NATIONWIDE VEHICLE SHIPPING
Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Your car, picked up and delivered as close to your addresses as safely possible. Choose open or enclosed transport, with Onyx coordinating the carrier and keeping the next steps clear.
No payment until a carrier is assigned.
Instant Car Shipping Quote
Calculating Your Quote
We’re checking your route, vehicle details, and current transport rates to provide you with an accurate estimate.
Near Your Address
Home, workplace, dealership, or an agreed nearby meeting point.
Open or Enclosed
Choose the trailer that fits your vehicle and protection needs.
$0 When You Book
Payment is processed only after carrier assignment.
What Door-to-Door Shipping Really Means
Door-to-door car shipping brings the pickup and delivery process to locations you choose. You provide the addresses; the carrier plans a safe place to load and unload. For most customers, this avoids making a separate trip to a vehicle storage terminal at either end of the route.
It does not promise that a large transporter can stop in every driveway. Auto transport trucks need room to turn, park, and use their loading ramps. Narrow streets, low branches, apartment entrances, or local truck restrictions can prevent access. When that happens, the driver coordinates a nearby meeting point with you before arrival.
Onyx Auto Transport arranges the shipment with a licensed and insured motor carrier. Our dispatch team helps with carrier assignment and pickup planning, while the assigned carrier operates the truck. We explain the arrangements so you know what to expect and who to contact.
Which Car Shipping Service Fits Your Vehicle?
Start with the vehicle, then consider the route and your schedule. Door-to-door service can be used with either open or enclosed transport. A long-distance move, online purchase, or seasonal trip changes the planning details, but it does not automatically require a different trailer.
Open Auto Transport
A practical starting point for most everyday vehicles.
Your car travels on an open trailer, similar to the transporters used to deliver cars to dealerships. Open shipping is usually the more affordable choice and is suitable for many standard sedans, SUVs, and pickups. The vehicle is exposed to weather and normal road conditions during the trip.
Choose open transport when value and convenience are your main priorities. Tell us about oversized tires, lift kits, roof accessories, or other modifications so the carrier can reserve suitable space.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Added protection for a vehicle that needs extra care.
An enclosed trailer shields the vehicle from weather and road debris. It is worth considering for a classic, exotic, collector, or other high-value car, particularly when preserving its finish matters more than finding the lowest shipping price.
Enclosed transport generally costs more. Trailer height, ground clearance, and loading equipment still need to suit the car. Tell us about a lowered suspension, delicate bodywork, or unusual dimensions before booking so we can discuss appropriate equipment.
Still Unsure? We’re Happy to Help.
You do not need to know every transport term before you call. Tell us what you are shipping, where it is going, and what matters most to you. We can explain the options and help you choose a service that fits your vehicle, budget, and plans.
Call us anytime at (800) 808-0176. If we cannot answer immediately, leave a message so our team can follow up.
A Good Fit for Everyday Moves
Moving to a new home: Coordinate the first available pickup date with your travel plans. Allow a reasonable pickup window and arrange an authorized contact if you leave before the truck arrives. Our relocation shipping guide explains the planning considerations.
Buying from an out-of-state seller: Ask the dealer or seller to confirm that the vehicle is ready for release, keys are available, and any purchase paperwork is complete. A carrier cannot load a car the seller has not authorized for pickup.
Seasonal travel or a college move: Door-to-door shipping can help you avoid a long drive. Confirm access at the destination, especially at a campus, gated community, or busy apartment complex. A nearby meeting place may be easier for everyone.
Auction or non-running vehicles: Call before using the standard calculator. Share the auction location, release requirements, condition, and whether the vehicle rolls, steers, and brakes. Loading equipment and unloading arrangements must be planned separately; equipment needed at delivery is the customer’s responsibility unless expressly arranged. See our auction shipping service.
How Your Door-to-Door Shipment Works
A clear plan makes pickup and delivery easier. The first available date is the day your vehicle can be released for pickup, rather than a guaranteed truck appointment. The carrier confirms the arrangements as scheduling progresses.
Quote & Book
Share the route, vehicle details, operating condition, and first available date. Compare open and enclosed options, then review the total price, payment choice, and booking terms. No payment is required when you book.
Carrier & Pickup
We assign a suitable carrier and share the next steps. The driver coordinates a safe pickup point. Attend the inspection or arrange an authorized contact, take dated photos, and keep a copy of the pickup condition report.
Delivery & Inspection
The driver coordinates arrival and unloading access. Inspect your vehicle before signing the delivery record and note any concerns on it. With the discounted cash option, pay the agreed remaining carrier balance at delivery.
