What to Know About Door-to-Door Vehicle Delivery

What Is Door-to-Door Auto Transport?

Door-to-door shipping means the carrier picks up your vehicle as close to your specified address as legally and safely possible, and delivers it the same way at the destination.

It's the most popular shipping method because of its convenience — no trips to a terminal, no coordinating extra logistics.

How It Actually Works

Pickup

1. You provide your pickup address when booking
2. The carrier contacts you 24 hours before arrival with an ETA
3. The driver arrives and parks as close to your location as the truck can safely access
4. You (or your representative) do a walk-around inspection with the driver
5. Both parties sign the Bill of Lading documenting vehicle condition
6. Your car is loaded and secured

In Transit

• Transit times vary by distance (typically 1-2 days per 500 miles)
• You can contact your broker for updates at any time
• The driver may make additional pickups/deliveries along the route

Delivery

1. The driver contacts you 24 hours before delivery
2. Your vehicle is unloaded at the destination address
3. You inspect the vehicle and compare against the pickup condition report
4. Sign the final Bill of Lading
5. Your car is delivered!

"Door-to-Door" Doesn't Always Mean Driveway

There are situations where the carrier can't access your exact location:

• Narrow residential streets where an 80-foot carrier can't safely turn
• Gated communities with HOA restrictions on large trucks
• Low-hanging trees or power lines blocking access
• Dead-end streets without turnaround space

In these cases, the driver will meet you at the nearest safe, legal location — often a nearby parking lot or wider street. This is standard practice and your broker will communicate this in advance.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

| Feature | Door-to-Door | Terminal | |---------|-------------|----------| | Convenience | Maximum | Requires driving to terminal | | Cost | Slightly higher | Slightly lower | | Availability | Nationwide | Limited to terminal locations | | Flexibility | High | Fixed terminal hours |

Most customers choose door-to-door because the convenience far outweighs the small cost difference.

Tips for a Smooth Delivery

• Be available by phone on pickup and delivery days
• Clear your driveway or designated parking area
• Have a backup contact in case you're unavailable
• Inspect promptly — note any concerns on the BOL immediately

Ready for Hassle-Free Delivery?

Rastaman Logistics specializes in door-to-door auto transport across all 48 contiguous states. Get a free quote and experience the easiest way to ship your vehicle.