Whether you’re moving a long distance or selling your vehicle to someone out of state, there are plenty of good reasons to ship your car. However, while driving the vehicle to its destination is pretty much always cheaper than shipping it, that may not always be practical or possible.
Maybe you’ve got a new job, are going to school, or are moving closer to family. Regardless of your reason for going, you’re now tasked with moving over a large distance and have to figure out what to do. If you have a decent number of possessions and your own car, how do you get it all across the country?
You could sell the car and use the proceeds to purchase a new one at your destination, but that may not always be worthwhile or even an option. For example, if you’re driving a moving truck, depending on the model you get, you may not be able to tow your vehicle behind it. So if you can’t sell or tow it, your only real option is to ship it.
How To Ship Your Car
There are two main ways to ship a vehicle to a destination: using a transporter service or hiring a driver. Each has its own upsides and downsides, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both before deciding.
Hiring a Transporter Service
Hiring a transporter service is essentially paying to have your vehicle shipped to its destination. These companies often utilize commercial car carriers that can haul multiple vehicles at once, which allows them to offer lower rates than hiring a private driver. Both open and enclosed carriers are available, with open carriers being up to 40% cheaper than the average rate for enclosed options.
Choosing a transporter service offers the benefit of not adding any additional miles or wear to your vehicle. It is also less expensive than getting a private driver, and the drivers of these carriers are insured and well-qualified.
However, certain vehicles, such as narrow or lower-clearance cars, may not fit in open transporters. Furthermore, the timeline for delivery may be more difficult to predict or control since commercial car transporters can’t drive on every road, and routes need to be properly planned.
Hiring a Private Driver
While more expensive, hiring a private driver is an effective way to get your car to its destination. You may be able to find a friend or family member who’s available and willing to drive it, but this may not be an option for everyone.
Thankfully, with the rise of internet searching and online marketplaces, finding a qualified private driver is easier than ever. You could choose to reach out to a professional service that matches drivers with clients and arrange your vehicle’s transportation, or you could consider finding a professional who drives independently.
One of the biggest things you will want to keep in mind is the reputation and qualifications of whichever option you choose. At the minimum, you’re going to want to ensure that your driver is covered by insurance and has a clean driving record. Beyond that, you may want to opt for a driver with some mechanical experience who will know what to do in the event of a problem.
Choosing a driver to get your vehicle where it needs to go allows you to better negotiate on the price, especially if you’re going with an independent driver, and your car also gets direct one-on-one attention throughout. However, hiring a driver will put more wear and tear on your vehicle, and the driver you get may not know what to do in the event of a mechanical failure.
Shipping Your Car Easily
When arranging to have your car shipped, be sure to get a quote from whatever option you choose to use. When getting a quote, ensure all fees are clearly outlined and discussed ahead of time, so you know exactly how much you will pay. Furthermore, consider reaching out to a variety of options so that you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
You’ll also want to have an insurance policy that covers your preferred transportation method. No matter your choice, make sure you’ve researched your choice thoroughly and shop around to save as much as possible.
