Pickup and delivery as close to your address as safely and legally possible. Plan a convenient handover, with a nearby meeting point whenever your street cannot accommodate the transporter.
Have questions about access at your address? Speak with a car shipping expert.
(224) 788-7777
Door-to-door shipping means the carrier collects and delivers your vehicle at, or as near as practicable to, the addresses you provide. You do not need to take the car to a shipping terminal. Instead, the handover is arranged around your locations and the access available to the transport truck.
The word “door” describes the convenience of the service, rather than a guarantee that a large transporter can stop on every driveway. If the truck cannot safely or legally reach your street, the driver will discuss a suitable nearby meeting point. That point becomes the place where you inspect the car, complete the paperwork and hand over or receive the keys.
Door-to-door service is included in your transport quote. The price still depends on the route, vehicle, condition and transport type, so enter accurate details when requesting your offer. Both open transport and enclosed transport can use this pickup-and-delivery arrangement; choosing a trailer type is a separate decision from choosing the handover locations.
A car transporter needs space to approach, turn, stop and load. Your car may fit down a road that the truck cannot use. Tell Van 3 about access restrictions before the move, and let the driver assess the proposed stopping point rather than assuming that a map pin confirms suitable access.
Parked cars, cul-de-sacs, steep approaches and limited turning space can prevent a large transporter from entering or leaving safely. A wider road or nearby lot may be a more practical handover point than the address itself.
Overhanging branches, low structures and other clearance restrictions can obstruct the truck and the vehicles it carries. Describe any known obstacles in advance and keep the proposed approach clear.
A gate code does not necessarily give a transport truck permission or room to enter. Check your property's access rules, loading areas and visitor arrangements, then discuss a meeting point outside the restricted area if needed.
Road restrictions, posted weight limits and parking rules can prevent loading at an otherwise convenient address. The driver will propose a nearby safe location when the original stop is unsuitable; confirm the exact location before travelling there.
A change of meeting point is about safe access. Do not stand in traffic or ask the driver to load where stopping is prohibited. If the proposed alternative creates a problem for you, contact Van 3 so the arrangements can be discussed before the handover.
Keep the pickup and delivery contacts reachable and share any access details that could affect the truck. The carrier calls before pickup to arrange the details. Use that conversation to confirm the location and explain any restriction that has changed since booking.
Give the team the correct addresses and phone numbers for both ends of the journey. Discuss gates, narrow streets, business opening hours or other constraints early, then agree the exact stopping point with the driver.
You or an authorised representative should be available with the vehicle and keys. Walk around the car with the driver, photograph its condition and make sure existing marks are recorded on the inspection report or bill of lading before signing.
Arrange for you or an authorised representative to receive the vehicle. Share the pickup report, photographs and contact details with that person so they can make a useful comparison when the car arrives. Confirm the delivery handover arrangements with the carrier.
Inspect the vehicle at delivery and compare it with the pickup record. Record any new concerns with the driver on the delivery paperwork, take photographs and keep a copy. Contact Van 3 promptly if you need help with the carrier's process.
For the rest of the journey, including booking and carrier assignment, see how car shipping works. The vehicle preparation guide explains how to get the car ready, and Insurance & Claims covers condition records and reporting concerns.
If a nearby meeting point is needed, aim for a location that is easy to identify and practical for a large truck. The closest empty space is not automatically suitable: the driver needs a legal place to stop, a clear approach and enough room to load without putting other road users at risk.
A spacious lot or accessible stopping area may work if its owner permits the handover and local rules allow it. Check entrances, exits, overhead clearance and space for the truck to manoeuvre. Ask the driver to confirm the location rather than choosing it unilaterally.
Choose good lighting where possible and allow time to inspect the car and read the paperwork. Confirm the exact meeting point, who will attend and how you will leave after collection or reach the vehicle at delivery.
If the vehicle is at a dealership, workplace or other managed property, coordinate with the person who controls the keys and loading area. Let the team know if the car does not run or has unusual dimensions, since those details can affect the loading arrangements as well as the location.
Van 3 offers pickup and delivery at your address or a nearby safe meeting point. We do not offer terminal-to-terminal service. You therefore do not need to plan a separate trip to leave your car at a shipping terminal or collect it from one.
A nearby meeting point is a handover location agreed with the driver, rather than a vehicle-storage terminal. If your availability is limited, explain that before booking and discuss who can attend on your behalf. Do not assume the vehicle can be left unattended or stored at the meeting point. For help planning the locations, call (224) 788-7777.
FAQ
Will the truck collect the car from my driveway?
The driver will get as close to your address as safely and legally possible. A driveway or residential street may not have enough room for a large transporter. If access is unsuitable, the driver will discuss a nearby meeting point for the handover.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
Plan for you or an authorised representative to attend each handover. The person at pickup needs access to the vehicle and keys and should review the condition report with the driver. The receiving person should inspect the car against the pickup record before signing the delivery paperwork. Confirm who will attend and provide their contact details in advance.
Is door-to-door service included in my quote?
Yes. Your transport quote includes door-to-door pickup and delivery at your address or a nearby safe point. Give accurate route, vehicle and condition details, and mention access restrictions before booking. If the shipment details change, ask the team to review the quote rather than assuming the original offer covers a different arrangement.
What if I live in a gated community or on a narrow road?
Tell the team about the restrictions before pickup. Check any property rules and explain gates, tight turns, low trees or truck restrictions. The driver will propose a nearby safe stopping point if the truck cannot reach the address. Confirm the exact location and arrange how you or your representative will get there.
Can I choose terminal-to-terminal shipping instead?
No. Van 3 offers pickup and delivery at an address or nearby safe meeting point, rather than terminal-to-terminal shipping. If your schedule makes either handover difficult, speak with the team before booking and discuss a representative who can attend. A meeting point should not be treated as an unattended storage facility.
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