Door to Door Car Transport Service Guide 2 months ago

When shipping a vehicle, you’ll have to decide where you want your car picked up and delivered. One of the transport options most car shipping companies offer is door-to-door transport. We’ll go over what door-to-door transport means, how it works, and the pros and cons of choosing this delivery method.

Key Takeaways

• Door to door auto transport means that pickup location and desired final destination are specified. Your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close as possible to the selected addresses.
• Door to door transportation is convenient and timely, with cross country car shipping typically taking about a week.
• The cost of door to door transport will depend on a number of factors including the route, vehicle information, and type of auto transport service selected.

In This Guide:

• What is Door-to-Door Vehicle Transport?
• How Door-To-Door Vehicle Delivery Works
• How Much Do Door-to-Door Transportation Services Cost?
• How to Save on Auto Transport Services
• Pros and Cons of Door-to-Door Vehicle Transport
• Factors That Affect Door-to-Door Shipping Costs
• Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
• Why Choose Sherpa Auto Transport for Door to Door Shipping
• Door-to-Door Transport FAQs

What is Door-to-Door Vehicle Transport?

Door-to-door transport is a type of service provided by an auto transport company. Door to door transport allows pick up and delivery of your vehicle from as close to an address as possible. This means that as long as the truck driver can safely access your preferred location, like a driveway or the street near your house, your car can be loaded or dropped off.

For ease of access, some auto transport customers use a more prominent location like a popular street or a nearby parking lot, but many customers will have their car shipped to and from their home. If the truck driver notes anything unsafe, such as low hanging trees, they will work with you to find an alternative location for the loading and unloading process.

Some auto transport companies offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, which means your vehicle is dropped off and picked up at a central location. While slightly costlier, door to door transportation allows for optimal convenience.

At Sherpa, we only offer door-to-door shipping, as we believe it’s the most convenient method for customers.

How Door-To-Door Vehicle Delivery Works

Door-to-door vehicle delivery is designed to make the process of transporting your car as easy and seamless as possible.

Here’s how door to door transport typically works, from scheduling to delivery:

1. Get a Quote and Book Your Shipment
   Start by obtaining a quote for door-to-door delivery from a reputable car shipping company like Sherpa Auto Transport. Many auto transport companies offer online quotes to simplify the process, allowing you to customize details like your pickup and delivery locations and the type of transport you prefer, such as open or enclosed carriers. Once you receive your quote and book the shipment, you’ll typically receive a timeline for the pickup.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
   Before the pickup, it’s important to prepare your vehicle for shipment. This includes removing any personal items, checking fluid levels, and ensuring that the car has a quarter tank of gas. Your carrier will provide specific guidelines to ensure safe transport.
3. Pickup at Your Preferred Location
   On the scheduled date, a professional carrier will arrive at the specified pickup location, whether it’s your home, office, or another accessible location. The driver will conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, noting its current condition in a report called the Bill of Lading. You’ll receive a copy, which both you and the driver will sign to confirm the car’s condition before it’s loaded onto the carrier.
4. Vehicle Transport
   Once loaded, your vehicle is on its way! The carrier will keep it secure throughout the journey, traveling directly to your chosen drop-off location without any detours to terminals or additional storage facilities. During door to door shipping, you may be able to track your vehicle’s progress and get updates on the estimated arrival time from the carrier.
5. Delivery at Your Destination
   When the carrier reaches your final destination, they’ll coordinate with you to confirm a convenient time and location for the drop-off. Similar to the pickup process, the driver will conduct a final inspection of the vehicle and compare it to the initial Bill of Lading to confirm that everything is in the same condition as when it was picked up. You’ll then sign the report to acknowledge safe delivery.
6. Post-Delivery Peace of Mind
   With Sherpa Auto Transport’s Price Lock Promise, you don’t have to worry about surprise fees or fluctuating costs. The quote you receive at booking is the price you pay, giving you confidence in the process from start to finish.
   Door-to-door transport is designed with customer convenience in mind, providing an easy way to transport your vehicle without the hassle of traveling to or from a terminal. It ensures that your car remains under the care of one carrier and offers a reliable, streamlined experience every step of the way.

