Michael R.
Great price. Great communication. On-time pick up. On-time delivery. Door to door service. Highly recommend!
Jan 15, 2026Google
4.9/5 from 2,500+ reviews
Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport
Drop off at a secure hub, pick up at your destination terminal. The budget-friendly way to ship your car and save $75-$200 vs door-to-door.
$0.50/miavg open
Save $75-$200
Secure Hubs
Reserve Free
ScottPrice LockGuaranteed price at booking
Get an instant quote
Read what other customers say about their delivery experience
Sarah K.
We had an easy and successful experience with Scott's! Great drivers and excellent communication. Affordable and professional!
Jan 22, 2026Google
James C.
Did a great job transporting my vehicle across the country. Showed up when they said. Very professional staff and drivers.
Feb 1, 2026Google
What is terminal-to-terminal transport?
Drop Off at a Hub. Pick Up at Your Destination.
Terminal-to-terminal auto transport means you drive your vehicle to a designated transport hub (terminal) near your origin, and the carrier transports it to a terminal near your destination where you or someone you designate picks it up. You handle the first and last mile -- the carrier handles everything in between.
This is the budget-friendly alternative to door-to-door shipping. Because the carrier doesn't need to navigate residential streets or coordinate home pickups, terminal shipments cost $75-$200 less on average. The tradeoff is convenience -- you need to get to and from the terminals yourself, and terminals operate during business hours (typically Monday-Saturday, 8 AM - 5 PM).
Terminal shipping is ideal if you live near a major metro hub, have flexible scheduling, and want to save money on transport. It's also common for dealership-to-dealership transfers where both locations already have commercial lots.
$0.50
Average cost per mile
Open terminal-to-terminal averages $0.50-$0.85/mi -- $0.05-$0.10 less per mile than door-to-door.
50+
Terminal locations nationwide
Major hubs in LA, Houston, Miami, NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, Seattle, and more.
1-3 Days
Standard pickup window
After drop-off at the terminal, carriers are typically dispatched within 1-3 business days.
$750K+
Insurance per carrier
Every carrier in our network carries minimum $750,000 cargo insurance. Vehicles are insured at the terminal too.
The process
How Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping Works
01Get Your Quote
Enter your origin, destination, and vehicle details. We find the closest terminals to both locations and give you an exact, locked-in price. Reserve your spot free -- no charge until carrier is confirmed.
02Drop Off at Origin Terminal
Drive your vehicle to the designated pickup terminal during business hours (Mon-Sat 8am-5pm). Complete a joint condition inspection with terminal staff and sign the Bill of Lading.
03
Carrier Transports Your Vehicle
Within 1-3 business days of drop-off, a vetted carrier loads your vehicle and transports it to the destination terminal. Track progress 24/7 via GPS.
04Pick Up at Destination Terminal
You receive notification when your vehicle arrives. Pick it up at the destination terminal within 3-5 days (free storage). Complete final inspection and sign the delivery receipt.
Get Your Terminal-to-Terminal Price
Our calculator shows you the exact cost with terminal locations near your origin and destination. Real price, locked at booking.
Comparison
Terminal-to-Terminal vs. Door-to-Door
Terminal shipping saves $75-$200 on paper. Whether it saves money in practice depends on how close you live to a terminal and how you value your time. Here's an honest breakdown.
Budget-friendly
Terminal-to-Terminal
$500-$700 (1,000 mi, open)
- Save $75-$200 vs door-to-door
- Secure, fenced terminal lots
- 24/7 surveillance and on-site staff
- Ideal if near a major metro hub
- Same carrier quality and insurance
Most popular
Door-to-Door
$650-$900 (1,000 mi, open)
- Carrier comes to your address
- Zero time driving to terminals
- Flexible scheduling at your location
- Available to any U.S. address
- 90% of customers choose this
FeatureTerminalDoor-to-Door
Pickup LocationTransport terminal / hub lotYour home, office, or any address
Delivery LocationDestination terminal lotYour destination address
Average Cost (1,000 mi)$500-$700$650-$900
SavingsSave $75-$200 on transportPay for maximum convenience
Hidden CostsGas + time driving to/from terminalsNone -- carrier comes to you
Time Investment1-2 hrs round trip each end15 min at pickup, 15 min at delivery
Terminal HoursMon-Sat 8am-5pm typicallyFlexible -- your schedule
Storage3-5 days free, then $15-$35/dayN/A -- delivered to your address
Vehicle Safety24/7 security, fenced, surveilledOnly during transport
Best ForBudget-conscious near a hub cityMaximum convenience, any location
Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Our transport experts can recommend the best option based on your vehicle, budget, and how close you are to a terminal hub. Call us 24/7.
Get a free quoteReal numbers
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping Costs
Terminal pricing is based on distance, vehicle type, and seasonal demand. These are real numbers for open transport between terminals -- not bait-and-switch estimates.
