You’ve heard that door-to-door auto transport is the most convenient option for moving your vehicle. You’ve heard right.
You’ve also heard that it’s pretty expensive too. You’ve heard that right as well. But do you know how it compares to the alternatives regarding benefits and costs? Read about all of that in this blog post:
Let’s establish average door-to-door auto shipping costs per mile:
As per the survey done by CNN from 11 car shipping companies in the US, these are the average door-to-door car transport prices for different vehicle types for 1,000 miles:
- Sedan: $938
- Compact SUV: $1,063
- SUV: $1,188
- Truck: $1,338
Based on these figures, the average per-mile cost for 1,000 miles ranges from $0.938 to $1.338, depending on the vehicle size.
If you carefully observe this pattern, the cost increases with the increase in size of the vehicle. A sedan is typically the smallest, so its price is also lower, and a truck is usually the largest, so its cost is also the highest. Here’s a visual representation of the cost increase for better understanding.
It’s important to remember that these door-to-door shipping costs are general estimates, and the actual quotes you get for auto shipping solutions may be higher or lower depending on factors like:
- The time of year (prices go higher during peak seasons such as winters and summers)
- The type of vehicle you ship
- The total distance between pickup and drop points
- The specific transport route and any additional services required (such as door-to-door pickup solutions, enclosed carrier, and expedited delivery)
- The condition of your vehicle
To get an accurate quote for your door-to-door auto shipping needs, it’s best to contact multiple auto transport companies and compare their rates.
Door-to-door transport vs terminal to terminal car shipping services:
You have two primary options when transporting your automobile: door-to-door auto transport services or terminal-to-terminal car shipping solutions. Let’s see a side-by-side comparison of both:
Level of convenience:
The main benefit of door-to-door auto shipping is the convenience it offers. Terminal-to-terminal shipping requires you to drop off and pick up your automobile at designated terminals.
The door-to-door car transportation service will pick up your car directly from your preferred spot and deliver it to your desired location. This eliminates the need to drive the vehicle to and from the terminal, saving time and effort.
Multiple-Vehicles:
If you’re just one person shipping multiple vehicles, then terminal-to-terminal shipping will be a lot more difficult and tiresome. You’ll have to go back and forth between your pickup point and the terminal to drop off the vehicles.
With door-to-door car shipping solutions, it’s easier to let the carrier come to your place and pick them up.
Out-of-Pocket expenses:
You may be able to find cheap door-to-door car transport solutions, but terminal-to-terminal transport is always cheaper.
This saves the auto transport company time and fuel by picking up and dropping your vehicles to/from any place beyond their terminals.
However, you will pay for the gas, parking, and tolls to move your vehicle to and from the terminals.
Schedule flexibility:
Auto shipping companies are typically more flexible with pickup and delivery dates when it comes to door-to-door shipping services because the carrier can pick up or drop off other vehicles in the shipment to manage the schedule.
You must drop off on set dates before the transport truck departs for terminal-to-terminal hauls. You must also pick up the vehicle, typically within 24 hours; otherwise, you might be charged storage fees.
|
Feature |
Door-to-Door Auto Transport |
Terminal-to-Terminal Car Shipping |
|
Convenience |
High – The car is picked up and delivered to your door |
Moderate – You must transport the car to and from the terminal |
|
Flexibility |
High – You can choose pickup and delivery locations |
Limited – You are restricted to the terminal locations |
|
Cost |
Generally higher than terminal-to-terminal shipping |
Usually more affordable than door-to-door transport |
|
Liability Coverage |
Comprehensive – Includes protection during transit |
Varies – Liability coverage may be more limited |
Door to door auto shipping vs terminal to terminal transportation cost:
If you are moving a Sedan 1,000 Miles for $900 using door-to-door shipping services. You might be able to save 10% when using terminal-to-terminal, so you may be able to save $90 this way.
Nevertheless, some terminals charge a storage fee of $15 to $30 per day, depending on your vehicle size and the terminal’s location. So make sure to ask this beforehand.
Towing your vehicle vs. Door-to-door auto transport:
Towing the vehicle by securing it behind a rental tow truck and hauling may seem cheaper, but the difference is not that much. Besides, you miss out on all the benefits of door-to-door auto transportation. Some of them include:
No limit of miles per trip
You can only rent a tow trailer or tow dolly for shorter distances before needing to take a break. According to FMCSA, you have to take a break of 10 hours after driving for 11 hours continuously.
So obviously, during that break, you will be eating food and staying at a motel, and you’ll be paying for these things.
Vehicle transportation cost is all-inclusive and allows complete door-to-door relocation over long distances.
