There are many options when it comes to shipping your vehicle. You may even decide between open and enclosed transportation (see open vs. enclosed transport) as an example. However, before you get to that point in your shipment, you need to decide whether you will be shipping via door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal transport. While both options safely deliver your vehicle, each have their own pros and cons. 

If you decide to ship terminal-to-terminal your vehicle will need to be dropped off to a terminal where all vehicles are staged and await transport. Only one transport hauler may be used, but typically more than one company uses the terminal at the same time. These terminals are typically located near an airport in many large cities all across the United States. Carriers often use these hubs for combining shipments that are going to the same area so they are not traveling around picking up and dropping off vehicles at different locations, saving large amounts of time.

Your vehicle will remain in the terminal until your the carrier you’ve booked with is ready to collect it. Once it’s loaded, the carrier transports it to the final terminal destination and you will will need to pick your vehicle up from the terminal, it will not be delivered to you.

The benefit of terminal-to-terminal shipping is the cost, however, if you do not pick up your vehicle for a long length of time, you will incur extra charges, or storage fees. 

Another benefit of this type of shipping is the convenience factor. You’re not sitting and waiting for the carrier to arrive. You simply drop off your vehicle and pick it up when your schedule allows. You can rest assured that your vehicle is being stored in a safe and secured location while you’re waiting to pick it up. If you’re not able to pick it up as soon as it’s delivered, you’re also able to arrange for some on else to drop off and pick up the vehicle as well. From friend, family or even a tow-truck driver, whoever it may be, just make sure all parties involved know who will be dropping off and picking up to avoid any confusion.

Pros

• You can ask a family member or friend to drop off and pick up your vehicle
• Worry-free

The disadvantage of terminal-to-terminal transport

While there are many advantages to terminal-to-terminal transport, but there are also several disadvantages to this type of auto transport service, which means, it may not be ideal for everyone. For some, the disadvantages can outweigh the advantages. 

One disadvantage is these terminals are often located beyond the city limits. What does this mean to you? Well, once your vehicle is dropped off, you’ve got to find a ride back. That could pose an issue for some people. 

There can also be additional costs that need to be added in to the equation. If you have a friend or family member that can pick you up or take you to the terminal, it’s not a big issue, however, if you don’t then you need to get yourself there and back home and working that out can cause issues and get costly. 

Let’s not forget storage fees, when booking with a terminal-to-terminal shipping company, some may take longer than a door-to-door company, which means your vehicle has to wait until a carrier is available to pick up and deliver your vehicle, which in-turn, causing you to have to pay storage fees while your vehicle is sitting in the terminal. 

Cons

• More often than not, terminals are located outside city limits, which means extra traveling
• Additional costs such as: getting to and from terminal, storage fees, getting vehicle out of the terminal
• Takes longer than door-to-door car transport

Is terminal-to-terminal transport cheaper than door-to-door transport?

To put it simply, no it isn’t. If you’re considering terminal-to-terminal auto transport services there are additional costs involved. 

You will need to get your vehicle to the terminal. Then you have to get home again. When your vehicle arrives at its final destination, there’s the additional cost to pick it up. You may also have to pay extra in storage fees, if you leave your vehicle waiting at a terminal for any length of time.

How does door-to-door transport work?

Door-to-door transport picks up your vehicle and delivers it to a location of your choosing. It may be right at your home, hence the name door-to-door transport. However, it’s often not the case. What’s most important about this type of vehicle transport service is that the locations are of your choosing. You’re not forced to deliver and pick your vehicle up from a specific terminal.  

The advantages of using door-to-door transport

Door-to-door vehicle transportation services take all the stress out of moving your vehicle.
Simply schedule the door-to-door transport company to pick-up and drop off your vehicle as close as you’re allowed to the address you provide. The carrier will load and unload your vehicle as close as possible to the address, so you don’t have to drive to the nearest terminal. This option saves you time, effort and not to mention money from your pocket.

Door-to-door transport also causes the least amount of wear and tear on your vehicle.

Safety and security are of the upmost importance for transporting your car, especially if it’s a luxury, exotic, classic, antique, or custom vehicle. Door-to-door transportation services can be either open car transport or enclosed auto transport. While both options are very safe and secure, an enclosed auto transport service takes the level of protection one step further. 

When choosing the enclosed auto transport, your vehicle will be completely enclosed in a trailer, away from the elements, traffic grime, and envious eyes. 

Pros

• Convenient
• Affordable
• Safe and secure
• All-inclusive
• Complete protection

The disadvantages of using door-to-door transport

As with terminal-to-terminal, there are a couple of disadvantages to using door-to-door car transport. For many, however, the advantage of convenience overrides them.

Door-to-door transportation services can cost a little bit more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. However, keep in mind, that there are no extra costs to consider, no driving to a terminal, or worrying about finding a way home after dropping the vehicle off. 

The other downside is that not all areas in the US are accessible for large trucks and trailers. There may be restrictions in place on the street where you live. You could even face problems such as overhanging branches or power lines that restrict access. If this is a scenario you face, you can simply make alternative arrangements for a more suitable pick-up and delivery location nearby.   

Cons

• Some locations may have restrictions in place – preventing large trucks and trailers

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