Prices vary based on vehicle size, condition, route availability, season, and terminal location accessibility.
Cost by Distance (Open Transport, Sedan, Terminal-to-Terminal)
Under 500 miles
$0.65-$0.90/mi
$325-$450
1-3 days
Short haul, highest per-mile cost
500-1,000 miles
$0.50-$0.70/mi
$500-$700
3-7 days
Most common distance range
1,000-1,500 miles
$0.45-$0.60/mi
$600-$900
5-8 days
Optimal per-mile efficiency
1,500-2,000 miles
$0.40-$0.55/mi
$800-$1,100
6-10 days
Long haul discount kicks in
2,000-3,000 miles
$0.35-$0.50/mi
$900-$1,400
7-14 days
Coast-to-coast value
Vehicle Type Modifiers
Sedan (Civic, Camry, Corolla)Base priceStandard carrier position
Midsize SUV (RAV4, CR-V, Tucson)+$50-$150Slightly larger, heavier
Full-Size SUV (Tahoe, Suburban)+$100-$300Takes more carrier space
Pickup Truck (F-150, RAM, Silverado)+$100-$250Length and height premium
Luxury/Exotic (Porsche, Tesla, BMW)+$300-$600Enclosed recommended
Non-Running Vehicle+$150-$400Requires winch/forklift at terminal
Where to drop off
Major Terminal Locations Nationwide
Terminal locations vary by carrier. When you request a quote, we match you with the closest available terminals to your origin and destination. Here are the major hub cities where terminals are most commonly available.
West Coast
Los Angeles, CA
Largest auto transport hub on the West Coast. Multiple terminal yards in the LA/Long Beach port area.
South Central
Houston, TX
Major southern hub with high carrier volume. Ideal for TX, LA, OK, and AR shipments.
Southeast
Miami / Jacksonville, FL
Florida's primary terminals. High snowbird season volume Jan-Mar.
Northeast
New York / New Jersey
NJ-based terminals serve the entire tri-state area. Highest volume in the Northeast.
Midwest
Chicago, IL
Central U.S. hub connecting East-West routes. Major carrier staging area.
Southeast
Atlanta, GA
Southeast crossroads. High carrier density for routes to/from the South.
South Central
Dallas / Fort Worth, TX
Second major Texas hub. Connects Southern and Western routes.
Southwest
Phoenix, AZ
Southwest hub for AZ, NM, and Southern CA overflow routes.
Pacific NW
Seattle, WA
Pacific Northwest terminal for WA, OR, and Northern CA routes.
Mountain West
Denver, CO
Mountain region hub connecting Midwest to West Coast corridors.
Terminal Availability Varies
Not all carriers operate at all terminals. Terminal locations and hours depend on the specific carrier assigned to your route. We confirm exact terminal addresses after carrier assignment. If no convenient terminal exists near you, door-to-door is always available.
No Terminal Near You?
Door-to-door is available to any address in the contiguous 48 states. Often only $75-$200 more than terminal.
Day of service
What to Expect at Drop-Off & Pickup
Schedule Your Drop-Off
After booking, you receive the terminal address, hours of operation, and your drop-off window. Most terminals accept vehicles Mon-Sat, 8am-5pm.
Joint Vehicle Inspection
At drop-off, terminal staff inspect your vehicle and document existing condition on the Bill of Lading. Take your own timestamped photos as backup.
Secure Terminal Storage
Your vehicle is stored in a fenced, surveilled terminal lot until a carrier loads it. Most terminals have 24/7 security cameras and controlled access.
Carrier Loads & Departs
Within 1-3 business days, a vetted carrier loads your vehicle. You receive carrier name, contact info, and GPS tracking link via email/text.
Arrival Notification
When your vehicle reaches the destination terminal, you receive an immediate notification with pickup instructions, terminal hours, and address.
Final Inspection & Pickup
Pick up your vehicle, inspect it against the original BOL, note any discrepancies, and sign the delivery receipt. Your car is home.
Good to know
Terminal Storage Fees & Policies
One of the most important things to understand about terminal shipping is the storage policy. Unlike door-to-door where the vehicle is delivered directly to you, terminal shipping requires you to pick up within a window -- or storage fees kick in.
Typical Terminal Storage Rates
First 3-5 daysFreeStandard grace period after arrival
Days 6-14$15-$25/dayStandard storage rate
Days 15-30$25-$35/dayExtended storage premium
30+ daysVariesContact terminal directly
Pro Tip: Pick Up Within 48 Hours
We recommend picking up your vehicle within 48 hours of receiving the arrival notification. This avoids any chance of storage fees and gets your car back to you as quickly as possible. Arrange someone to pick it up if you're not yet at the destination.
