Door-to-door car transportation is the most common form of car moving, yet driveaway services are also an option. Hiring a professional to haul a car in a truck has its advantages. However, there are times when contracting a driver to drive your vehicle makes sense.
Both driveaway moving and professional vehicle transport have their advantages and disadvantages. We're here to help you understand the differences so you can make the best decision based on your needs, budget, and preferences. Let's explore these options to see which fits your car shipping requirements.
What Are Auto Transport Services?
Professional auto transport services involve professional carriers that load your vehicle onto a trailer and transport it to your desired destination. This method is popular for various scenarios, including relocations, dealership deliveries, and online car purchases.
Open car hauling is the most popular form of car transport service. Open shipping places your car on a multi-tier trailer, often with several other vehicles. This lowers costs, as driver fees are spread to each vehicle on the hauler. There are also premium enclosed services and expedited state to state car shipping for customers with special demands.
Advantages of Auto Transport Service
1. Convenience
With auto transport, you simply arrange the pickup and drop-off locations, and the company handles the rest. This is especially useful for long distances or cross-country moves. Many companies offer door-to-door shipping services, adding to the convenience.
2. Safety and Protection
Vehicles transported on auto carriers are protected from wear and tear. Enclosed auto transport options provide extra protection, shielding cars from weather, debris, and potential damage.
3. Professional Handling
Your vehicle is handled by experienced and trained professionals, ensuring it is loaded, transported, and unloaded safely. Additionally, the best auto transport companies vet their drivers for reputation, equipment, and reliability.
4. No Added Mileage
Your car is not driven during the auto transportation process, preventing additional mileage and potential mechanical wear.
5. Customer Care
When you ship a car through an intermediary like Nexus Auto Transport, you receive personalized customer care from a car shipping expert from the moment you schedule through delivery.
Disadvantages of Auto Transport Services
1. Initial Cost
Auto transport services are typically more expensive upfront than driveaway options. However, the cost often reflects the inherent value of convenience and safety.
2. Delivery Time
Shipping may take longer due to the logistics of coordinating multiple vehicles and stops. If you’re in a hurry, this could be a drawback.
What Are Driveaway Services?
Driveaway car relocation services involve hiring a driver to personally drive your car to its destination. This method is often used for shorter distances or when budget constraints are a priority. On average, it's cheaper to use driveaway moving, especially for local transport.
Advantages of Driveaway Services
1. Lower Cost
Driveaway services are generally less expensive upfront than auto transport services since they don’t involve trailers or specialized equipment.
2. Faster Delivery
Driveaway services provide direct transportation and quicker delivery times than auto transport services.
3. Flexibility
With a driveaway service, you can request specific routes, make stops, or even transport personal belongings in the vehicle. You can personalize the drive to meet your needs.
Disadvantages of Driveaway Services
1. Wear and Tear
Since your car is being driven, it accumulates mileage and experiences the usual wear and tear associated with long-distance travel. This can reduce the vehicle’s resale value and potentially lead to mechanical issues.
2. Insurance Gaps
While some companies offer insurance, the coverage may not be as comprehensive as that of professional auto shippers. This could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.
3. Driver Reliability
Although driveaway companies vet their drivers, the skill and responsibility of each driver can vary. Your car is essentially in the hands of a stranger, which might be concerning for some vehicle owners.
4. Overall Peace of Mind
In short, professional vehicle transportation feels safer for most clients. Rather than putting your car on the road with a stranger, you like vehicle shipping in the hands of a trucking professional without putting your car's wheels on the road.
How to Choose Between Driveaway Shipping and Car TransportationMaking the Right Choice
When deciding between driveaway and auto transport services, consider the following factors:
1. Distance
For shorter trips, driveaway services might be a practical choice. Auto transport is the safer and more reliable option when you need to ship a car across the country or state lines.
2. Budget
If cost is a significant concern, driveaway services may be appealing. However, it’s essential to factor in hidden costs such as vehicle maintenance and potential repairs due to wear and tear.
3. Vehicle Type
Luxury, classic, or exotic cars benefit greatly from the added protection of auto transport, especially enclosed auto transport options.
4. Urgency
If time is of the essence, driveaway services could be faster due to their direct routes. However, auto transport companies offer expedited options for an additional fee. You might pay more for expedited vehicle transport, but the added safety is a huge plus.
5. Assurance
Auto transport services provide professional handling and, often, more experienced drivers. You pay more for automobile shipping but reap the extra expenditure's benefits.
Are Auto Transportation Services Safer Than Driveaway Services?
There is often a skill gap difference between the drivers who perform driveaway shipping and the shippers vetted by auto transportation companies. More car shipping companies require CDLs from their car shippers than driveaway companies. While this doesn't always indicate driving quality, it suggests potential variance. Furthermore, it's tricky having someone else drive your car. Vehicle shippers have a strong intuition about their trucks, but a driveaway driver may not have the same familiarity with your vehicle type.
Also, driveaway services require your car to make the trip itself. This puts stress on your tires, engine, and other vehicle systems. It may cost less out the door to move a car with a driveaway service, but the potential costs of maintenance and driver mistakes push door-to-door car shipping ahead -- especially when it comes to long-distance car transportation
Moving A Car With Driveaway Transport and Professional Car Shipping Services
Both auto transport and driveaway services have their merits, but auto transport often provides better long-term value by prioritizing vehicle safety and convenience. For those seeking a balance between cost and reliability, auto transport services—like those offered by reputable companies such as Nexus Auto Transport—are an excellent choice. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or moving across the country, it pays to do your homework and pick the right auto shipping service for the job.
