Car Tow Dolly Shipping: Get Your Gear Where You Need It

If you travel with a recreational vehicle, you already know the freedom it provides. But once you park at your campsite, moving around a local area can be a challenge without a smaller vehicle. This is where a car tow dolly becomes essential. It gives you the flexibility to bring your car along without the wear and tear of driving it separately.

At The USA Trailer Store, we make it easy to find the right car tow dolly for your adventure. Whether you are looking for the heavy-duty Tow Max or the space-saving EZ-Haul, we have options that fit your needs. However, finding the right dolly is only the first step. You also need to get it to your driveway or business.

We ship our products nationwide across the 48 contiguous states. To help you prepare for your order, we want to walk you through exactly how our shipping works. This guide covers our delivery methods, inspection tips, and special shipping arrangements for our Western customers.

Why Choose a Car Tow Dolly?

Before we dive into logistics, let’s look at why these dollies are such a popular choice for RV owners.

A car tow dolly lifts the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground while the rear wheels roll freely. This setup offers several distinct advantages over other towing methods like flat towing or using a full flatbed trailer.

• Saves Vehicle Mileage: Since the front wheels are up, you are not adding miles to your towed vehicle’s odometer.
• Easier Storage: Dollies take up significantly less space at home or at the campsite compared to a full trailer. Some of our models, like the Stow-and-GO, even fold up for ultra-compact storage, while the Ez Haul is designed to stand upright, making it easy to store even when space is limited.
• Braking Systems: Many of our dollies come equipped with hydraulic brakes, providing you with better control and safety on the road.

We offer reliable brands like Tow Max, Premier, and EZ-Haul because they are built to last. We want you to feel confident in your equipment so you can focus on the journey ahead.

Nationwide Shipping Coverage

We are proud to ship our products to customers all over the lower 48 states. No matter where you are located, we have a way to get your trailer to you.Understanding how we route our shipments ensures you get the best possible shipping rate and fastest delivery time.

Special Note for Western States

If you are located in the Western United States, we have a specific process designed to save you money. We have a dedicated partner in California who manages orders for seven specific states.

The Seven Western States:

• California
• Nevada
• Arizona
• Utah
• Oregon
• Washington
• Idaho

To ensure you get the most economical shipping rates, we do not ship car tow dollies from our South Carolina facility to these seven states. Instead, your order will be fulfilled directly through our West Coast partner, Tow Smart Trailers. This partnership allows customers in the region to avoid the high cost of shipping a heavy trailer all the way from South Carolina.

Because the dolly ships from California, freight costs are significantly lower, meaning you save money before you even hit the road.

For any local questions or support, you can contact Tow Smart Trailers at (562) 788-0416 or support@towsmarttrailers.com

Understanding Your Delivery Options

Ordering a trailer or tow dolly is different from receiving a standard parcel. These are large, heavy units that ship via freight carriers rather than traditional couriers. We offer three primary ways to receive your order: Residential Delivery, Business Delivery, and Terminal Pickup.

The available options depend not only on your location and schedule but also on which model you purchase. Some models are terminal pickup only, unless they are delivered to a business with a proper loading dock.

1. Residential Delivery

For many customers, having the product delivered straight to their home is the most convenient option. Residential Delivery is available only for the Ez Haul, as this model is designed to be unloaded at a home address (exclusions apply*).

Key things to know about Residential Delivery:

• Curbside Service: The driver will place the item at the end of the driveway. They cannot move it into your garage or backyard.
• Accessibility: Your street must be accessible to a large truck. If you live on a narrow, winding road or a cul-de-sac that an 18-wheeler cannot navigate, you may need to meet the driver nearby or choose terminal pickup.
• Presence Required: All freight carriers require customers to take possession of their shipment within two days of arrival at the delivering terminal. After this window, storage fees apply, and these can be significant. Please plan accordingly for Residential, Business, or Terminal Pickup.

2. Business Delivery

If you have a commercial property, you can opt for business delivery. However, freight companies have a very strict definition of what constitutes a "business."

To qualify for this rate and service, your location must meet these criteria:

• Commercial Location: It must be in a recognized business district, industrial area, or retail zone.
• Not Home-Based: Home businesses and farm properties are not recognised as commercial addresses for freight. Listing your home as a business location will result in additional fees and redelivery charges, so please choose Residential Delivery if the dolly is going to your home.
• Proper Equipment: You must have a loading dock or a forklift to unload the shipment.
• Standard Hours: Someone must be available to receive the delivery between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

If your business requires a specific delivery appointment, then please immediately inform us. If this is not requested until after your item ships, then the freight carrier will charge extra to reclassify the shipment. If you do not have a dock or forklift, you should choose Terminal Pickup.

3. Terminal Pickup

This is often the most flexible and reliable option. If you do not have a commercial dock and want to avoid waiting around for a residential delivery window, you can pick up your order at the nearest shipping terminal.

How Terminal Pickup Works:

• We will provide you with the address of the nearest terminal carrier (ask before placing your order).
• Once your shipment arrives, the terminal will notify you.
• Important: You must pick up your shipment within 2 days of its arrival. If you wait longer, the carrier may charge storage fees or return the shipment at your expense.

