Car Shipping - Vehicle Shipping Options

Usually auto carriers 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. Common service types you will be offered when shipping your car are door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal service. Whilst door-to-door service makes simpler the auto shipping process, terminal-to-terminal shipping offers considerable savings.

Door-to-door shipping
The majorities of auto transport companies provide door-to-door service, meaning that they will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified address as possible. Usually they can deliver your vehicle to your front door, as many trucks and trailers cannot travel down narrow residential streets. In all likelihood, the company will request that you meet them at a nearby parking lot to load and unload your car. You just should be somewhat flexible with your timeframe and ensure that either you or an authorized representative can release your car to the driver.

Terminal-to-terminal service
A number of larger shipping companies offer terminal-to-terminal shipping for a discounted price. Located in a large metropolitan area, a terminal is a regional storage facility. Relocating cars to and from a terminal allows carriers to combine shipments going to the same area, so terminal-to-terminal shipping is less expensive than door-to-door.

The benefits of terminal-to-terminal shipping: you will drop off or pick up your car on a specific date and time. You can drop off the car at the terminal and stored until a carrier is able to pick it up. On delivering your car to the receiving terminal, a representative will contact you, and your car can be stored until you are able to pick it up. But there are some hidden costs of terminal-to-terminal shipping. While the basic price for terminal-to-terminal shipping may be less expensive than door-to-door, think over the cost to transport your car to the terminal. In case a terminal is not conveniently located near your drop-off or pick-up location, you should drive your car to the storage facility (and organize for transportation home) or pay for a towing company to deliver your car to or from the terminal.

So just think over your budget as well as your timeline when deciding on your auto transport service. Terminal-to-terminal shipping may seem less expensive at first, but the extra costs and possible inconvenience may make door-to-door a better option for you. Once comparing quotes from transport companies, make sure to read the terms and conditions in your contract to be sure exactly what kind of service your shipping company is offering.