Car shipping service
Pros and Cons of Door-to-Door Car Shipping
The advantages and disadvantages of Door-to-Door Car Shipping, and how to decide whether it fits your vehicle and budget.
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Door-to-Door Car Shipping at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.70–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $875 – $2,365
- Transit time
- 3–5 days
- Best for
- Most home moves
Free · No obligation · About a minute
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Advantages of door-to-door car shipping
- No trips to a terminal at either end
- Usually no extra cost over terminal shipping
- No storage fees or cars waiting in lots
- You inspect the car with the driver in person
- Works for open and enclosed transport
Disadvantages
- Someone must meet the driver at both ends
- Large trucks may not reach narrow or gated streets
- Pickup happens within a window, not at an exact time
- Rural addresses can add to the price
- HOA or city rules may require a nearby meeting point
Side-by-side comparison
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal Car Shipping
Feature | Door-to-door | Terminal-to-terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Standard price | Sometimes slightly lower |
| Convenience | Driver comes to you | You travel to the terminal twice |
| Storage | None needed | Car may wait days in a lot |
| Storage fees | None | Common after a few free days |
| Availability | Almost everywhere | Mainly large metro areas |
| Scheduling | Pickup window with a call ahead | Terminal opening hours |
| Inspection | With you at each address | With terminal staff |
| Best for | Most home moves | Very flexible schedules |
Which option is right for you?
Choose door-to-door if
- You want the car picked up and delivered for you
- You don't live near a terminal
- You want to avoid storage fees
Choose terminal-to-terminal if
- You can't be available during a pickup window
- A terminal is close to both addresses
- You're comfortable with the car waiting in a lot
Recommendations by vehicle
Sedans and compact cars
Door-to-doorSUVs and crossovers
Door-to-doorPickup trucks
Door-to-doorElectric vehicles
Door-to-doorLuxury cars
Door-to-doorClassic cars
Door-to-doorVans and minivans
Door-to-doorNon-running vehicles
Either optionLifted or oversized vehicles
Either option
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