Do I ship my car, or do I Drive?
When we say ship, we really mean hauled on a trailer by a transport company.
For many, driving across state line and cross country can be daunting, and for others an eager adventure.
Obviously, there are many factors to consider in that decision. To Drive or to Ship?
How long is the ride?
What Costs would I expect to incur? Fuel, hotels, food, maintenance, flights?
Scenic routes? Will it be fun or a boring ride?
Will my car breakdown? What do I do if that happens?
How much to ship my car?
How long do I have to plan ahead or get a confirmation?
In this article, you will find a detailed analysis of all the possible benefits and drawbacks of each method and practical tips on how to decide depending on the circumstances of your move. No matter if you are relocating from one district of town to another or from one state to another, we are here to help. Below are factors to consider.
Quick Pros and Cons with Driving:
🟩Pros:
✅ Fun: If time and reliability of vehicle isn’t a concern, exploring and travel can be very fun. New sights, new towns and maybe even new friends.
✅ Control of timing: You are in full control of the trip and timing.
✅ No shipping fees: Well, there are no additional shipping fees if you drive your own vehicle, and it typically cost less overall. However, factor to consider with long distances are, hours or days spent being away, room and boarding, fuel, food and drinks, and vehicle maintenance.
🟥 Cons:
❌ Wear and tear on your vehicle: Additional wear and tear will be incurred and will quicken the vehicle’s maintenance schedules. Another concern is depreciation, while others avoid over mileage for their leased vehicles.
❌ Variable Costs: The prices of fuel are different in every town, city and state, along with any possibility of unexpected and unwanted occurrences such as tire blow outs, mechanical issues, accidents, and such.
❌ Risks: We can plan and prepare the best we can, but life will continue to be uncertain. Being on the road increases risk associated with it and we should not take it lightly. Fatigue, safety, health, mechanical reliability and ability to absorb unexpected costs should be considered.
❌ Time: For many, Time is the most important and valuable resource. Many consider the time spent on the road is valued far less than their time spent elsewhere. This is by far the most common objection for driving their own vehicle long distances when the fun and adventure factor is no longer desirable.
Quick Pros and Cons with Shipping:
🟩Pros:
✅ Personal Safety: Let’s not kids ourselves. Highways and roads are the riskiest places on earth. Reducing the hours spent on the roads will lower our risks of accidents and injuries.
✅ Transparent pricing: Auto transport service providers like Signal Auto Movers, provide a detailed quote that encompasses all fees meaning that there is ease in planning financially.
✅ Maintenance: Reduces the risk of additional wear and tear on the vehicle.
✅Eliminates logistical hassle: You just assign the pick-up and delivery destination and it shows up there.
✅ Convenience: Unless there isn’t unreasonable urgency, the freeing of time, reduction of mental fatigue and physical effort of getting your vehicle to destination is the most compelling reason why you should ship your car.
✅ Insurance: Trucking companies is mandated to carry cargo insurance to operate in the USA. Not only your vehicle is covered from your insurance policy, additional cargo insurance covers your vehicle from the carriers.
🟥Cons:
❌ Price: Could be an unexpected expense for some.
❌ Possible delays: Because of long distances and multiple loads, delays are a possibility. These could be due to weather, traffic jams, accidents, road closures, constructions, breakdowns and repairs, delay in other customers pick up and deliveries, causing a cascading effect on time and further delays.
❌ Coordination required: Sometimes coordination with driver can be tricky especially with certain locations, accessibility and timing.
❌ Damage: Despite rare, damages do occur during transport.
Final Thoughts
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to ship your car or to actually drive it. By considering these factors, it may help guide your decision.
At Signal Auto Movers, our focus is offering the highest quality auto transport services. With over 14 years experience, our main objective is to ensure your car is transported in the best way possible, so that you can focus on other aspects of the move or life in general. Email info@signalmovers.com or call us today at 770-678-2424 for a free transport quote, and leave all the moving concerns with us!