Moving across the country for a new job? Heading off to college in another state? Maybe you just bought that dream car from a seller hundreds of miles away. Whatever the reason, you’re facing the same question thousands of Americans ask each year: should I drive my car or ship it?

The auto transport industry has grown tremendously over the past decade, making car shipping more accessible than ever before. Professional carriers now handle everything from daily driver sedans to million-dollar classic cars, offering services that range from budget-friendly open trailers to premium enclosed transport. But like any service, car shipping comes with its own set of trade-offs.

Understanding these advantages and disadvantages can save you money, time, and potential headaches down the road. Let’s break down what you need to know to make the right choice for your situation.

The Advantages of Shipping Your Car

Saves Time and Hassle

Cross-country road trips sound romantic until you're planning one with a moving deadline looming. Driving from Los Angeles to New York takes roughly 40 hours of actual drive time, which translates to at least four days when you factor in rest stops, meals, and overnight hotels. Meanwhile, you could fly to your destination in six hours and have your car delivered within a week or two.

This time savings becomes even more valuable during busy moving seasons or when you're starting a new job with limited time off. Instead of burning vacation days on a marathon drive, you can focus on settling into your new home and getting oriented in your new city.

Protects Your Investment

Every mile you drive adds wear to your vehicle. A coast-to-coast move can add 3,000 miles or more to your odometer, along with the mechanical stress of sustained highway driving, potential weather exposure, and the general wear that comes with long-distance travel.

For newer vehicles still under warranty, classic cars, or luxury automobiles, this protection becomes particularly valuable. Leased vehicles present another consideration since most lease agreements include mileage restrictions with hefty fees for overages. A 3,000-mile drive could easily cost you hundreds in excess mileage charges.

Professional Handling and Convenience

Car shipping companies specialize in vehicle transportation. Their drivers are trained professionals who understand how to properly secure different types of vehicles and handle the logistics of multi-car loads. Many companies offer door-to-door service, meaning they'll pick up your car from your current location and deliver it directly to your new address.

This convenience eliminates the need to coordinate drop-off and pick-up locations, arrange rides to and from terminals, or worry about the mechanics of the transport process. You simply hand over your keys and receive them back when your car arrives at its destination.

Multiple Car Transport

Families relocating with two or more cars face a particular challenge when driving. Someone has to drive each vehicle, which might mean splitting up the family during the move or arranging for additional drivers. Shipping multiple vehicles together often provides cost efficiencies and eliminates these logistical complications.

Some carriers specialize in multi-car shipments and can transport an entire family's fleet on a single trailer, making the process more streamlined and often more economical than individual shipments.

The Drawbacks of Car Shipping

Cost Can Be High

Car shipping costs significantly more than driving, especially for shorter distances. While a 500-mile drive might cost you $100 in gas, shipping the same distance could run $600 or more. The economics start to make more sense on longer hauls where you factor in hotels, meals, and wear on your vehicle, but the upfront cost remains substantially higher.

Pricing also varies dramatically based on factors like time of year, route popularity, and vehicle specifications. Summer months and popular routes like California to New York command premium prices, while off-season transport or less common routes might offer better deals.

Potential for Delays

Unlike driving where you control the timeline, shipping puts you at the mercy of carrier schedules and external factors. Weather delays, mechanical issues with transport trucks, and routing changes can all impact delivery times. Many companies provide estimated delivery windows rather than guaranteed dates.

This unpredictability can create challenges if you need your vehicle by a specific date or if you're coordinating your move around the car's arrival. Some people find themselves stuck without transportation for days or even weeks longer than anticipated.

Limited Flexibility

Once you book a shipment, you're locked into the carrier's schedule and routes. If your plans change or you need to adjust pickup or delivery locations, you may face additional fees or complications. The process operates more like freight shipping than personal transportation.

Weather-related delays, holiday schedules, and peak season demand can all impact your shipment in ways that would never affect a personal drive. You're essentially trading control for convenience.

Risk of Minor Damage

While professional carriers take precautions to protect vehicles, minor damage can occur during transport. Open carriers expose vehicles to weather and road debris, while even enclosed transport involves some risk during loading and unloading. Most reputable companies carry insurance, but dealing with damage claims adds complexity to an already stressful moving process.

Loading and unloading multiple vehicles from tall transport trailers also creates opportunities for minor scrapes or scratches. While major damage remains rare, these possibilities represent risks you wouldn't face when driving your own car.

Less Control Over the Vehicle

Perhaps the biggest psychological hurdle for many people is entrusting their vehicle to strangers. Your car represents a significant investment and often holds sentimental value. Handing over the keys to a transport company requires a leap of faith that many find uncomfortable.

You also lose the flexibility to make stops, retrieve items from the car, or address any issues that might arise during transport. The vehicle essentially disappears from your control until it arrives at its destination.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding

Several key factors should influence your decision between driving and shipping your car.

Distance plays a major role in the equation. For moves under 500 miles, driving often makes more financial sense unless you have specific circumstances like multiple vehicles or time constraints. Beyond 1,000 miles, the economics start favoring shipping, especially when you factor in hotels, meals, and vehicle wear.

Your vehicle's value and type also matter. Expensive, classic, or specialty vehicles often justify shipping costs through protection value alone. Daily drivers with high mileage and lower values might not warrant the expense for shorter moves.

Budget considerations extend beyond the obvious shipping costs. Factor in the value of your time, potential hotel and meal expenses for long drives, wear and tear on your vehicle, and any opportunity costs of spending days on the road versus being productive at your destination.

Timeline flexibility can make or break the shipping decision. If you need your car by a specific date or have limited windows for pickup and delivery, driving might provide more control. However, if you can accommodate some uncertainty in exchange for convenience, shipping becomes more attractive.

Your personal comfort level with each option also matters. Some people enjoy long road trips and see them as adventures, while others find them stressful and exhausting. Similarly, some have no problem trusting professionals with their vehicles, while others prefer maintaining direct control.

Lastly, although not really common, you should be careful with car scammers. A car scammer uses deceptive tactics to trick people into paying for fake vehicles, shipping, or services. They often lure victims with unrealistically low prices, false promises, and high-pressure communication. Learn how to spot a car scammer.

The Bottom Line

Car shipping offers undeniable convenience and vehicle protection, making it particularly attractive for long-distance moves, valuable vehicles, or situations involving multiple cars. The professional handling and time savings can justify the higher costs, especially for busy professionals or families managing complex relocations.

However, the higher upfront costs, potential delays, and loss of direct control make driving the better choice for many shorter moves or budget-conscious situations. The right answer depends entirely on your specific circumstances, priorities, and comfort level with each option.

Before making your final decision, consider getting quotes from several reputable auto transport companies. Car-Go Auto Transport and other established carriers can provide detailed pricing and timeline estimates that help you make an informed comparison with driving costs. These quotes, combined with your personal priorities around time, budget, and peace of mind, will guide you toward the right choice for your situation.

Remember that this decision affects not just your wallet but also your stress levels during an already challenging time. Choose the option that aligns best with your overall moving strategy and personal preferences.

Ready to Ship Your Car?

Making the right choice between driving and shipping your car depends on your unique situation, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Get personalized quotes and expert guidance to make an informed decision that saves you time, money, and stress.

Contact our auto transport specialists today for a free, no-obligation quote. Call us at (623) 292 4141 or request an instant online quote to compare your options and find the perfect shipping plan for your needs.