Door-to-door vs terminal-to-terminal car shipping
Most car shipping in the US is door to door, but "door" doesn't always mean your driveway. What each option means and when a terminal makes sense.
Car shipping quotes usually say door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal. Here's what each means in practice.
Door-to-door
The driver picks up and delivers as close to your addresses as they can safely and legally get. This is the standard for most US car shipping.
"Door" doesn't always mean your driveway. A full-size car hauler is about 75 feet long and can't fit down many residential streets, under low trees, or into gated communities and cul-de-sacs. In those cases the driver will ask you to meet at a nearby wide street or a parking lot, such as a supermarket or big-box store.
Tip: if your street is narrow, say so when you book and suggest a meeting spot nearby.
Terminal-to-terminal
You drop the car at a storage lot and pick it up from another lot at the destination. It's less common for domestic moves today, and not every company offers it.
It can make sense if:
- You can't be present during a pickup window.
- You live somewhere a truck can't reach.
- The company offers a real discount for it.
Ask about storage fees if the car will wait at the terminal for more than a day or two, and check the terminal's hours and security.
Which should you choose?
For most people, door-to-door is simpler and worth it. Just be flexible about the exact meeting point and keep your phone on during the pickup window.
Either way, the same rule applies: inspect the car with the driver and note any damage on the bill of lading.