directly. Some carriers provide GPS links. Drivers usually call 12–24 hours before delivery.
What causes delays?
Weather (winter passes on I-80/I-70, hurricanes on Gulf and Atlantic routes), breakdowns, a customer earlier on the route who is not ready, and DOT inspections. Build a two-day buffer into any hard deadline.
