What to realistically expect for pickup and delivery times, broken down by distance, plus the factors that speed things up or slow them down.
Two timelines: pickup and transit
When people ask how long shipping takes, they are really asking about two separate things: how long until the carrier picks the car up, and how long the car is then in transit. Understanding both gives you a realistic picture.
Pickup usually happens within 1–5 days of your available date, depending on your route and flexibility. Transit time then depends mostly on distance.
Transit time by distance
As a general guide: short regional moves (under 500 miles) take about 1–2 days in transit; mid-distance routes (500–1,500 miles) take roughly 2–4 days; and long-distance or coast-to-coast shipments (1,500+ miles) typically take 4–10 days once picked up.
These are estimates, not guarantees — carriers make multiple stops and must follow legal driving-hour limits — but they are realistic for planning.
What affects the timeline
Route popularity matters: busy lanes between major metros move faster than remote rural pickups. Weather, season, traffic and the carrier's other stops all play a role. Your own flexibility is a big factor too — a wider pickup window means a faster match.
If you are on a tight deadline, expedited service prioritizes both your pickup and routing for a faster overall timeline.
Planning around your move
Because exact dates can shift, avoid scheduling your shipment so tightly that you have no buffer. If you are relocating, ship a few days before you need the car if possible. Your specialist will give you a realistic estimate and keep you posted as your vehicle moves.
Need it fast? Ask Neptune about expedited transport to compress the timeline.