When moving your vehicle across state lines, you can either hire a transport carrier or use a driveaway service. Here’s how to decide which option suits your needs.
What Is Driveaway Service?
A driveaway service involves hiring a professional driver to drive your car to its destination. This option may allow you to send personal belongings inside the vehicle, but it adds mileage and wear.
Advantages of Auto Transport
Auto transport carriers load your vehicle onto a trailer, preventing additional mileage and wear. It’s often safer, though you can’t transport personal items.
Cost and Convenience
Driveaway services may be cheaper for shorter distances but require more coordination. Auto transport offers convenience and safety at a slightly higher cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is driveaway service safe? Yes, as long as you hire a reputable company with insured drivers. However, your car will accrue mileage.
- Which option is cheaper? Driveaway services can be less expensive for short distances, but open carriers often offer competitive pricing for long routes.
- Can I put luggage in my car during shipping? Most transport companies prohibit personal items. Driveaway services may allow limited belongings, but check the company’s policy.
Related Resources
- How to Ship a Car to Another State
- Car Shipping Cost & Pricing
- Vehicle Transport Options
- State-to-State Car Shipping Guide
More Resources
For additional insights, read our latest articles: Car Shipping Los Angeles to New York: Cross-Country Guide, Car Transport Florida to California: Distance, Costs & Tips, Car Shipping Georgia to Texas: What to Know.
When shipping a car across states, there are numerous factors to consider beyond simply booking a carrier. In addition to the route and service type, you should research the reputation of various auto transport companies, compare quotes carefully and read customer reviews. Seasonality can influence prices, with higher demand during summer and snowbird migrations. Always confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and ask about communication during transit. A reputable broker or carrier will answer your questions, provide clear documentation and help you prepare your vehicle properly.
Preparing your vehicle involves cleaning it inside and out, removing personal belongings, disabling toll transponders and checking for leaks. Document the car’s condition with photos and ensure the gas tank is around a quarter full to keep weight low. On the day of pick‑up, inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading, which serves as your receipt and inspection report. Upon delivery, re‑inspect your car, note any changes on the bill of lading and make final payment. To learn more about the car shipping process, visit How to Ship a Car to Another State.