Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport

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Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport

In this guide we will define auto transport terminals, and go over the pros and cons of terminal-to-terminal car shipping. This will help you make an educated choice about the relocation of your vehicle.

What is an auto transport terminal?

A terminal is a regional storage facility, usually a secured lot that towing companies use. It is the place where vehicles are stored until a carrier picks them up. Most terminals are located outside large metropolitan areas, often near your local airport or off major highways running through big cities.

It is not unusual for several car shipping companies to use the same terminal.

The terminal is a transport hub where carriers often combine shipments traveling to the same region. Not having to drive around picking up and dropping off individual loads – carriers can efficiently load and unload vehicles at one place. That, however, does not always means a lower price for the end consumer.

What are the pros of terminal-to-terminal car shipping?

When moving, planning is essential. To stay on track with your move, you will need to schedule every task, sometimes down to the last hour.

When tackling your moving schedule, terminal-to-terminal car shipping could be a good option. It enables you to drop off your vehicle at a certain location, a storage facility, at the most convenient for you time. With this option on the table, you are not bound by the availability and time constraints of door-to-door auto transport.

Many terminals, however, charge storage fees that sometimes may add up to an amount equal to the cost of expedited vehicle shipping. The first day or two might be free, but then the storage fees begin to pile up.

Hence, before you settle on an option, we encourage you to get pricing for all options.

What are the cons of terminal-to-terminal auto transport?

Although terminal-to-terminal auto transport could be a more affordable option, it’s not for everyone. And for some car owners, the disadvantages will outweigh the advantages.

Getting to and from the terminals

The first disadvantage is that the terminals are usually located outside of the city limits, far from most residential areas or suburbs. It means that you will have to arrange transport and calculate your time accordingly. It is a task that implies additional time and money.

If you have a friend or a relative willing to give you a ride – you are all set. Otherwise, you may find that the cost of getting to and from the terminals cancels out any saving you’ve earned by not booking door-to-door service.

Terminals storage fees

The next possible disadvantage is paying storage fees. In case you are not able to pick-up your vehicle within a certain time frame, you may incur storage charges.

Vehicle delivery time

Terminal-to-terminal transport may take longer than door-to-door auto transport service. To avoid unpleasant surprises, check with your booking agent in advance.

Security of terminals

Another disadvantage of terminals is that they are not always fully secured. Your vehicle will be parked in an open air lot, exposed to the elements as well as possible vandalism and accidental damage. Most terminals are equipped with cameras, but often not with 24/7 security guard.

When is terminal-to-terminal delivery a good choice?

Sometimes, if you’re moving to a remote location such as a village nestled in the mountains, terminal-to-terminal shipping might be your only option. Door-to-door service, in this case, would be an extremely pricey and difficult to arrange task.

Also, if you can’t be around for your vehicle’s pick up and at the same time don’t mind driving a few extra miles, then terminal-to-terminal car shipping is a good option.

When you opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping, you will be responsible for delivering your vehicle to a designated storage facility. From there, a carrier will pick it up and drop it off at a terminal closest to your destination location.

When dropping off your vehicle at a terminal make sure to leave your car keys – either with an attendant or in a drop box, together with your order number.

Carefully follow all the instructions provided by your car shipping company. It is important to understand how to prepare your automobile for transport, and have all the necessary documents.

You can learn more about how auto transport works from our website. You can also call our team with to discuss your options and budget. They will walk you through the entire vehicle shipping process and help you select a service.

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Ernie Roberts
Excellent and professional service at a competitive price. The vehicle showed up on time and the drivers were courteous and quick. We had to make a few adjustments on the delivery location because of roads etc but this was no problem. Great experience and I felt they took care of my car for me. This was my deceased mothers car so it has sentimental value to me and they really cared about the car. Thank you... Date of experience: October 29, 2024
Gregory Hughes
I've used Corsia Logistics twice now to send a Porsche and classic Mercedes. Both times the car was picked up on time, the driver was communicative and on my second shipment, arrived a day earlier than scheduled. They have a tracking system, so I know where my car is at all times. I will continue to use Corsia for all my long-haul car transportation needs. Date of experience: October 28, 2024
Adel
We paid extra for a guaranteed date for pickup and they were able to pick up that day. The car arrived a day earlier than scheduled. The gentleman who transported was friendly and communicative. 100% would use this company again. Date of experience: September 30, 2024
Hisham Alhakimi
Corsia was amazing. Personable, respectful, and punctual. I went with them after passing up on some of the other major players. Glad I did! Just end to end great experience and customer service. Employees were well trained! Date of experience: September 23, 2024
N K
Don’t hesitate to use them! Efficient, responsive, honest and affordable! I scheduled an enclosed carrier with them and received the car the same day it was picked up. Zero issues. Excellent service! Date of experience: September 17, 2024
Jeff Finegold
I have used Corsia Logistics 4 times now with high end cars being transported from Northern Ca. to Southern Ca. and back. Each time the service has worked perfectly. Never an issue with timing, service or with my cars. I will continue to use this service in the future. Date of experience: June 10, 2024

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