Moving Vehicles Should You Ship or Drive?

Introduction

People move with their families and take their pets, plants, and vehicles with them. Moving a house with pets and plants is challenging, but professional movers can make the transition easy. Other than these items, one of the difficult decisions you have to make is how to move your vehicle across the states—ship it or drive it. The decision to relocate your vehicle is contradictory, and both options have some benefits and disadvantages.

Thus, we are here to help you decide how to move your vehicle across the states. This article will list the factors that will help you decide. It will also enlist the benefits of shipping your vehicle and driving it. You can evaluate the parameters and decide to move your vehicle.

What are the deciding factors for moving your vehicle?

Several factors can affect your decision to move your vehicle-

Moving Distance— The distance of the move plays a significant role in deciding what type of move you will have. For a long-distance move, shipping a car will save time and minimize the risk of wear and tear. Driving a car across the state border can save some money that you spend on shipping, but it will be full of risks and, most importantly, it is time-consuming. The long run on the road can result in more wear and tear and additional maintenance issues.

Cost of moving- The cost of moving a vehicle across the states by driving it will be different than that of shipping it. When you ship a car, you will have to bear shipping costs (ranges between $600 - $2,500), insurance ($100 - $300), fuel costs for transportation ($50 - $200), tolls and other charges ($50 - $150) and this can sum up to $3,000. The cost of driving a vehicle will include the fuel costs ($200 - $600), accommodation costs ($100 - $300), and maintenance costs ($100 - $300) and as a total you might be paying between $450-$1,450. So, shipping a vehicle will be expensive, while driving a vehicle requires more effort and maintenance costs.

Time and convenience- When you ship your vehicle, it will reach the destination according to the deadline given by the shipping company. On the other hand, driving a car to move to another state will be time-consuming. Driving the car will be flexible while moving, but it can bring up many challenges like multiple stops and overnight stays that can affect the moving budget.

Personal preference- Some people prefer a simple and smooth relocation, and they pick shipping as the option for their vehicle move. While some people want to drive their vehicle and manage their move flexibly. Driving a vehicle is also a good option for families with babies, pets and have deadlines to meet.

What are the benefits of shipping your vehicle?

Shipping is the most preferred method for transporting car across the states. There are several advantages associated to the process-

Cost-effective- For long-distance moves, shipping a vehicle is more economical than driving it over long distances. When you ship your vehicle, you will save money on fuel, maintenance of wear and tear, and cost of accommodation. All these expenses are saved, and your vehicle will be safe and sound even after crossing the state border.

Safe from Wear & Tear- Car shipping companies transport the vehicle in two different trucks- open carriers and closed carriers. The choice is up to you which carrier you pick as there will be cost variation. But the best way is to transport the vehicle in a closed carrier as it will prevent the vehicle from weather variations and harmful UV rays.

Convenient and Time Efficient- Shipping a vehicle while moving to another state will be the convenient way of transportation. This will save you time and you can travel conveniently via other mode. As your vehicle is safe in transition with professional shipping companies, you will feel a peace of mind and can easily avoid the stress of driving a vehicle on the long route.

Flexible Travel Plan- If you ship your vehicle then you can choose the most convenient and affordable mode of travel. There will be no pressure to choose the safest routes for driving, and you can pick the travel date at your convenience.

Professional Handling- Hiring a professional moving company to ship your car will give you peace of mind. They will use right moving equipment like ramps, cranes, etc. to transport the vehicle on the moving carrier. They will cover the vehicle to prevent it from possible damages like scratches and dents. Vehicle shipping companies also provide insurance for the vehicle in case your vehicle is not insured.

What are the benefits of driving your vehicle?

Some people prefer driving their vehicle due to some sentimental attachment, or they feel more protective about it. When they move to some other state or city, they wish to drive their vehicle, and they find it beneficial for the following reasons-

Cost-efficient (for shorter distances)- Driving a car is cost-efficient only if you are traveling over a short distance. As shipping costs will be higher as compared to driving. It is more economical if you are moving with your family as it will save the travel expenses. However, there will be accommodation expenses, but you can manage them by spending the night in a budget-friendly motel.

Flexible- Driving a vehicle will provide you flexibility for several things including schedule, stops during the drive and picking the route of your choice. Since you will be driving, you can plan your travel according to the comfort of your family members.

Make it a road trip- Moving is exhausting, and when you are driving your vehicle to reach a new home, you can make a trip out of your travel. You can pick some places on the route to explore, stop for shopping and create some memories with your family. This is an opportunity to find some moments of peace from the chaos of the relocation process.

Availability- Finding a vehicle shipping company near you will be difficult if you are moving during the peak season. But when you plan to drive your vehicle, you will be stressed free from such issues. You can choose the time, date and route according to your availability.

What are the steps to make a decision?

Deciding the right option for your vehicle moving can be difficult and confusing, but if you follow these steps, you can decide in a few minutes-

Step 1: Evaluate your situation

Once you pick your moving date, your next step is to hire a residential moving and a vehicle shipping company to move your vehicle. At this point, you need to consider multiple factors that can help you choose the mode of transporting your vehicle. The deciding factors include- the cost of shipping or driving, your availability for driving the vehicle, licensing, permits for interstate moving, condition of roads and highways, and maintenance costs. Calculate the car transportation cost using a moving cost calculator. Go through all these points and pick your option.

Step 2: Get Quotes from Movers and Compare costs

Comparing costs of driving the vehicle to shipping it with a professional shipping company is important to make the right decision. No matter how much money you have put aside for your move, there are numerous additional expenses that come along. So, connect with the vehicle shipping companies at Van Lines Move and request moving quotes. In a few seconds, you will receive moving estimates from multiple movers, and you can then compare moving quotes with an approximate cost of your vehicle driving.

Step 3: Consider logistics and timings

It is important to be present at the destination when you move into the new house. If you ship your vehicle, then you have to reach the destination before the moving truck arrives. This can be easily managed by planning your travels in advance. But if you drive your vehicle, then you have to manage the drive timing according to the moving truck arrival.

Step 4: Time to make an informed decision

Finally, you need to make a decision about vehicle transportation. At this point, you need to consider all the parameters you have taken into consideration. Discuss with your family and professionals to reach a right decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mode for transporting your vehicle to the new city is one of the most challenging tasks while you plan a move. But with the right guidance, you can save money, and time and protect your vehicle from possible damage during the transport. This article listed the benefits of both the modes- driving and shipping a car. You can explore all the benefits and make the right decision. If you decide to ship your vehicle with a long-distance vehicle shipping company, you can start connecting with the movers. Van Lines Move offers vehicle shipping services across the 48 states of the USA. You can connect with the top shipping companies online within a few seconds.

FAQS

What are the main factors when deciding whether to ship or drive my vehicle?

The following factors should be considered- moving distance, moving budget, moving timeline, your preferences, and the value of your vehicle.

What are the hidden costs associated with shipping or driving a vehicle?

• Additional costs for shipping your car- insurance, taxes, or delivery surcharges.
• Additional costs for driving your car- unexpected maintenance costs, traffic fines, or expenses related to unforeseen delays or detours.

What are the considerations for moving a vehicle to a remote location?

Ensure the transport company has experience with remote deliveries, confirm accessibility to the destination, and plan for potential delays.

Related Articles-

• Out-of-State Car Transport: Cost Check
• Facts About Transporting A Car
• Transport a Car? Why need a professional to move?