The unparalleled guide to Car Hauling Companies
Door to Door Car Haulers for Reliable Car Shipping
Need a simple way to move a vehicle without terminal drop-offs? Smart Auto Move provides door-to-door car hauling and auto transport with transparent pricing, helpful support, and flexible open or enclosed options. Request car shipping quotes in minutes and schedule pickup when you’re ready.
Looking for the most affordable option? See Cheap Car Shipping. New to vehicle transport? Read What is Auto Transport.
What “Door-to-Door” Car Hauling Really Means
Door-to-door car delivery service is designed to be easy: we arrange pickup and delivery as close to your home, business, dealership, or auction location as safely and legally possible. In most cases, a carrier can access normal residential streets and meet right at the address.
When a full-size car hauler can’t fit due to low branches, tight turns, HOA restrictions, weight limits, or downtown loading rules, we’ll coordinate a nearby meeting spot—like a wide parking lot or a safe cross street— so your vehicle can be loaded and unloaded without headaches.
- Home pickup: Great for private moves, relocations, and seasonal travel.
- Dealership & auction pickup: Ideal for purchases, trades, and online buyers.
- Business delivery: Helpful for fleets, rentals, and corporate moves.
Best for
Door-to-door auto transport works especially well when you want minimal disruption and a predictable handoff. It’s also one of the fastest ways to move a car because you avoid terminal processing and extra transfers.
If you’re comparing service types, this guide helps: What is Auto Transport.
How Much Does It Cost to Haul a Car?
Vehicle shipping cost depends on a few key details. Sharing accurate info upfront leads to the most reliable car shipping quotes.
Distance & Route Demand
Longer routes generally cost more overall, but the cost per mile often decreases as distance increases. Popular corridors with consistent carrier traffic can price more competitively than remote routes.
Vehicle Size & Condition
Larger vehicles take more trailer space and can weigh more, which impacts pricing. Inoperable vehicles may require special equipment for loading and unloading.
Trailer Type
Open transport is the most common choice and typically the most budget-friendly. Enclosed car hauling adds protection from weather and road debris and is often used for higher-value vehicles.
Seasonality & Scheduling
Seasonal demand affects availability and pricing. When more drivers are covering certain lanes, rates can soften. When demand spikes—like peak moving months—pricing can rise due to carrier capacity.
Flexibility helps. A wider pickup window can increase the chance of faster matching and competitive pricing.
Quick Pricing Checklist
- Pickup city/state and delivery city/state
- Year, make, model, and vehicle type
- Operable or inoperable condition
- Preferred trailer: open or enclosed
- Estimated pickup window
Typical Factors That Increase or Decrease Vehicle Shipping Cost
| Factor | Often Lowers Cost | Often Raises Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Major metro-to-metro lanes | Rural / remote access areas |
| Timing | Flexible pickup window | Rush / tight deadlines |
| Trailer | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
| Vehicle | Standard-size operable sedan | Oversize / inoperable vehicle |
| Season | Balanced demand periods | Peak moving / high-demand lanes |
The fastest way to know your exact price is to use the quote calculator above with your real route and vehicle details.
Car Hauling & Auto Transport You Can Count On
We make door-to-door vehicle shipping straightforward—from quoting to dispatch to delivery—so you always know what’s happening next.
Door-to-Door Coordination
We confirm access details and coordinate the best pickup and delivery plan for your location, including a nearby meeting point if needed.
Open & Enclosed Car Transporters
Choose open shipping for everyday vehicles or enclosed transport for added protection—ideal for classics, exotics, and luxury models.
Clear Updates
From dispatch to delivery, we keep you informed so you’re not left guessing. You’ll know the pickup window and delivery expectations.
Trusted Feedback
Want to see what customers say about their experience? You can read verified feedback on our BBB profile: Smart Auto Move customer reviews.
How Door-to-Door Car Delivery Service Works
A simple, proven process that keeps your move on track—whether you’re shipping a daily driver or a collector car.
1) Request Quotes
Share your pickup and delivery route, vehicle details, and preferred dates. You’ll receive car shipping quotes based on real factors.
2) Choose Trailer Type
Select open transport for value, or choose enclosed transport for added protection. We’ll confirm which option fits your goals.
3) Schedule Pickup
We coordinate a pickup window and confirm access notes for your address. If the street is tight, we plan a nearby meeting location.
4) Vehicle Handoff & Delivery
At pickup and delivery, the driver performs a quick condition check. Then your vehicle travels to the destination and is delivered close to your address.
What to Do Before Pickup
- Remove personal items and loose accessories.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel for loading/unloading.
- Turn off alarms and provide needed keys (if applicable).
- Take photos for your records and note existing marks.
Common Delivery Questions
- Can I change the address? Often yes—tell us early so we can confirm route access.
- Will a big truck come to my house? Usually. If not, we plan a nearby meeting point.
- How do I track it? We provide updates through dispatch and transit milestones.
Car Transporters for Every Vehicle Type
Door-to-door hauling is flexible. Pick the service level that matches your vehicle, timeline, and comfort level.
Open Auto Transport
The most popular option for standard vehicles. Great value and widely available across common routes.
- Cost-effective for daily drivers
- Ideal for most sedans, SUVs, and trucks
- Frequent carrier availability nationwide
Enclosed Auto Transport
Added protection from weather and road debris. Often chosen for luxury, classic, exotic, and collector vehicles.
- Extra peace of mind for high-value vehicles
- Common for classics and show cars
- Popular for long-distance moves
Inoperable Vehicle Shipping
If your vehicle doesn’t run, we can still help. Pricing depends on equipment needs and access at pickup and delivery.
- Works for projects and non-starting cars
- Requires accurate condition details
- We plan the smoothest loading setup
Door-to-Door Car Hauling FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about vehicle shipping cost, scheduling, and door-to-door delivery.
How much does it cost to haul a car on a door-to-door carrier?
Pricing depends on distance, vehicle size, operability, trailer type, route demand, and season. For the most accurate estimate, request car shipping quotes with your pickup and delivery locations and vehicle details.
Is door-to-door car delivery service faster than terminal shipping?
In many cases, yes. Door-to-door service reduces extra handling and avoids terminal processing. Transit time still depends on miles, weather, traffic, and driver availability on your route.
What if my street is too narrow for a large car hauler?
If access is limited, we coordinate a nearby meeting spot—like a shopping center parking lot or a wide cross street—so loading can happen safely. This is common in downtown areas, neighborhoods with low branches, and places with HOA restrictions.
Should I choose open or enclosed car hauling?
Open transport is the most common and typically the most affordable. Enclosed transport is a great fit for vehicles that benefit from added protection, such as classics, exotics, luxury models, or show cars.
What do I need to do before pickup?
Remove personal items, secure loose parts, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and take a few photos for your records. Also share any access notes (gates, tight turns, low branches) so we can plan the smoothest door-to-door pickup.
More background and terminology here: What is Auto Transport.
What Customers Say
Real feedback helps you book with confidence.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
You can also view additional verified reviews on the BBB customer reviews page.