Moving can be an exciting experience. However, it can also turn into an expensive escapade overnight. Hiring a full-service moving company could cost you as little as $500 for local moves and more than $4,000 for cross-country moves. You should keep your budget in mind.
Which other piece of moving advice would you recommend? Using a reputable car shipping company for terminal-to-terminal car shipping. Not only will this save you time and energy, but it’s also the most affordable way to move a car. Here’s what you need to know about how terminal-to-terminal auto shipping works and whether it’s right for you.
Terminal-to-terminal auto transport is a service that begins and ends at a terminal. A terminal is a sort of regional storage facility for cars. They are usually located in large urban centers. In comparison with door-to-door shipping, terminal-to-terminal shipping proves less convenient.
Why? Since your car will not be picked up and delivered to the two addresses you stipulate, you will have to arrange to have it delivered and picked up from terminals.
Usually, these facilities are located in or near major cities. In other words, the trucker that you work with just transports your car between terminals.
Terminals will be assigned near your two specified locations. However, if you live in a rural area, this fact could result in significant travel time. For this reason, it is less attractive. However, it remains the most cost-effective way for consumers to transport their cars.
Why? This makes driving easier for drivers, as well as allows them to group together shipments going to the same destination. It also saves them a lot of time on each delivery. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from these conveniences.
Terminal-to-Terminal Car Shipping: What to Know
Rather than diving into what terminal-to-terminal auto shippers do in more detail, let’s discuss your car shipping options first. When it comes to car carriers, you’ve got three choices:
- Enclosed car carriers: Enclosed car carriers are the most expensive option. Therefore, they’re usually reserved for collector, vintage, and exotic cars.
- Open car carrier: Open carriers are today’s standard carriers. Combined with terminal transportation, they remain one of the most cost-effective options. However, your car will not be protected from weather, gravel, dirt, and other elements associated with highways and freeways. Almost 90 percent of automobiles are transported this way, and it is a great option for daily drivers and commuter cars.
- Flatbed auto transports: The transportation of vehicles over flatbeds is exceedingly rare. Therefore, it’ll cost you more than other options. You should also expect longer wait times throughout every step of the process, from dispatch to pick up and transport.
When Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Shipping Makes Sense
What’s more important to you: keeping a specific budget or convenient pickup and delivery? Terminal-to-terminal shippers may be the best choice for you if it’s all about the money.
It may be as simple as setting up meetings at times and places that are convenient for both you and your driver. This way, you can avoid terminals altogether.
Although meeting points won’t be as close to your residence as door-to-door shipping, if you live in a big city, there are likely to be several convenient places to meet up.
Is Terminal-to-Terminal Car Transport Right for You?
Terminal-to-terminal car transport can be a suitable option if you live near designated terminals and prioritize cost savings. It requires dropping off and picking up your vehicle at these locations. Consider convenience, cost, flexibility, vehicle condition, and time constraints. If terminals are easily accessible and you’re willing to arrange transportation to and from them, this method can be a cost-effective choice. It’s important to research the best car shipping companies to ensure reliable service and a positive experience.
Assess your specific needs and location to determine if terminal-to-terminal car transport, provided by reputable companies, aligns with your priorities and outweighs potential inconveniences.
5 Best Terminal-to-Terminal Car Shipping Companies
BEST AUTO TRANSPORT MARKETPLACE
ROAD RUNNER AUTO TRANSPORT
4.0 Rating
- 30+ Years
BEST AUTO TRANSPORT MARKETPLACE
Crestline Auto Transport
3.5 Rating
- 10+ Years
AUTOSTAR TRANSPORT EXPRESS
4.2
X
4.87
5.0
AutoStar Transport Express gives proficient vehicle transport services, quality-driven, and reasonable vehicle dispatching solutions in Alaska. AutoStar began as a moderately small vehicle delivering company, yet over the most recent 16+ years, have prospered and got one of the main auto vehicle suppliers in the United State.
AutoStar just utilize the best vehicle carriers and deal with all your coordination’s whether you need homegrown or global vehicle transportation. And Auto Star Transport Express has solid experience of vehicle delivery to Alaska with 1000+ surveys on Google and Transportreviews.com.
MONTWAY AUTO TRANSPORT
4.0
4.6
4.55
5.0
Montway Auto Transport is one of the most popular auto transport brokers in the Alaska car shipping industry. The company provides standard shipping services, including open carrier and enclosed carrier, and several optional services like door-to-door transport, guaranteed pickup dates, expedited shipping, and Alaska car shipping, for an additional cost. The car shipper does not currently offer terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Montway Auto Transport works with over 15,000 vetted carriers to provide affordable shipping services, which are regularly lower than competitors’. Here are a few sample quotes received from Montway Auto Transport for an operable 2018 Honda CR-V using door-to-door delivery service.
A1 AUTO TRANSPORT
2.9
1.7
3.43
1.0
The longer the distance, the more factors come into play during auto transportation. Once you cross over to another state, though shipping your car isn’t a problem, you must first make sure it meets the legal requirements there. You may also need a new driver’s license if you’re moving permanently.
A1 Auto Transport can ship your car to any part of the US, as well as to another country. To transport an antique or luxury vehicle to or from Miane, clients are usually looking for the highest level of safety and speed A1 Auto Transport can offer. For this reason, A-1 auto transport recommend its enclosed auto carriers. They are a bit more expensive, but they’re also superior in every other way.
ROAD RUNNER AUTO TRANSPORT
4.0
2.3
1.76
4.0
Road Runners robust systems enable us to continually assess the strengths of various carriers and monitor prevailing market rates. No matter what their transportation needs, Alaska clients trust that they can rely on us to provide the best possible solution and know that the culture of continuous process improvement will deliver the added value they deserve. Road Runner customers rely on its comprehensive knowledge of import and export processes and regulations that enables us to design custom, cost-effective, end-to-end international transportation solutions for any size load.
CERSTLINE AUTO TRANSPORT
4.6
X
5.0
X
Crestline Auto Transport specializes in enclosed transport, offering top-notch service for high-end and classic vehicles. With a focus on personalized customer service and attention to detail, they ensure the safe and secure transportation of valuable vehicles. Their professionalism, care, and positive customer reviews make them a reliable choice for enclosed car shipping.
FAQ's
No, terminal to terminal shipping is available for both domestic and international shipments. It provides a reliable and efficient solution for transporting goods across different locations.
You can consult shipping and logistics companies or use online resources that provide information about terminal locations based on your specific region or area.
Yes, most shipping companies provide tracking services that allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment from the origin terminal to the destination terminal. This helps you stay informed about the status and estimated delivery time of your goods.
While terminal-to-terminal shipping has its advantages, there are a few limitations to consider:
- Transportation to and from the terminals: The sender and recipient need to arrange transportation to and from the terminals, which may add complexity and additional costs.
- Time and distance: Terminal-to-terminal shipping may take longer if the terminals are located far apart, especially for international shipments.
- Size and weight restrictions: Some terminals have limitations on the size and weight of packages they can handle, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements beforehand.
The specific documentation required may vary depending on the carrier, type of goods being shipped, and the destination. However, common documents include the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary permits or licenses for restricted items. It’s advisable to check with the carrier or consult a shipping agent to ensure you have the correct documentation.