Make sure you bring a vehicle capable of hauling your new equipment. While some dollies can be towed from the terminal, others - require a truck and trailer.

Delivery Comparison Table

Delivery Method	Best For	Requirements	Notes
Residential	Homeowners	Someone must be present; 18-wheeler access required.	Delivered to end of driveway via liftgate.
Business	Commercial sites	Loading dock or forklift; Open 9-5 M-F.	Home-based businesses do not qualify.
Terminal Pickup	Flexible schedules	Pickup within 2 days of arrival.	Requires appropriate vehicle for transport.

The Golden Rule of Delivery: Inspect Before You Sign

We want you to have a great experience, and that includes receiving your product in perfect condition. Freight damage is rare, but it can happen. To protect yourself and your investment, you must follow a specific inspection process when you take possession of the shipment.

Once you sign the delivery receipt, you are legally stating that you received the item in good condition. If you sign for it and find damage later, it is extremely difficult to file a claim.

Follow these steps for every delivery:

1. Be Present: You must be there personally to accept the shipment.
2. Take Photos: Before you sign anything, take clear photos of all four sides and the top of the shipment. Keep these photos for at least 180 days.
3. Inspect the Packaging: Look for holes, tears, gouges, or indentations in the packaging. Check if the item has shifted on the pallet or if there are broken boards.
4. Inspect the Product: If the product is visible through the wrap, look closely for scratches, dents, or bent metal.

If You See Damage

If you see any sign of damage, no matter how small, you must write one specific word on the delivery ticket: "DAMAGED".

Do not write:

• "Subject to inspection"
• "Wrap torn"
• "Possible damage"

Carriers often deny claims if the ticket says anything other than "DAMAGED". Writing this word does not mean you are rejecting the shipment; it simply preserves your right to file a claim and get the issue resolved. If the driver tries to convince you otherwise, politely stand your ground and write "DAMAGED" on the paperwork. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Product & Shipping

Q: Why should I choose a car tow dolly over a full trailer?

A: Car tow dollies are a practical choice for RV owners because they save vehicle mileage by lifting the front wheels off the ground. They are also much easier to store at home or campsites compared to full flatbed trailers. Many of our models, like the Tow Max and EZ-Haul, include braking systems for added safety on the road.

Q: Where do you ship your products?

A: We offer nationwide shipping across the 48 contiguous United States, whether you are at home or a business, and we have a logistics plan to get your gear to you.

Q: How does shipping work for customers in Western states?

A: To save you money on freight costs, we have a special process for customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Instead of shipping from South Carolina, we fulfill these orders directly from our partner facility in California, which significantly lowers the shipping rate for West Coast deliveries. If you have questions or need local support, just call (562) 788-0416.

Delivery Options

Q: Can you deliver the tow dolly to my house?

A:  Yes, Residential Delivery is available only for the Ez Haul. A truck equipped with a liftgate will lower your shipment to the ground at the end of your driveway. Your street must be accessible to a large 18-wheeler truck, the driver provides curbside service only and cannot move it into a garage, and you must be present to sign for and inspect the delivery.

Q: What is required for Business Delivery?

A: To qualify for the business rate, your location must meet strict freight carrier definitions. It must be a commercial location, home-based businesses do not qualify, you must have a loading dock or forklift to unload the equipment, and someone must be available to receive the shipment between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Q: What is Terminal Pickup?

A: If you don't have a forklift or can't wait at home for a delivery window, Terminal Pickup is a flexible alternative where we ship the order to a nearby carrier terminal and you pick it up at your convenience. You must pick up your shipment within 2 days of arrival to avoid storage fees. Please contact us for the address of the terminal nearest to you. 

Receiving Your Shipment

Q: What should I do when my order arrives?

A: You must follow our "Golden Rule of Delivery": Inspect before you sign. You need to be there personally, take photos of all four sides and the top of the shipment, check packaging for tears, holes, or broken pallet boards, and look through the wrap for scratches or dents.

Q: What if I find damage during inspection?

A: If you see any sign of damage, you must write the word "DAMAGED" clearly on the delivery ticket. Do not write phrases like "subject to inspection." Writing "DAMAGED" preserves your right to file a claim and ensures we can help resolve the issue quickly.

Getting Ready for the Road

Purchasing a car tow dolly is an exciting step toward more freedom on your travels. By understanding these shipping details upfront, you can ensure the delivery process is smooth and stress-free.

Whether you are in South Carolina, the seven Western states, or anywhere in between, we have a logistics plan in place to get your gear to you. You also have the option to pick up your tow dolly from either our South Carolina or California warehouse, but this must be scheduled in advance. Because units are typically built to order, customers cannot walk in and expect to drive away with a dolly the same day.

Take a moment to review your location and choose the delivery method that makes the most sense for you.

If you are ready to move forward, browse our selection of car tow dollies today. We are here to help you haul your vehicle safely so you can focus on the adventure that awaits.

*While we do offer liftgate service, we cannot guarantee it. From time to time, freight drivers do not feel comfortable unloading some of our larger products. As the decision to unload or not is ultimately left to the driver’s discretion, we have no control over that.In the unfortunate situation in which this is the case, the customer will be required to pickup the product from the freight terminal.