As one of the more demandable services, more companies are offering car transport services nowadays. Depending on each client’s requirements, car transporters generally offer separate levels of services to suit specific details. Alternatively, customers looking to transport their cars can choose from door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal services.

In a nutshell, door-to-door service is a simplified process of transporting cars by way that the transporting company will pick up and deliver the car as close as possible to a specified address. In most cases the transporter will request that car owners meet them at a nearby parking lot to load and unload the car, as many trucks and trailers cannot travel down narrow residential streets, technically and legally. As such, clients opting for door-to-door car transport will need to be somewhat flexible with their timeframe and ensure that either they or an authorized representative is present to release the car to or from the driver.

For a discounted price, customers can opt to transport their cars by terminal-to-terminal service offered by most auto transport companies dealing with high-volume shipping. This type of shipping service is less expensive than door-to-door as shipments going to or from the same destination can be consolidated by the carrier at their storage facility, or a terminal. Those who need to drop off or pick up their vehicles on a specific date and time will find terminal-to-terminal shipping a more suitable choice. Cars can be dropped off at the terminal and stored until a driver is able to pick it up. Owners are notified once their car is delivered to the receiving terminal; otherwise the car will be stored until they are able to pick it up.

Although the base price for door-to-door shipping may seem much higher than terminal-to-terminal, there are still the hidden costs involved when you opt for the latter service. For starters, transporting your car to and from the terminal will incur some extra costs. In addition of having to drive your car to the storage facility, you will need to arrange for transportation home. You may also have to consider hiring a towing company if a terminal is considerably far from your drop-off or pick-up location.

When deciding on your car transport service, it is important to consider your budget as well as your timeline. The extra costs and slight inconvenience of terminal-to-terminal shipping may make door-to-door a better option. Take time to read the terms and conditions in your contract when comparing quotes, to be sure what kind of service your shipping company is offering.