Can the Truck Reach Your Address?
Give us accurate pickup and delivery addresses and mention access concerns early. Useful details include a narrow residential road, steep driveway, low bridge, gated entrance, low-hanging branches, or restrictions on commercial trucks. This helps the driver plan without arriving at a location that cannot accommodate the trailer.
If your address is unsuitable, the carrier may suggest a wide road or parking area nearby where loading is permitted. Agree on the location before traveling there, and plan a ride after handing over the car or before collecting it. The meeting point must be safe and lawful; convenience alone cannot override truck access rules.
Door-to-door service is often simpler than terminal shipping because the pickup and delivery points are coordinated with you. It does not automatically guarantee a faster trip or a lower price. If you need storage, an unattended handover, or an exact arrival appointment, call us to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated.
Before Pickup
- Clean the vehicle enough to see its condition.
- Remove valuables and deactivate toll devices.
- Tell us about leaks, starting problems, or modifications.
- Keep keys available and discuss any alarm instructions.
- Arrange someone to attend pickup and delivery.
- Confirm fuel or battery preparation with the carrier.
Read the shipping process guide for the next steps.
What Determines Door-to-Door Shipping Cost?
Your quote depends on distance, the exact locations, vehicle size and condition, trailer type, current carrier availability, and timing. A route between busy cities may offer more scheduling options than a shipment to a remote destination. Seasonal demand and a tight pickup window can also affect the price.
Request a quote using accurate details and compare like-for-like services. Check the transport type, estimated pickup window, payment terms, included coverage, and cancellation conditions. Changes to the vehicle or shipping requirements can change the cost, so tell us before booking if anything needs individual planning.
Use our car shipping cost guide to understand the factors, or call for a tailored discussion. For auction, non-running, modified, or oversized vehicles, speaking with the team is the best first step.
Two Payment Choices
Discounted cash price: A partial payment is processed after carrier assignment. The remaining balance is due to the carrier at delivery using the agreed method.
One-time full payment: The full amount is processed by credit or debit card after carrier assignment. There is no remaining transport balance at delivery.
Review the option and cancellation terms shown with your booking. Neither option requires a charge simply to place the booking.
Support That Keeps the Details Clear
Onyx brings more than 12 years of auto transport industry experience to shipment planning and works with a network of 21,000+ vetted carriers. Our brokerage launched in 2023. We help coordinate the route, vehicle requirements, and carrier assignment, then explain the pickup and delivery arrangements.
Carrier cargo insurance is included during transport, subject to the assigned carrier’s policy terms, limits, and exclusions. Ask us for the carrier’s insurance information if you need to review coverage for your vehicle. Keep the condition reports and your own photographs so you have a clear record at both ends.
Questions are welcome before you book and while arrangements are being made. If you are unsure which service applies, call (800) 808-0176. A short conversation about the car and the route can help avoid choosing an option that does not fit.
Onyx is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker. You can check operating authority through the FMCSA Company Snapshot using USDOT 4171020 or MC 1604295.
Door-to-Door Car Shipping FAQs
Does door-to-door mean pickup in my driveway?
When the truck can safely and legally access it, pickup may be at your address. If access is restricted, the driver arranges a nearby safe meeting location with you.
Is door-to-door shipping available with open and enclosed trailers?
Yes. Door-to-door describes the pickup and delivery arrangement. Open and enclosed describe the trailer. Choose the trailer around your vehicle, budget, and protection needs.
What if I cannot be there for pickup or delivery?
Arrange an authorized person who can meet the driver, inspect the vehicle, and complete the handover. Tell our team in advance and confirm the contact details and responsibilities.
How long will the shipment take?
Timing depends on the route, distance, carrier schedule, access, and conditions during travel. Ask for a route-specific estimated window. Pickup and delivery estimates are not guaranteed appointments.
When do I pay?
No payment is required when you book. Payment is processed after carrier assignment under your chosen option: partial payment with a carrier balance at delivery, or one-time full card payment.
Can you ship a non-running car or an auction vehicle?
Call first so we can review condition, release paperwork, loading equipment, and unloading requirements. The standard calculator is intended for vehicles suited to its listed options.
Are personal belongings covered by the carrier’s insurance?
Do not assume personal items are covered. Remove valuables and confirm the carrier’s policy on belongings before pickup. Vehicle cargo coverage also has terms and limits.
Who can help me choose the right service?
Call Onyx at (800) 808-0176. We are happy to explain the options based on your vehicle, route, budget, and schedule. If we cannot answer immediately, leave a message for follow-up.