There are so many moving parts when you are relocating across a distance, the details can become overwhelming. Long distance moves can be particularly challenging, because it is not as easy as packing a few things in your vehicle and taking off. Well, it can be that easy if all you need to move is yourself, a few bags, and a car.
What happens though, if you need to move an entire household, including (perhaps) your antique car, and other vehicles? You cannot drive them all yourself. Yet, you are worried that perhaps you will have to wait for a long time on the other side of the country, and you need your car as soon as possible.
How long does it take to ship your car from coast to coast? We are here to help you find the answer.
Factors That Affect Shipping Time
Let’s begin with a little visual aid, and then we will go into specifics.
Distance and Route
The longer the distance, the longer it will take. That’s pretty basic.Transport drivers are limited by the rules of the road as established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This means they can only drive around 500 miles per day.
The best estimate, given ideal driving conditions, would be to find out the driving distance and divide it by 500. Of course, there are many things that can interfere with ideal driving conditions, so on average a coast-to-coast move will take between 7-10 days.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
It’s important to recognize that the delivery time starts once the vehicle is on the transport truck. In general, most auto shipping companies will need about two weeks’ notice to arrange transport, with a 3-5day pick-up window.
By paying a little more for expedited shipping, you can get a guaranteed pickup time, which will allow you a little bit more control of your timeline.
Still, location matters. Moving to or from a major metropolitan area has the advantage of more available equipment, but also the complexities of shipping into and out of congested areas. Rural areas may be farther away from shipping routes, which means a little more distance for the trucker to travel.
Seasonal Demand
When you’re moving matters. Regular seasonal shifts in auto shipping occur throughout the year, with different groups wanting to move their vehicles at different times. The seasons also vary by direction, as snowbirds move south during the winter and north during the summer.
Here’s a post that explains these seasonal shifts in detail. If you need to move quickly, though, it’s good to know that the best season for shipping your car is from September-November. Unfortunately, you may not have control of when this move happens. Understanding how seasonal demand affects drop-off and pick-up of vehicles might ease some of your worries about when your vehicle will get to the other end.
Sometimes you have to be patient, although by paying a little more for expedited or enclosed shipping you can have a little more control.
Type of Transport
The cheapest option for car shipping is to use an open carrier, which carries between 8-10 vehicles. There are more open transports on the road, which means that the cost is lower, and scheduling could be easier.
Enclosed shipping, which is the best option when transporting a unique or antique vehicle, ships fewer vehicles at one time. The vehicles are protected from road debris and weather, and with the best shipping companies receive White Glove Service.
However, this is the costlier option and may be more difficult to schedule if there are no drivers near you. A reliable company will find the driver that will work the best with your schedule.
Weather
Weather happens. With climate change, weather has been happening a lot lately. There is nothing anyone can do to control the weather. Truckers cannot drive if road conditions are unsafe. Power outages can affect their ability to gas up and stay on the road. Road closures can make route changes.
What can you do if you are on a timeline and the weather gets in your way? Breathe and be patient. Your car will get there with everybody (including driver and vehicle) safe and sound.
How to Get Your Car on the Road—Hire the Professionals
Are you ready to hire the professionals for your move? Do you want to understand the timeline better, so that you can plan? Give ShipLux a call. Our shipping agents are standing by to answer all of your questions and provide any support you need.
Call, text, email, or chat with us live on FB Messenger or WhatsApp, we are here to help you get your car moved from coast to coast, without stress or worry.Ask for a transparent price quote, and talk to us about any questions and concerns. Let us take some of the pressure off of your long-distance move!
