Car Shipping
Service Options
Door to Door vs. Terminal to Terminal
Automotive shipping companies offer several levels of service, depending on how quickly you need your vehicle shipped, how much you want to pay, and where the car needs to be picked up and delivered. The most common service types you will be offered when shipping your car are door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service. While door-to-door service simplifies the auto transport process, terminal-to-terminal shipping offers significant savings.
Door to door auto shipping - convenient and quick
Most auto transport companies provide door-to-door auto shipping service, meaning that they will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified address as possible. This does not necessarily mean that they can deliver your vehicle to your front door, as many trucks and trailers cannot travel down narrow residential streets. Most likely, your transporter will request that you meet them at a nearby parking lot to load and unload your car. You will need to be able to be somewhat flexible with your timeframe and ensure that either you or an authorized representative are available to release your car to the driver.
Save money with terminal-to-terminal automotive shipping
Some larger, high-volume auto shipping companies offer terminal-to-terminal shipping for a discounted price. A terminal is a regional storage facility, usually located in a large metropolitan area. Transporting cars to and from a terminal allows carriers to consolidate shipments going to the same area, so terminal-to-terminal shipping is less expensive than door-to-door.
Terminal-to-terminal automotive shipping benefits people who need to drop off or pick up their car on a specific date and time. Your car can be dropped off at the terminal and stored until a driver is able to pick it up. Once your car is delivered to the receiving terminal, a representative will contact you, and your car can be stored until you are able to pick it up.
The hidden costs of terminal-to-terminal
Although the base price for terminal-to-terminal automotive shipping may be less expensive than door-to-door, you should keep in mind the cost to transport your car to the terminal. If a terminal is not conveniently located near your drop-off or pick-up location, you will need to drive your car to the storage facility (and arrange for transportation home) or pay for a towing company to deliver your car to or from the terminal.
Which automotive shipping service option should you choose?
Consider your budget as well as your timeline when deciding on your automotive shipping service. Although terminal-to-terminal shipping may seem less expensive at first, the extra costs and possible inconvenience may make door-to-door a better option for you. When comparing quotes from automotive transport companies, be sure to read the terms and conditions in your contract to be sure exactly what kind of service your shipping company is offering.