Terminal Security Standards
All terminals in our network meet minimum security requirements: perimeter fencing, controlled gate access, 24/7 surveillance cameras, and on-site or roving security staff. Your vehicle is covered by the carrier's $750K+ cargo insurance while stored at the terminal.
Personal Items at Terminals
Up to 150 lbs of personal items are allowed in your vehicle during transport. Items must be below the window line and secured. Personal belongings are NOT covered by carrier cargo insurance -- at the terminal or in transit. We recommend removing valuables before drop-off.
Ready to Ship Terminal-to-Terminal?
Get a free, no-obligation quote with our ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. Reserve your spot free -- you only pay when your carrier is confirmed. Our team is available 24/7.
The Scott's difference
Why Ship Terminal with Scott's
Terminal-to-terminal is a great way to save -- but only if the company behind it delivers reliable service. Here's why Scott's is the right choice for your terminal shipment.
Get your free terminal quoteScottPrice Lock -- price never changes after booking
Reserve free -- pay only when carrier confirmed
We find the closest terminals to both addresses
Real-time GPS tracking on every transport
Vetted carrier network with secure terminals
$750K+ insurance per carrier, verified
24/7 U.S.-based phone support
Free cancellation before carrier dispatch
15,000+ vehicles shipped nationwide
4.9/5 rating across 2,500+ verified reviews
15,000+
Vehicles shipped
4.9
Average rating
$75-$200
Avg savings vs door-to-door
Ship any vehicle
Vehicle Types We Transport
From everyday sedans to exotic supercars, we ship every type of vehicle with the right carrier match and protection level.
Car Shipping
Sedans, coupes & hatchbacks
Truck Shipping
Pickups and full-size
SUV Transport
All sizes of SUVs
Motorcycle Shipping
Specialized carriers
RV Transport
Motorhomes and campers
Boat Shipping
Trailer & cradle transport
Non-Running Vehicles
Winch & forklift equipped
Luxury & Exotic Cars
White-glove enclosed
Classic Car Shipping
Handled with care
Who we serve
Shipping Solutions for Every Situation
Whether you are relocating for a new job, buying a car online, or heading south for winter -- we have tailored shipping solutions for your specific needs.
Car Relocation
Moving for work or life
Relocating to a new city for a job, family, or fresh start? We handle the vehicle logistics so you can focus on the move. Door-to-door service, flexible scheduling, and real-time tracking included.
Learn moreOnline Car Buyers
Bought it? We ship it.
Purchased a vehicle on Carvana, AutoTrader, Cars.com, or a private seller out of state? We pick up directly from the seller and deliver to your door -- nationwide.
Learn moreSnowbird Shipping
Seasonal relocations
Heading south for winter or north for summer? Ship your car ahead so it is waiting when you land. Thousands of snowbirds trust us for their annual Florida, Arizona, and Texas routes.
Learn moreMilitary Car Shipping
PCS and base transfers
PCS orders, base transfers, and deployment vehicle storage -- we work with active duty, reserves, and military families. Familiar with every major U.S. base and overseas port.
Learn moreTravel Nurses
Relocate with ease
Short-term assignments across the country mean your car needs to keep up. We offer flexible pickup dates and expedited options so your vehicle arrives when your contract starts.
Learn moreCollege Students
Ship your car to school
Driving cross-country before freshman year or transferring campuses? We ship your car safely to any college town so you can fly instead of drive -- parents love the peace of mind.
Learn moreBefore drop-off
Prepare Your Vehicle for Terminal Drop-Off
1
Wash your vehicle so existing damage is visible for the condition report
2
Take timestamped photos of all 4 sides, roof, and any existing damage before drop-off
3
Remove valuables -- carrier cargo insurance does NOT cover personal items
4
Leave fuel at 1/4 tank (enough for loading/unloading, reduces weight and cost)
5
Disable aftermarket alarms to prevent triggering during transport and terminal storage
6
Fold in side mirrors if possible to reduce loading risk on the carrier
7
Ensure tires are properly inflated and battery is fully charged
8
Remove or secure loose accessories (bike racks, antennas, spoilers)
9
Provide one set of working keys to terminal staff at drop-off
10
Confirm terminal address, hours, and your drop-off window before driving there
Shipping soon?
Book 2-3 weeks early for the best carrier availability and pricing on your route.
Terminal shipping FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about terminal-to-terminal auto transport, answered by our team.
Terminal-to-terminal means you drop off your vehicle at a designated transport hub (terminal) near your origin, and pick it up at another terminal near your destination. The carrier handles everything in between. You are responsible for getting the vehicle to and from the terminals.
Nationwide auto transport
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping Across All 50 States
Drop off at a terminal near you, pick up at a terminal near your destination. Select a state for local hubs, pricing, and transit times.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Ready for Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping?
Get a free, no-obligation quote with our ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. Reserve your spot free -- you only pay when your carrier is confirmed. We'll find the closest terminals to both your addresses.