Learn what to do if your pickup or delivery spot is inaccessible for haulers—narrow streets, steep driveways, low branches—and alternatives to avoid delays/fees.

auto transport car shipping door-to-door car shipping auto transport accessibility

What Happens If the Auto Transport Truck Can't Reach My House?

Auto transport trucks are big. Real big. A standard car hauler stretches 70 to 80 feet long. It's 12 feet wide. Weighs 40 tons loaded. These rigs don't squeeze down narrow streets or up steep driveways. Door-to-door car shipping works most places. But not always.

If your house sits on a tight city block or rural dead-end, problems arise. Low branches snag the top deck. Sharp turns block entry. Neighbors complain about noise. It happens daily in nationwide vehicle shipping. Don't freak out. Here's the straight talk.

Why Trucks Can't Access Some Spots

Haulers face real limits. Here are the top issues:

Narrow streets: Needs at least 12 feet clear width. No parking on both sides.
Steep driveways: Angles over 15 degrees risk bottoming out. Loaded trucks hug the ground.
Low obstacles: Branches under 13 feet high. Power lines. Tree limbs.
Long vehicles: Can't turn in short driveways or cul-de-sacs under 100 feet diameter.
Gated areas: Codes or remote access delays drivers.
Rural spots: Gravel roads that crumble under weight. No-turnarounds.
Urban no-parking zones: Meters or signs block safe stops.

Carriers spot these early. But surprises happen. Weather muddies gravel. Neighbors park wrong.

What Happens On Pickup or Delivery Day

Driver arrives. Assesses the site. Takes photos. Calls dispatch if no-go. You're notified fast.

No access means no load or unload. Truck idles. Time burns. Delays pile up.

Fees kick in sometimes. Wait time charges: $2-5 per minute after 30 free minutes. Terminal fees if rerouted. But good brokers avoid this.

Carriers hate delays too. Roads are risky. They push for solutions. Brokers like us coordinate.

Smart Alternatives to Avoid Headaches

Don't let it derail your move. Options exist:

1. Meet at a nearby spot: Walmart lot. Church parking. Open business area. 5-10 miles out. Free and fast.

2. Terminal-to-terminal: Drop at carrier hub. Pick up there. Cheaper for some routes.

3. Shuttle service: Broker arranges tow truck or flatbed. $100-300 extra. Handles tight spots.

4. Trim obstacles: Cut branches. Move cars. Clear space. Do it before quote.

5. Open lot coordination: Apartment complex office helps.

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Pick what fits. Brokers guide you.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping: How It Really Works

Most jobs are door-to-door. 80-90%. But upfront checks matter. Brokers ask about access. Street width. Driveway pitch. Photos help.

Texas-based auto transport brokers like us know nationwide routes. From Houston to LA. Relocating to Florida from Texas. We vet carriers. Insured. Safety records clean.

Carriers avoid people hassles. Bad payments. Direct quotes jacked high. Brokers buffer that. Keep rates fair. Strong relationships mean carriers prioritize our loads.

How AMG Transport Co Handles Access Issues

We're brokers. Parent company AMG Endeavors hauls as carrier. We get both sides.

Our process:

Honest quotes upfront: No bait-and-switch. Factor access risks.
72-hour pickup windows: Flexible timing. Less rush errors.
VIN scans: Verify vehicle. Secure Stripe deposits.
Vetted carriers: Insured. Experienced. No fly-by-nights.

Customer calls us first. We quiz on access. Suggest meets if needed. Coordinate shuttles. No delays. No surprise fees.

Open carrier? Standard for most. SUVs vs sedans cost similar per mile. Non-runners? Extra straps. We cover it.

Compare quotes? Look beyond price. Trust matters in fraud-heavy industry.

Final Word

Trucks can't reach everywhere. Plan ahead. Use a broker who knows pitfalls. AMG Transport Co makes it simple. Vetted pros. Honest process. No games.

Ready to ship? Get a free quote today. We'll sort access. Get your car moving safe.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.