Availability of special equipment carrier
If you have a specialty vehicle, such as an ATV, golf cart, RV, motorcycle, or luxury/exotic/classic car, you will need special equipment to secure it in place.
Auto shippers have equipment like fixtures, hydraulic ramps, chains, and ties for securement, etc., while you may not. Even if you rent them, it will add to the cost. Plus, you’re not an expert at using them properly, so there’s always a safety risk.
Insurance voids and coverage gaps
Towing your automobile long distances may void your auto insurance or may expose your vehicle to periods of no coverage.
If an accident happens during this time, the repair expense will be out of your pocket. With auto shipping solutions, your vehicle is protected under cargo insurance.
Ability to transport multiple vehicles
Moving multiple vehicles is not possible when towing. You can rent a large trailer and load multiple vehicles onto it, but there’s an even bigger safety risk as handling it will be very difficult for you with all that load behind.
Towing each vehicle separately will only add to the cost and hassle. Having the car delivered to your door makes much more sense.
|
Towing Your Vehicle |
Door-to-Door Auto Transport |
|
Limited miles per trip |
Nationwide coverage and door-to-door delivery |
|
Requires specialized equipment |
Specialized auto carriers with built-in loading ramps |
|
Out-of-pocket expenses for fuel, lodging, and wear and tear |
Inclusive pricing with insurance coverage |
|
Increased risk of damage during transport |
Secure and insured transportation with minimal risk of damage |
Door-to-door auto transportation vs. Towing cost:
Towing might be effective for short distances of, let’s say, 50-300 miles. You can typically drive 500 miles per day without any load. But since your vehicle will tow another vehicle, the load will nearly double. So, you might be able to safely pull 200-300 miles per day. This means anything more than that would require you to spend a night in a motel and get food, which will cost:
- Food: For 1 meal during the night ($23/per person)
- Accommodation: For 1-night stay in a motel ($55/night)
Then there’s fuel expense, which will be quite high because you’re pulling a lot of weight. You will also have to rent a tow dolly, which can run from $50 to $100 or more daily. So the total becomes:
- Food: $23
- Motel: $55
- Tow Dolly: $75 (taking an average of $50 and $100)
- Fuel: $70 (lump sump)
- Return Cost: $50
- Total: $273
Keep in mind that these are all rough estimates; the actual cost may be a little higher or lower than this.
In comparison, the cost of shipping a vehicle 500 miles will typically be $500 miles. So there’s nearly double the cost difference. It’s ultimately convenience, safety, and time vs. a few extra hundred bucks.
Door-to-door auto shipping vs hiring a driver:
You can also hire a professional driver to drive the vehicle from your home to any place or distance you want and leave it there. Let’s see how this compares to car transportation.
Insurance implications
You must confirm whether the vehicle will be covered under auto insurance if someone else is driving it because it might not be. Furthermore, driving the vehicle out of the city or state may void its coverage, which is another issue.
Lastly, door-to-door auto shipping services have cargo insurance and a claims process in case of any damages.
For-hire drivers do not usually have such processes, and you may have to file a lawsuit against them to get compensation for damages.
Driver screening:
For-hire drivers are typically not as well-reviewed online as large auto transport brokers. You can only check their driver’s license and insurance proof. There’s no way to check for permits, accident history, and customer testimonials for most drivers.
Auto transport brokers, on the other hand, thoroughly vet the carriers personally and through Central Dispatch before assigning them to your case.
Compliance with transportation regulations
Professional carriers are trained on Department of Transportation regulations for hours of service, driving in urban and rural areas, rest breaks, log books, etc. Individual drivers may not comply.
|
Feature |
Door-to-Door Auto Shipping |
Hiring a Driver |
|
Convenience |
High |
Low |
|
Insurance Coverage |
Comprehensive |
Limited |
|
Damage Claims Process |
Streamlined |
Complicated |
|
Driver Screening |
Rigorous |
Varies |
|
Compliance with Regulations |
Ensured |
May Vary |
Door-to-door car transportation services vs. Hiring a driver cost:
There are different categories of drivers, ranging from part-time drivers to independent full-time drivers and professional driving companies. The costs vary for each:
- Part-Time Drivers: $10-15 per hour
- Independent Drivers: $15-20 per hour
- Driving Companies: $25-30 per hour
The Total Cost of Hiring a Driver is $680- $700. This is only $200-250 less than door-to-door auto transport, which comes with more safety, cargo insurance, vetted and certified carriers, and a dedicated support staff to handle your needs.
Moreover, the cost is for part-time drivers; professional driving companies will cost much more than that.
