Planning a relocation with your vehicle can be an exciting task; however, you may grapple with the decision of whether to hire a professional company to ship a car across the country or drive it yourself. It is better to evaluate both their strengths and drawbacks so that you can decide with complete peace of mind. In general, choosing a professional service provider is preferable, especially for longer distances and cross-country relocations. Like the drive-it-yourself option, it has pros and cons: this article exclusively discusses it in detail in the following sections. Give this article a read if you are planning a move like this as well. By the time you finish this read, you will have crystal clear thoughts on which direction to go.
Pros of Shipping a Car Across the Country
1. Saves Time and Reduces Stress
Driving across the country isn’t just a long journey; it’s a significant time commitment and hassle. Depending on the route and distance, you could be on the road for 4 to 10 days. This means planning accommodations, food, fuel, and navigating unfamiliar areas. When you choose a professional transporter, you avoid all of that. A transport company handles the logistics, freeing you to focus on your move, work schedule, or family needs.
2. Avoids Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle
Long-distance drives put thousands of miles on a vehicle. Your vehicle may be driven on various rough terrains, distorted roads, sharp turns, etc, which can lead to:
Wear on tires
Oil changes and maintenance
Potential mechanical issues
Depreciation from added mileage
Companies ship the cars on trailers and trucks, eliminating the need for driving, and your car remains in the same condition it was in before shipping.
3. Safer for You and Your Family
Cross-country driving exposes you to potential risks of lingering harsh weather conditions, strain on your health, fatigue-related incidents, road hazards, traffic bottlenecks, and many more. Professional companies offerdoor-to-door auto transport that eliminates these risks by entrusting your vehicle to trained, experienced carriers specializing in long-distance transport.
4. Convenient Door-to-Door Service
Door-to-door auto transport means the carrier picks up your vehicle from your doorstep, or if not possible, then as close to your home as possible, and delivers it directly to your new location. You don’t need to meet at a distant terminal or arrange alternate transportation to pick up/drop off your vehicle at any far-off location. This convenience is beneficial if you’re moving to a busy city, relocating with multiple cars, or coordinating a tight schedule.
5. Cost-Effective for Long Distances
At first glance, shipping may appear more expensive than driving. But once you factor in the expenses of fuel, food, and lodging, road trip emergency preparations, and significant time dedication, it becomes a more economical and reliable choice, particularly for moves that involve distances over 1,000 miles.
Cons of Shipping a Car Across the Country
1. Costs Can Vary
Although often cost-effective, auto transport prices can vary based on these factors and the company you choose. This means you should research thoroughly and compare multiple quotes before selecting a carrier. Factors include:
Distance
Vehicle size and weight
Season and demand
Transport type (open vs. enclosed)
2. Flexibility of Schedule is Required
Although companies provide estimated transit windows, they may not be exact because several factors can affect the final delivery time. Real-time variables such as weather, road closures, or pick-up delays can lead to longer transit windows than estimated. Furthermore, you may have less control over the schedule unless you pay extra fees for expedited shipping or guaranteed pick-up.
Even with door-to-door auto transport, carriers operate large trucks and trailers that may have difficulty accessing:
Narrow streets
Gated communities
Steep hills
Places with parking restrictions
If so, you may have to meet at a nearby, more accessible location, which can also prolong the delivery time.
3. Requires Trusting a Transport Company
Handing your vehicle over to strangers can feel intimidating. Not all carriers are equal, and car shipping scams are also prevalent, so you must carefully check:
Licensing (FMCSA registration)
Insurance coverage
Reviews and customer feedback
Experience and professionalism
Working with a reputable company with a proven track record in safe transport significantly minimizes risks. Still, the research can take time, as numerous providers are available online, advertising quality and affordability simultaneously.
4. Limited Personal Items Allowed
Auto transport companies do not allow personal items in the car due to safety, weight, and insurance limitations. This is why they do not take responsibility if any valuable asset is damaged or lost. When driving yourself, you can pack your car with your belongings and drive it to your new address.
Is Shipping a Car Across the Country Worth It?
The suitability of this decision typically depends on your time, safety, convenience and budget. For many people, yes. This is a wise decision when:
Long-distance relocations are involved
College students moving out of state
Snowbirds traveling seasonally
Car buyers purchasing vehicles from another region
Owners of luxury, classic, or specialty cars
Flexibility in the schedule is easy
Can plan beforehand for timely services
Final Thoughts
Choosing a professional and reliable partner may be a good or bad decision based on the scenario you are in. For instance, for really short distances, shipping is not a better option. However, for longer routes, it eliminates your personal expenses, wear and tear on the car, and time-consuming driving hours, while ensuring safety. Final decision may depend on whether you are flexible with the timeline, have the time to book at least two weeks ago, and remain flexible with delivery expectations.
