Door-to-Door Car Shipping: How Home Pickup and Delivery Works
You’re moving. You want someone to pick up your car from your current place and drop it off at your new one. Here’s exactly how door-to-door car shipping works.
How Door-to-Door Car Shipping Works with a Vehicle Transport Company
What Happens During Pickup
Your first step is to book and get a pickup window, which is usually 1 to 3 days. At Automoves, the driver calls to narrow it down.
When they arrive, the driver inspects your car. They note any scratches, dents, or chips and photograph everything. You both sign a Bill of Lading. Then the car goes on the trailer. The whole process is about 20 minutes. Have your keys ready. Make sure the car starts. If it doesn’t run, let the carrier know when you book because they’ll need different equipment.
What Happens During Transit
Your car rides on a carrier with other vehicles heading in the same direction. Transit times depend on the route, and if your destination is within the same province, you will receive your shipment in just 1 to 2 days. Longer routes, like Toronto to Vancouver, take about a week. When shipping your car with Automoves, you can track your shipment through AutomovesONE.
What Happens at Delivery
The driver contacts you when they’re close. At delivery, you will be asked to inspect the car and compare it to the pickup photos. If everything looks good, you simply need to sign the delivery receipt. If there’s new damage, note it on the receipt before you sign. This is important for insurance claims. You cannot sign as “no damage” and file a claim later.
Will the Car Hauler Fit on My Street?
Car haulers are about 75 feet long. They can reach most suburban streets without a problem. But tight cul-de-sacs, narrow downtown roads, or steep rural driveways might not work. In those cases, the driver will ask you to meet a block or two away at a wider street. This isn’t a bait-and-switch. It’s just how large trucks work.
Is Door-to-Door Worth the Extra Cost?
It’s just slightly more expensive than terminal-to-terminal, where you drop your car at a depot and pick it up at another one. If you’re relocating and already dealing with a hundred moving tasks, the convenience is worth it. You don’t need to arrange rides to terminals or coordinate depot hours. The carrier comes to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Ready to Ship Your Car?
Want to avoid the hassle, risk, and wear and tear associated with moving your car yourself? You can have your vehicle picked up from your home! Get your free quote from Automoves to take the first step!
