Pros and Cons of Shipping a Vehicle Versus Driving It Yourself

You just landed a new job, and a move is in order. However, the destination is thousands of miles away. In addition to transporting your household belongings, there’s the family car to consider. Driving it is possible, but there are other options. Shipping the vehicle is an alternative worth exploring.

Here we’ll explore the pros and cons to shipping a vehicle or merely driving it yourself with some help from Cheap Movers, the source of the best long distance moving companies in Las Vegas. The answer will be different for every person.

Scheduling Aspect

If you decide to drive the car, there’s no scheduling necessary. Wake up on moving day and head off onto the freeway. Hiring a vehicle carrier takes time. You must research the company and make an appointment.

Depending on your location and the carrier’s style, such as open or closed sections, it can take weeks for a driver to be open for business. When you’re leaning toward the shipment option, be sure to make your appointment as soon as possible. You can always cancel it if necessary.

Wear and Tear on the Car

Driving a car that’s 10 or 20 years old across the country isn’t the smartest idea. There might be breakdowns along the way. Ideally, driving a newer vehicle will keep you moving along at a steady pace. There will be wear and tear on the car in either case.

Start with a tune-up on the car before you leave. The vehicle may be a couple of years old, but it can still have issues down the road. Preparing it with an oil change and a tire rotation will reduce the wear on the components.

Cost Comparisons

There’s an upfront cost on shipping your vehicle. It will undoubtedly cost you more to ship it than to drive it.

There are hidden costs to driving the car too. The gas and lodging are apparent but don’t forget about that oil change that will suddenly be due after the road trip. When you add everything up, there’s a cost to both types of transport.

Dirty or Pristine

Another consideration involves which type of shipping option for your car. If you’re ready to ship the vehicle, you must choose between open or closed carriers, states The Drive. In simple terms, the choice is between a dirty or pristine car upon delivery.

Open carriers are the semi-trucks that you see on the freeway with stacks of cars. Wind, rain, hail and other weathering factors impact the vehicle. It will arrive very dirty. Closed carriers protect vehicles from the elements. They’re very expensive, however. Vehicles that can’t take the weathering, such as vintage cars, may need this type of transport.

Professional Driver Alternatives

There’s a combination choice of shipping a vehicle with a professional driver, reports Montway Auto Transport. You hire a licensed driver who takes your car on a road trip. Pay the person rather than a shipping company’s charges. You can even tag along on the ride.

These drivers are thoroughly checked by their employers so that you have a safe driver behind the wheel. If you’re still debating between a shipping company and a road trip, a professional driver is a good compromise.

Regardless of your final selection, perform all of your research well before the actual move. Deciding on your car’s fate shouldn’t be a last-minute decision. Choosing the right pathway for you will make the transition easier. Your next adventure will be in a new state with your dependable vehicle.