Most online purchases require shipping, and that can take time. Usually items can be shipped via U.S. Mail, UPS or FedEx – all of which take at least several days. I recently bought several items online and shipped them via US Mail – most arrived within 5-7 days of purchase.  My two most recent eBay purchases (a camera and softball equipment for my daughter) took five days and seven days, respectively.

You can expect the same amount of time for the shipment of your vehicle purchased online. Typical vehicle delivery is 5-7 days, but that time can stretch out to 7-10 days during peak season and for vehicles being shipped to rural areas. Even at 10 days, I consider it to be impressive that a 2,000 pound shipment can be delivered in approximately the same amount of time as a one ounce letter sent by regular mail.

Keep this in mind when you’re booking auto shipping for your newly purchased vehicle. There’s no reason that a shipping company couldn’t deliver your vehicle in the standard 5-7 days (unless it’s peak season or you’re in a remote location). It’s important to ask how long the process will take and ensure that you get a reliable shipping company with a great reputation for service.