If you are in need of auto transport, several options are available for you to choose. Some of the most commonly asked question regarding car transport almost always have to do with pickup and delivery points of the cars they are transporting. As such, here is some information regarding terminal-to-terminal versus door-to-door auto transport.
When you start searching for a shipping company, you will eventually realize that there are several auto transport services available to choose from. In terms of mode of transport, you can choose either open or enclosed vehicle shipping. But for the pickup and delivery services, many vehicle transport companies offer both door-to-door transport and terminal-to-terminal transport.
What is terminal-to-terminal car transport? A terminal is simply a wide parking lot. This is where the vehicles are held there until an adequate number of vehicles is heading in the same direction.
With this type of service, you will drive your car to the terminal that your shipping company will instruct you to go to in advance. You may leave your car at the terminal where it will wait until the shipping driver picks it up. When the transport truck arrives at the terminal that is the destination point, the driver will inform you via phone call that you can fetch your vehicle anytime.
Many car shippers give discounts for terminal-to-terminal service. Besides being cheaper, this is also quite convenient for people living in crowded and dense downtown area where door-to-door delivery seems impossible. Take note that trailer trucks hauling vehicles will not fit on narrow roads.
Then again, your car will remain in the terminal for a number of days, making it susceptible to vandalism or theft. While the terminal’s security is better than that of your own garage, the concentration of vehicles inside the terminal can be very tempting for criminals. It is also likely to be subjected to damaging elements such as weather and for sure, the contract will certainly have a clause to pardon the shipper for any weather-related damage.
On the other hand, door-to-door car transport occurs when your car is picked up at a certain agreed location, either your office or home. This is transported to a pre-determined point when it arrives in the destination city. Many companies charge additional fees for this type of vehicle transport service.
Nowadays, most people choose door-to-door auto shipping than terminal-to-terminal. For obvious reason, it is more convenient as you only have to wait for your car to be picked up and delivered in front of your home. However, take note that if the transport truck cannot access your home for various reasons, the driver will arrange a nearby location where you can pick up your car.
Besides being a convenient option, there are other reasons why this type of car shipping service is better than terminal-to-terminal service. This is the best option for people living too far from the terminal for pick up. Someone that has no time to fetch the car once it arrives in the terminal might also choose door-to-door transport.
You may also end up spending more terminal-to-terminal vehicle shipping service, particularly if your vehicle remains in the terminal for a long period until picked up on both ends. As such, both types of car transport service have pros and cons. Now that you understand these services, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on what service to choose for your car.