If you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient way to ship a vehicle, door-to-door car shipping is the perfect solution. This service allows your car to be picked up as close as possible to your home and delivered directly to your chosen destination. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to a family member, door-to-door shipping offers unmatched convenience, safety, and peace of mind.
In this guide, you’ll learn how door-to-door car shipping works, what it costs, who should use it, and how it compares to other delivery options.
What Is Door-to-Door Car Shipping?
Door-to-door car shipping is a type of auto transport service where the carrier picks up your vehicle from a designated address and delivers it directly to your destination address. Instead of meeting at a central terminal, the driver coordinates pickup and drop-off at residential or commercial locations.
This method is ideal for people who want a hassle-free experience. It saves time, avoids long drives to and from shipping terminals, and is especially convenient for families, students, military personnel, and people moving long distances.
How Does Door-to-Door Car Shipping Work?
Booking door-to-door car shipping is simple. You contact a transport company or broker, get a quote, and schedule your preferred pickup and delivery window. On the scheduled day, the carrier arrives at your location or a nearby street large enough for a transport truck. The same process is repeated at the delivery location.
The entire process usually includes
Vehicle inspection at pickup
Loading the vehicle onto an open or enclosed carrier
In-transit tracking or updates
Unloading and inspection at the delivery point
Benefits of Door-to-Door Car Shipping
This type of service offers several key advantages
No need to drop off or pick up your car from a terminal
Faster overall shipping process
Direct contact with the carrier
Minimized handling of your vehicle
Safer for valuable or personal vehicles
Ideal for busy schedules or non-drivable cars
Who Should Use Door-to-Door Car Shipping?
This option is perfect for many types of customers
People relocating across the country
Students moving to or from campus
Military families handling PCS orders
Online car buyers needing direct delivery
Dealers delivering vehicles to customers
Owners of non-running vehicles that can’t be driven to a terminal
Luxury or classic car owners seeking personal service
Choosing a Reliable Door-to-Door Car Shipping Company
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s important to choose a professional and reputable company
Check FMCSA registration at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
Look for reviews on BBB and TransportReviews
Confirm whether the company uses its own carriers or a broker network
Ask about pickup windows, delivery estimates, and tracking
Ensure full insurance coverage is included
Get a written agreement with cancellation and refund terms
Vehicle Preparation for Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Proper preparation helps ensure safe pickup and delivery
Clean the car inside and out
Document any existing damage with photos
Remove personal items and loose accessories
Leave only a quarter tank of fuel
Disable alarms and toll tags
Provide exact pickup and delivery instructions
Recommended Providers for Door-to-Door Shipping
Here are some trusted companies offering door-to-door service nationwide
Sherpa Auto Transport – Great reputation, real-time updates, and price lock guarantee
Montway Auto Transport – Flexible options and excellent customer service
AmeriFreight – Discounts for military, students, and seniors
Direct Express Auto Transport – Known for instant quotes and fast dispatch
uShip – Competitive marketplace with direct-to-door options
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my home can the carrier actually get?
If your street is accessible to a large truck, they’ll come right to your door. If not, they’ll meet you at a nearby parking lot or open space.
Is door-to-door car shipping more expensive?
Yes, slightly. You’re paying for the added convenience and personalized pickup/delivery.
What if I’m not home during delivery?
You can assign someone else to receive the vehicle, as long as they can inspect and sign the delivery form.
Do I have to meet at a terminal?
No. That’s the main benefit of door-to-door shipping — no terminals, no transfers.
Price Comparison for Door-to-Door Shipping
| Route | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago to Dallas | 950 miles | $750 – $950 | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Miami to Atlanta | 660 miles | $650 – $850 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| Los Angeles to Seattle | 1,100 miles | $850 – $1,150 | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| New York to Denver | 1,800 miles | $1,100 – $1,400 | $1,700 – $2,200 |
Transport Option Comparison
| Service Type | Best For | Convenience Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Relocations, classic cars | Highest | $$$ |
| Terminal-to-Terminal | Budget shipping | Moderate | $$ |
| Expedited Door Delivery | Time-sensitive deliveries | Highest + Speed | $$$$ |
