When you’re a gearhead hunting for your next project car, timing is everything. Whether you’ve scored a JDM gem from Japan or a rare European model that’s finally eligible for U.S. import, one of the biggest questions is how long will it take to ship a car importing your dream ride.
Understanding this timeline is more than just about managing excitement it’s about planning. Knowing when to expect your vehicle allows you to schedule upgrades, garage prep, and perhaps even the first meet at your local cars & coffee. But international shipping, customs, and domestic transport all come with their own timelines and caveats. Let’s break it down.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Slow Down Your Delivery
Understanding the variables at play can help you manage the wait better and maybe even shorten it.
Seasonal Demand: Summer and early fall are peak seasons for auto transport due to relocations and car shows. Expect slower timelines and higher costs.
Shipping Method:
Roll-On/Roll-Off: Faster and cheaper, but your vehicle is exposed to the elements.
Containerized Shipping: Safer and more secure, but it takes longer due to the need for consolidation.
Air Freight: Fastest but cost-prohibitive for most buyers.
Expedited Services: Many domestic carriers offer expedited shipping at a premium. If time is critical, this is a great option.
Vehicle Condition: Non-operational vehicles require more effort to load/unload and may need specialty equipment this often adds to the timeline.
International Auto Shipping: A Deeper Dive
When you’re importing a car, you’re dealing with a longer process influenced by sea freight schedules, port congestion, and customs clearance. Typically, international car shipping takes 3 to 12 weeks. Here’s why:
Container Loading/Consolidation: Your vehicle often shares a container with others, and shipping companies usually wait to fill the container before departure.
Transit Time: Sea freight to the U.S. from Europe takes 2 to 4 weeks. From Japan or other parts of Asia, 4 to 8 weeks is typical. Faster air freight options exist but can cost $5,000 to $40,000.
Customs Clearance: Once the vehicle arrives, it must clear U.S. customs. If paperwork is in order, this might only take a few days. If not, expect delays.
Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience
Vet Your Shipper: Always work with a licensed, bonded, and insured shipping company. Look up their MC number with the FMCSA to verify legitimacy.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Remove personal items, check for leaks, and document existing damage. This not only helps with insurance claims but also streamlines inspections.
Have the Right Paperwork: For imports, you’ll need the bill of lading, vehicle title, EPA and DOT compliance documents, and possibly customs clearance paperwork. Missing or incorrect documents can delay delivery by weeks.
Plan for Delivery Logistics: If a large hauler can’t access your neighborhood, you may need to meet at a more accessible location like a large parking lot or distribution center.
Domestic Auto Transport: What to Expect
On average, shipping a car within the U.S. takes between 5 to 14 days, depending on distance and logistics. A cross-country trip usually takes 7 to 10 days. A shorter shipment from Florida to Georgia might only take 1 to 3 days.
Why the range? Because several variables impact shipping time:
Driver Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) restricts drivers to 11 hours of drive time per day. That means a 2,800-mile journey might logically take about five days if there are no delays. Add in weather, traffic, or loading time, and things stretch out fast.
Route Density: Urban-to-urban routes get prioritized. If your pickup or delivery point is remote, expect additional delays for truck rerouting or transfers.
Carrier Type: Enclosed carriers (great for exotic or classic cars) often carry fewer vehicles and take more direct routes, but might take longer to schedule because of demand and availability.
Final Thoughts: Timing is Part of the Build
While you might be itching to get your hands dirty under the hood, remember that shipping timelines aren’t just part of the process they’re part of the story. Delays can be frustrating, but proper planning and clear expectations go a long way.
So the next time you’re ready to ship a car importing a future project or rare build, take a breath, get the facts, and prepare the garage. Your next ride is on the way and the wait will be worth it.
