Door-to-Door
What is door-to-door auto transport?
Door-to-door auto transport is the premium standard in vehicle shipping. Unlike “terminal-to-terminal” shipping, where you have to drop your car off at a storage yard and pick it up from another lot miles away, RunBuggyOne brings the service to you.
Our verified carriers pick up your vehicle from your specified location—whether it’s your home, office, or a dealership—and deliver it as close to your front door as legally and safely possible.
(Note: While we strive for “doorstep” service, some residential streets are too narrow for large transport trucks. In these cases, the driver will arrange to meet you at the nearest safe location, such as a large grocery store parking lot or wide street.)
How Door-to-Door Car Shipping Works
Shipping a car shouldn’t be complicated. We’ve simplified the process into three easy steps:
Get a Quote & Book
Enter your pickup and delivery zip codes into our instant quote tool. Select your vehicle type and desired timeframe.
Carrier Assignment
We match your order with a vetted, fully insured carrier from our nationwide network who is already driving your route.
Pickup & Delivery
The driver contacts you to schedule the pickup. They inspect your vehicle, load it, and drive it to your destination. You get automated status updates along the way and sign off on delivery once it arrives.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
It is important to understand the alternative so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Door-to-Door (Our Standard):
The carrier comes to you. Your vehicle is loaded once and stays on the truck until it reaches the destination. This is faster, safer, and requires zero extra driving on your part.
Terminal-to-Terminal:
This is a budget option where you must drive your car to a regional storage yard (terminal) to drop it off.
- Storage Yards: Vehicles often sit in open lots for days or weeks waiting for a truck to fill up.
- Inconvenience: Terminals are typically in major metro hubs. If you live in the suburbs, you may have to drive hours just to drop off the car.
- Hidden Costs: While the base rate looks lower, terminals often charge daily storage fees if you are late to pick up the vehicle.
How Much Does Door-to-Door Shipping Cost?
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 1–500 miles | $3.44/mile | $3.57/mile |
| 501–1,500 miles | $1.16/mile | $1.87/mile |
| 1,500+ miles | $0.69/mile | $0.85/mile |
Several factors determine the final cost of your car shipping service, including the type of vehicle you are shipping, your selected transport method, and your timeline.
To help you budget your upcoming move, we have compiled the average cost per mile to ship a standard-sized, operable vehicle based on the distance and carrier type.
(Note: These are baseline averages. For an exact, locked-in price tailored to your specific vehicle, use our Instant Quote Tool or call us at )
Customize Your Door-to-Door Service
We know every car and every timeline is different. RunBuggyOne offers multiple transport types that can all be serviced door-to-door.
Best for: Daily drivers, sedans, SUVs, and standard trucks.
The Details: This is the industry standard and the most cost-effective option. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer (like the ones you see delivering cars to dealerships). It is safe, reliable, and fits 90% of shipping needs.
Best for: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, sports cars, and low-clearance vehicles.
The Details: For vehicles that need extra protection, enclosed shipping shields your car from rain, dust, road debris, and weather. It offers “white glove” service for your prized possessions.
Best for: Last-minute moves, urgent deadlines, or corporate relocations.
The Details: In a rush? Expedited shipping prioritizes your vehicle for the fastest available pickup. While standard shipping might have a 1-5 day pickup window, expedited services aim for pickup within 24-48 hours.
Best for: Lifted trucks, duallys, Sprinter vans, and modified vehicles.
The Details: Not every car fits on a standard hauler. If you have a large vehicle or an oversized truck, we have specialized carriers with the equipment needed to handle the extra height, weight, and width safely.
The Advantages of Shipping with RunBuggyOne
We aren’t just a broker; we are a technology company that has revolutionized car shipping.
- Verified Carriers: Every driver in our network undergoes rigorous background checks and insurance verification.
- Automated Status Updates: No more wondering where your car is. Our technology allows for transparency with our Tracking Portal throughout the shipment.
- No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay. We don’t believe in bait-and-switch tactics.
- Nationwide Coverage: From Miami to Seattle or Los Angeles to New York CIty, we cover every route in the 48 contiguous states.
Verified Carriers
Every driver in our network undergoes rigorous background checks and insurance verification.
Automated Status Updates
No more wondering where your car is. Our technology allows for transparency with our Tracking Portal throughout the shipment.
No Hidden Fees
The price you see is the price you pay. We don’t believe in bait-and-switch tactics.
Nationwide Coverage
From Miami to Seattle or Los Angeles to New York City, we cover every route in the 48 contiguous states.
Timing and Delivery: What to Expect
“How long will it take?” is the most common question we get. While exact transit times vary based on traffic and weather, here are general estimates for door-to-door transport:
- 0-500 Miles: 1 to 2 Days
- 500-1,500 Miles: 3 to 5 Days
- 1,500-2,500 Miles: 5 to 7 Days
- 2,500+ Miles (Coast to Coast): 7 to 10 Days
(Note: These are transit times (time on the road) and do not include the time it takes for your order to be claimed by a transporter)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the driver come to my exact address?
In most cases, yes. However, large transport trucks (up to 75 feet long) cannot navigate narrow residential streets, cul-de-sacs, or areas with low-hanging trees. If your street is inaccessible, the driver will ask to meet you at a nearby large parking lot (like a supermarket or school) to safely load or unload your vehicle.
Is my car insured during door-to-door transport?
Yes. All RunBuggyOne carriers are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance. Additionally, RunBuggyOne provides a secondary layer of “contingent cargo insurance” for extra peace of mind.
What happens if my car gets damaged during shipping?
Yes. All RunBuggyOne carriers are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance. Additionally, RunBuggyOne provides a secondary layer of “contingent cargo insurance” for extra peace of mind.
Can I pack personal items in my car?
We generally recommend against it. Auto carriers are licensed to transport vehicles, not household goods. Personal items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance if they are damaged or stolen. If you must leave items, keep them in the trunk and under 100 lbs.
How do I pay for door-to-door shipping?
With RunBuggyOne, you don’t pay a dime until we have successfully assigned a carrier to your order. We accept all major credit cards for a seamless, secure transaction.
