Question 1

How long does it take to ship a car?

Accepted Answer

Transit times depend primarily on distance. Regional moves under 500 miles typically take 1-3 days. Mid-range routes of 500-1,500 miles take 3-5 days. Cross-country shipments of 2,500 miles or more take 7-10 days. These timeframes reflect actual driving time plus the stops the carrier makes along the route to pick up and deliver other vehicles.  Drivers follow federally mandated Hours of Service (HOS) regulations — a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. This means a carrier covers approximately 400-500 miles per day. The driver is managing a multi-stop route with 7-9 vehicles, each going to a different destination, so the route is not a straight line from your pickup to your delivery. Weather, traffic, mechanical issues, and customer scheduling changes can also affect timing.  If you need faster service, ask for expedited shipping when you request your estimate. Expedited shipments are typically picked up within 24-48 hours and delivered faster because the carrier takes fewer stops along the route. It costs more but is worth it for time-sensitive moves. Each offer you receive includes that company's estimated transit time for your route so you can plan accordingly.

Question 2

Can I track my vehicle during transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can track your vehicle during transport, though the method varies depending on the carrier. Some larger fleet operators use GPS and satellite tracking systems that provide real-time location updates. However, many carriers in the auto transport industry are owner-operators running one or two trucks, and they may not have dedicated GPS tracking equipment installed.  Regardless of the carrier's technology, you will receive updates during transit. The driver from the company you booked with is your primary point of contact during transport — you can call them directly to ask for a status update and estimated arrival time. If you prefer not to contact the driver directly, call the company you booked with for a status update. The company you book with provides the driver's contact information at dispatch so you always have a way to reach them.  The company you book with keeps you posted at key milestones — when your pickup is scheduled, when pickup is complete, and when the driver is approaching delivery — so if anything changes (delays, route adjustments, or schedule shifts) you are never left guessing. The industry is moving toward universal real-time tracking, but for now, direct communication with the carrier remains the most reliable way to know exactly where your vehicle is.

Question 3

What happens if the carrier is delayed?

Accepted Answer

Delays happen occasionally in auto transport, and they are usually caused by weather, traffic, mechanical issues with the carrier truck, or scheduling changes from other customers on the same route. If your carrier experiences a delay, the driver should contact you directly to let you know the revised timeline, and the company you booked with keeps you updated.  Most delays are short — a day or two at most. Weather delays are the most common, especially during winter months or hurricane season, and they are entirely outside the carrier's control. In these situations, the driver will wait for safe conditions before continuing. No one wants a carrier to drive in unsafe conditions with your vehicle on board. Mechanical breakdowns are less common but do happen — in those cases, the carrier company will either send a replacement truck or arrange for another carrier to take over the load.  If a delay is going to be significant (more than 2-3 days beyond the original estimate), contact the company you booked with right away; it handles pickup, delivery and updates, and can move your vehicle to another truck if necessary. Check your written offer for how it treats delays — with a binding price in writing, the price you agreed is the price you pay regardless of transit time.

Question 4

How will the driver communicate with me?

Accepted Answer

Your carrier driver will contact you directly by phone at several key points during the shipping process. The first call comes 12-24 hours before pickup to confirm the date, approximate time, and any logistics like parking or access instructions. At pickup, you will meet the driver in person for the vehicle inspection and Bill of Lading signing. During transit, the driver is available by phone if you want to check on progress or estimated arrival time.  Before delivery, the driver will call you again 12-24 hours in advance to confirm the delivery date, time, and location. If the delivery address has access restrictions — gated communities, narrow streets, parking limitations — this is the time to discuss alternatives. Some neighborhoods cannot accommodate a 75-foot car carrier truck, in which case the driver may ask you to meet at a nearby parking lot or wide street where they can safely unload your vehicle.  If you cannot reach the driver directly, contact the company you booked with for a status update. The company provides its name, the driver's name, and a phone number when your vehicle is dispatched, so you always have direct contact information. Communication is a two-way street — if your schedule changes, your delivery address changes, or anything on your end shifts, let the driver and the company know as soon as possible so they can adjust accordingly.

Question 5

How is my vehicle loaded onto the carrier?

Accepted Answer

Your vehicle is driven onto the carrier by the driver, who positions it on the truck and secures it using professional-grade equipment. For a standard open carrier (the multi-level car haulers you see on highways), the driver uses hydraulic ramps to adjust the deck height, then drives each vehicle into its assigned position. Vehicles are secured using a combination of ratchet straps attached to the frame or designated tie-down points, wheel nets that cradle each tire, and chocks that prevent rolling.  The loading process takes about 15-20 minutes per vehicle. The driver is a professional who loads and unloads vehicles daily and knows how to handle everything from lowered sports cars to lifted trucks. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, say so in your request and tell the company you book with — certain carrier configurations can accommodate low-profile vehicles better than others. The driver will assess your vehicle at pickup and determine the best position on the truck based on size, weight distribution, and ground clearance.  For non-running vehicles, the driver uses an electric winch mounted on the carrier to pull the vehicle into position. This is why non-running vehicles incur a surcharge — winching takes more time, requires specialized equipment, and not every carrier has this capability. Enclosed carriers follow the same basic process but use an enclosed trailer with soft-tie straps and additional padding to provide maximum protection. Your vehicle stays on the same truck for the entire journey — it is not transferred between carriers at any point during transport.

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During Transport

5 Articles

How long does it take to ship a car?

Can I track my vehicle during transport?

What happens if the carrier is delayed?

How will the driver communicate with me?

How is my vehicle loaded onto the carrier?

Other Topics

Costs & Pricing

Before You Ship

Insurance & Protection

Delivery & After

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