In essence, door to door auto transport means the car carrier comes directly to you at both ends of the vehicle shipment.

How Much Do Door-to-Door Transportation Services Cost?

So how much does door-to-door transport cost? The cost of door to door transport will depend on a number of factors for your shipment, such as the route and transport type selected (open vs enclosed trailer). You can use Sherpa’s online instant quote tool receive a free quote for the shipping services you need.

We’ve provided some baseline pricing below so that you can get a sense of what you can expect to pay for auto transport services with Sherpa. It’s important to note prices are based on shipment details and market conditions, so your actual cost could vary.

Average Door to Door Transport Prices

Popular Auto Transport Routes

If you’re shipping to and from a major city, here’s what you may pay per mile. Again, your actual cost could change depending on shipment details and market conditions.

How to Save on Auto Transport Services

Shipping a car can be a significant expense, but there are several ways to reduce costs and get the best value for your money.

Here are some tips to help you save on car shipping:

1. Book in Advance
   Scheduling your car shipment in advance gives you more options and better rates. When carriers have time to plan their routes and fill their carriers, they’re more likely to offer competitive prices. Last-minute bookings often come with premium rates, so book early to lock in a lower price.
2. Choose Open Carrier Transport
   Open auto transport is generally the most affordable shipping option, as these carriers can transport multiple vehicles at once, reducing costs per car. Unless your vehicle is a high-value or classic car needing extra protection, open transport offers reliable and budget-friendly service.
3. Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates
   Flexibility in your pickup and delivery windows can also lead to savings. If you can provide a wider timeframe, carriers have more flexibility to arrange a cost-efficient route. Avoid peak times—like the start and end of summer, major holidays, and January—to increase your chances of securing a lower rate.
4. Ship During the Off-Season
   Car shipping rates fluctuate with demand, and peak seasons—summer, January, and snowbird migration periods—are typically more expensive. If your schedule allows, consider shipping your vehicle during slower seasons, like spring or fall, when rates are usually lower.
5. Check for Discounts
   Many car transport companies, including Sherpa Auto Transport, offer discounts for specific customer groups such as military members, students, or repeat customers. Always inquire about available discounts that might apply to you or your situation.

By planning ahead, being flexible, and exploring all available options, you can make car shipping more affordable without sacrificing quality or reliability.

Pros and Cons of Door-to-Door Vehicle Transport

When selecting an auto transport service, it’s essential to weigh both the benefits and potential drawbacks to ensure it fits your needs.

Pros

One of the standout benefits of door-to-door vehicle transport is the high level of convenience it provides. With this service, your vehicle is picked up and delivered directly to locations you specify, often right at your doorstep.

This means you won’t need to worry about arranging separate travel to a shipping terminal, which can save you both time and effort. Door-to-door service is especially advantageous for customers who live in remote or rural areas, where the nearest terminal could be hundreds of miles away, potentially adding considerable time and cost to the process.

This convenience also means you have more control over timing, as scheduling is tailored to you. With Sherpa’s door-to-door transport, your pickup and drop-off locations are managed with your preferences in mind, so you don’t need to coordinate additional logistics.

This service alleviates the stress of finding, traveling to, and navigating a terminal, letting you focus on other priorities.

Another advantage is the added peace of mind. With door-to-door service, your vehicle remains under the care of a single carrier, which minimizes the need for transfer between terminals or multiple drivers. This process reduces handling and lowers the risk of incidental damage, making it a more secure option for your car’s journey.

Cons

Despite its advantages, door-to-door auto transport generally comes with higher costs than terminal-to-terminal options. The direct route to your specified locations involves greater labor and fuel costs for the carrier, as they cater to each customer’s unique address rather than consolidating deliveries at a central terminal. As a result, these added costs are reflected in the price.

In certain areas—such as densely populated urban neighborhoods or areas with narrow streets—door-to-door transport may also face logistical challenges. Large transport trucks often have limited maneuverability, making access to some residential or downtown areas more difficult.

In these cases, carriers may arrange a nearby location as close to your address as possible for delivery or pickup. It’s helpful to check with your carrier regarding accessibility concerns to avoid potential adjustments in drop-off or pickup locations.

