In case you are moving, buying a new car from afar, or for any other reason that requires transporting a car, your dilemma would be, should I drive my car or are there viable alternatives for car transport? Although driving might be the first thought that comes to mind, there are multiple reasons to consider shipping your car, and we’ll touch on those in a moment.
The purpose of this guide is to explain why automobile shipping is beneficial in comparison to driving for transporting the vehicle, and how we can undertake the process to ensure it is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
The Risks and Costs of Driving Your Car
There are costs associated with driving the car that make this long and tedious journey less ideal compared to simply shipping the car. While arranging for car shipping is easier than planning an extensive road trip, there are a lot of factors that encourage selecting an automobile transport service rather than embarking on a cross-country drive.
- Your Car’s Wear and Tear
A long, or even a cross-country, road-trip seems to be one of the best ways to unwind, however, it can come at a serious expense. Some difficulties your vehicle might face while trekking long distances include:
– Strain on the engine: If the engine suffers from extreme cold or heat, idling or seldom driving for long periods can exacerbate the strain.
– Increased mileage: Simply driving 100 leisurely miles or more really adds up can best put your vehicle’s resale value at jeopardy.
– Tire wear: A set of tires should ideally last anywhere between 50,000 and 80,000 miles depending on the care given. Long drives tend to consume the entire life expectancy rese
– Strain on brake system: There are numerous reasons for a car to come to a gradual halt, like frenetic traffic. Almost everyone prefers to combust aggressive accelerative deceleration.
– Wear and tear on vehicle: The weather alone can combine forces with the road surfaces that may include concrete, asphalt, or dirt, leading to the car’s paint losing its luster while also suffering scratches.
When your vehicle is stationary, in a secured position, during transport it becomes simple to avoid all the concerns mentioned above.
- Expenses incurred in filling gas
Unlike loading your vehicle onto a ferry or an aircraft, gasoline comes with a serious price tag attached to it. Considering an everyday cross-country drive, sacrifices would have to be made to calories, accommodation fares, or even rightfully charged toll booths.
– Tip: While shipping your car, the shipping company takes care of road expenses and fuel, meaning no refueling hassles or budgeting for fuel needed.
- Time and Fatigue
Driving for long distances can be very straining, especially when one is not familiar with the routes. Being behind the wheel for long hours increases risk of driver fatigue which makes accidents more likely. For instance, a cross-country trip takes several days of driving which means a lot of time that can be spent achieving other goals.
– Tip: Shipping a vehicle makes stressful road trips a thing of the past while achieving better time efficiency. Importantly, one arrives at their destination prepared for vital activities.
Benefits of Shipping Your Car
There are numerous advantages to shipping cars instead of driving, especially when relocating across the country or needing to move a vehicle to a different state or even internationally.
- Convenience
Convenience is one of the most striking reasons for why shipping a car is beneficial. There is no need to elaborate on a road map that includes motels, food joints, and gas stations. Rather, all one needs to do is:
– Clean and empty the car of all the personal belongings.
– Set the pickup and delivery dates with the shipping company.
– Everything else can be left to the experts.
– Tip: Everything becomes much easier to manage when it comes to Automobile Shipping due to added flexibility for picking up and dropping off, all the way to their door, which eliminates the hassle of going to a terminal.
- Save Time
The time saved from driving long distances when a car is shipped is extremely valuable. Rather than sitting on the driver’s seat for multiple days, the individual is free to focus on other important activities. Be it work related issues that need some urgent attention, personal errands, or even a staycation, car shipping makes it all possible.
– Tip: Consider using the time you would have spent driving towards moving prep, exploring your new city, or enjoying quality time with friends and family. Transport your car with a professional auto moving company so that you have peace of mind knowing the logistics of keeping your vehicle safe and getting it to the destination is properly taken care of.
- Safeguard Your Car
Regardless of whether you are driving your vehicle or shipping it, your car can be protected when transported using a car carrier. Luxury vehicles, classic cars, and high-value vehicles exposed to the weather should be transported in an enclosed trailer. Below is how shipping can offer protection:
– No exposure to the elements: Your automobile is safeguarded from damaging rain, snow, or dust build-up that can harm the car’s paint.
– No road hazards: During a long drive you risk exposure to road debris and gravel which have the potential of damaging your automobile, but with shipping those risks are eliminated.
– Protection from accidents: You can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected from road accidents and the stress of dealing with unplanned breakdowns.
Your vehicle is protected through the journey when you choose shipping, specifically enclosed transport.
- Insurance Coverage
Modules of reputable car shipping companies include insurance functionality. This implies that you incur no liability and, in fact, are compensated should your car sustain damages while in transit. However, if you opt to drive the car, any damages that occur will be under your responsibility along with having to deal with multiple insurance claims for various issues on the vehicle.
– Tip: Remember to specify the details of the coverage while reserving a shipment because Automobile Shipping provides extensive coverage that safeguards your automobile throughout the transportation process.
Cost Comparison: Shipping vs. Driving
At this stage, let’s review both options in depth. The following estimation is aimed at illustrating how shipping your car can potentially be cost-effective in the long-term.
- Driving Costs (for a cross-country trip)
– Fuel: $300-$500 depending on car’s mileage and distance.
– Hotel: $100-200 per night (Over 2-3 nights)
– Meals: $30-$50 for 3-4 days.
– Tolls and Other: $50-100
Driving Estimated Total: $500-$1,000 (for a cross-country trip)
- Shipping Costs
– Open Transport: Generally $500-$1,000 for cross-country shipments.
– Enclosed Transport: For cross-country shipments, it can typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 or more depending on the car’s value and the route.
– Tip: While service might appear to be an added expense, it may often be cheaper than considering gas, hotels, food, and the overall depreciation of the vehicle. In turn, the customer is provided with an expedited service that is hassle-free.
How Automobile Shipping Can Help
Automobile Shipping is where you receive dependable, reasonable, and easy car shipping services. Here is how we simplify the process for you:
– Quotes: You receive an accurate freddit quote which gives you a convenient measure of estimating the cost of shipping your car.
– Shipping Options: You can select either open or enclosed transport depending on needs.
– Insurance Policy: Rest easy knowing your car during delivery and pick up will be insured and taken care of by the professionals.
– Tracking: Receive real-time updates regarding your cars shipment with our tracking.
Starting Off with Automobile Shipping
- Free Quote: Go to our site and receive a no-obligatory offer to ship your vehicle.
- Choose Your Shipping Option: Select the subtype of transport according to the requirements of your car and your financial plan.
- Schedule Pickup and Delivery. Share with us all the locations for the pickup and delivery, and we will take care of the rest.
- Prepare Your Car. Complete the preparation of your car using our instructional manual and follow the provided steps.
Although it may seem that driving a vehicle is the easiest way to go about it, shipping a vehicle comes with many advantages including but not limited to: saving time, providing a level of safety for your automobile, and avoiding the expenses that come along with a lengthy road trip. Moving to a new city, purchasing a car from a different state, or needing to ship a car for any reason are some of the many reasons customers turn to us, at Automobile Shipping we pride ourselves with the security, affordability, and ease that we provide through our services.
