Terminal-to-Terminal Transport
If you’re flexible on timing and locations, terminal-to-terminal car shipping can be a smart way to save on cost. Parallel 29 Logistics acts as your auto transport broker, coordinating drop-off and pickup at designated terminals so vetted carriers can load and unload your vehicle on their regular routes across nationwide auto transport lanes.
A practical option when you don’t need doorstep service and want more control over when you drop off or collect your vehicle.
How terminal-to-terminal car shipping works with Parallel 29 Logistics
With terminal-based shipping, you bring the vehicle to a designated location and pick it up from another terminal near your destination. Parallel 29 Logistics manages the logistics around those handoffs as a licensed auto freight brokerage.
Step 1 – Choose terminal locations that work for you
We’ll identify available terminals near your origin and destination. You select the locations that fit your travel plans, schedule, and comfort level.
Step 1 – Choose terminal locations that work for you
We’ll identify available terminals near your origin and destination. You select the locations that fit your travel plans, schedule, and comfort level.
Step 2 – Drop-off scheduling and check-in
Our team confirms operating hours and drop-off instructions. When you arrive, terminal staff or the assigned carrier documents your vehicle’s condition on the bill of lading before it’s staged for loading.
Step 2 – Drop-off scheduling and check-in
Our team confirms operating hours and drop-off instructions. When you arrive, terminal staff or the assigned carrier documents your vehicle’s condition on the bill of lading before it’s staged for loading.
Step 3 – Carrier assignment & transit
We coordinate with a vetted carrier that services both terminals on your route. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open or enclosed trailer depending on the option you’ve selected.
Step 3 – Carrier assignment & transit
We coordinate with a vetted carrier that services both terminals on your route. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open or enclosed trailer depending on the option you’ve selected.
Step 4 – Arrival notification & pickup window
Once the vehicle arrives at the destination terminal, you’ll receive a notification and an estimated pickup window. You can plan your schedule around terminal hours instead of meeting a truck on the street.
Step 4 – Arrival notification & pickup window
Once the vehicle arrives at the destination terminal, you’ll receive a notification and an estimated pickup window. You can plan your schedule around terminal hours instead of meeting a truck on the street.
Step 5 – Final inspection at destination terminal
When you pick up your car, you’ll review its condition against the bill of lading, note any concerns, and complete the final sign-off.
Step 5 – Final inspection at destination terminal
When you pick up your car, you’ll review its condition against the bill of lading, note any concerns, and complete the final sign-off.
Is terminal-to-terminal transport right for you?
Terminal shipping trades convenience at your front door for flexibility and potential cost savings. It can be a strong fit when you’re already traveling or don’t mind driving to a central location.
Terminal-based shipping is a good option when:
- You live far from major highways or in areas difficult for large trucks to access
- You’re traveling through a city where a terminal is located and can combine the trip
- You are comfortable dropping off and picking up your vehicle within terminal hours
- You want to explore affordable nationwide auto transport services and don’t need door-to-door
- You’re coordinating multiple vehicles and prefer a central handoff point
Door-to-door may be better when:
- Your schedule is tight and you can’t easily travel to a terminal
- You’re relocating with kids, pets, or a lot of belongings and want fewer moving parts
- You prefer the convenience of meeting a carrier near your home or office
As your car shipping broker, Parallel 29 Logistics will talk through both options—terminal-based and door-to-door—so you can pick the approach that fits your timeline, budget, and comfort level.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Talk to an ExpertAfter you request a quote
What you’ll receive
We keep the next steps clear so you always know what’s happening and what you’re agreeing to.
Written estimate
A transparent rate based on your route, timing, and equipment needs.
Pickup window options
Realistic date ranges you can approve before dispatch.
Carrier assignment details
Confirmation once a vetted carrier is secured.
Coordinator contact
A real person who stays with your shipment through delivery.
Ready to ship your vehicle?
Tell us your lane, vehicle, and target dates. Our coordinators will confirm your best option and provide a clear estimate you can trust.