Factors That Affect Door-to-Door Shipping Costs

Several key factors impact the cost of door-to-door vehicle transport, ranging from shipment details to broader market conditions. Understanding these variables can help you anticipate the total expense and choose options that best meet your needs and budget.

1. Delivery Method
   Door-to-door shipping offers maximum convenience, as it eliminates the need for you to travel to a terminal. However, this added convenience comes at a higher cost compared to terminal-to-terminal transport, where vehicles are dropped off and picked up at a centralized location.
2. Shipping Distance
   The total distance of the shipment is a major cost driver. Generally, long-distance shipments have a lower cost per mile but a higher overall price. The farther your vehicle needs to travel, the more the cost will accumulate, though some carriers offer discounts for certain cross-country routes.
3. Transport Type
   Door-to-door transport can be done using either an open or enclosed carrier, each with different price points and benefits. Open carrier transport is the more affordable option, as these carriers can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously. Enclosed transport, while more expensive—often up to 50% more than open transport—provides greater protection for your vehicle by shielding it from weather, road debris, and potential damage. Choosing between open and enclosed options depends on your budget and the level of protection you want for your car.
4. Time of Year
   Auto transport demand fluctuates throughout the year, affecting prices. January and summer months see increased demand, as people tend to move or travel seasonally, which drives up shipping costs. Booking during spring or fall, when demand is typically lower, may help reduce costs.
5. Vehicle Size and Weight
   Larger and heavier vehicles, like pickup trucks or oversized SUVs, require more space on the carrier and may necessitate additional equipment for loading and unloading, resulting in higher costs. Standard sedans and compact cars are generally less expensive to ship.
6. Vehicle Type
   Specialized vehicles, such as RVs, ATVs, and motorcycles, often incur additional fees due to their unique dimensions, weight, and handling requirements. These alternative vehicles may require specialty carriers or equipment, impacting the overall price.
7. Fuel Costs
   The cost of fuel plays a significant role in shipping expenses. When gas prices rise, carriers face higher operational costs, which are passed on to customers. Monitoring fuel price trends can provide insight into expected fluctuations in shipping costs.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

When arranging door-to-door delivery, you’ll have the option to choose between open and enclosed auto transport services, each with distinct advantages depending on your needs and budget.

Open Auto Transport

Open car transport is the standard and most common form of auto transport. Vehicles are loaded onto an open carrier, typically a double-deck trailer, where they are exposed to the elements but are secured for safe travel. Open carriers can transport multiple vehicles at once, making it an efficient and cost-effective choice. It’s an ideal option for standard vehicles, especially if you’re looking for affordability.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed carriers provide a fully enclosed environment, protecting your vehicle from exposure to weather, road debris, and other external factors. This is an excellent choice for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value cars that need extra protection during transit.

However, this premium auto transport service is more costly, often up to 50% more than open transport. Many customers opt for enclosed transport for peace of mind, knowing their vehicle is shielded throughout the journey.

Choosing between open and enclosed transport often depends on your vehicle’s value, your budget, and the level of protection you prioritize for your car during transport.

Why Choose Sherpa Auto Transport for Door to Door Shipping

At Sherpa Auto Transport, we guide out customers through the auto transport process from beginning to end. We are committed to providing a five-star experience for each and every customer.

Our Reputation and Accolades

In the six years we’ve been in the auto shipping industry, we’ve built a solid reputation with over 100,000 successful doot-to-door car shipments. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rates us with an A+ accreditation, the highest award possible. We have thousands of customer reviews with an industry-leading Total Review Score of 4.9 stars.

Price Lock Promise

With our exclusive Price Lock Promise, you’ll pay the price you’re quoted. If a quoted price isn’t enough to secure a car hauler for your transport, we’ll figure out the difference and pay up to $300 to cover it. With our locked in prices, you can be sure both your wallet and your peace of mind are protected.

Door to Door Transport Expertise

Sherpa Auto Transport was founded to provide a top-notch experience for our customers. That’s why we offer door to door auto transport for every shipment. When you book with us, you specify the addresses for the loading and unloading process. We work to secure a carrier that can get as close to those addresses as possible, keeping in mind safety regulations.

Door-to-Door Transport FAQs