If you’re looking to move a vehicle, there are two main ways to do it – by driving or by car hauling. Both have their pros and cons, so which one should you choose? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each method so you can make an informed decision.
Which one is cheaper?
If you’re moving a car long distance, you have two main options: drive the car yourself or hire a professional to haul it for you. Both have their pros and cons, but which one is cheaper in the end?
Let’s break it down.
Cost of Hiring a Car Hauler
The cost of hiring a car hauler will vary depending on the company you use, the distance you’re traveling, and other factors. However, according to CostHelper.com, the average cost of hiring a car hauler is $0.60 per mile. For example, if you’re moving a car from New York to Los Angeles (a cross-country move), that would cost you about $4,800.
Of course, you also have to factor in the cost of gas and food for the driver, as well as any other expenses related to the trip (tolls, hotels, etc.). All told, hiring a car hauler will probably cost you between $5,000 and $6,000
Cost of Driving the Car Yourself
The cost of driving the car yourself will depend on a number of factors as well, including gas prices, the make and model of your car, and your own driving habits.
However, according to another study, the average cost of owning and operating a sedan is about $0.58 per mile.
So if we use the same example as above (a cross-country move from New York to Los Angeles), that would cost you about $4,700.
Of course, you also have to factor in the cost of food and lodging for yourself and any passengers, as well as any other expenses related to the trip (tolls, hotels, etc.). All told, driving the car yourself will probably cost you between $5,000 and $6,000.
As you can see, the cost of hiring a car hauler and the cost of driving the car yourself are both pretty similar.
Looking for additional information on the costs of auto shipping? Check out Shipping Factors to learn more.
In most cases, it’s going to be cheaper to drive the car yourself, but only by a few hundred dollars.
And if you factor in the time and effort required to drive the car yourself (not to mention the wear and tear on your vehicle), hiring a car hauler starts to look like a pretty good deal.
Make sure to check out if you qualify for an additional discount. Click HERE to see what discounts are offered by Scott’s Auto Carrier.
Which option is easier?
After cost, the next thing you’ll want to consider is the ease of use. And when it comes to that, there’s no question that hiring a car hauler is the way to go.
Car Hauler:
With a car hauler, all you have to do is load up your vehicle and drop it off at the shipping terminal. The hauler will take care of the rest, including all the paperwork and logistics. All you have to do is sit back and relax (or use that time to plan your cross-country road trip!).
Driving the car yourself:
Driving the car yourself, on the other hand, is a lot more work. Not only do you have to do all the driving, but you also have to deal with all the planning and logistics.
You’ll need to map out your route, make sure you have enough gas, find a place to stay each night and deal with all the paperwork. In short, it’s a lot more work than hiring a car hauler.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to move your car long distance, hiring a car hauler is definitely the way to go.
You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle, and you won’t have to worry about putting all that wear and tear on your own vehicle.
Which option saves your time?
Using a car hauler:
If you hire a car hauler, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle. You won’t have to worry about driving or dealing with all the planning and logistics. The hauler will take care of everything for you.
Self-driving:
However, if you drive the car yourself, you’ll have complete control over your schedule.
You can take your time and make sure everything is done right. You’ll also get to see some new places along the way.
Which option is safer?
Hiring a car carrier to get your car shipped is definitely the safer option. With a car hauler, you don’t have to worry about driving long distances or dealing with traffic. The driver will take care of all that for you.
If you drive the car yourself, on the other hand, you’ll be responsible for everything. That means you’ll have to deal with traffic, bad weather, and all the other hazards of the road.
In short, it’s much safer to hire a car hauler with a commercial driver’s license than to drive the car yourself.
So, if you’re looking for the safest way to move your car long distance, hiring a car hauler is definitely the way to go. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.
Which option is more reliable?
In most cases, hiring a car hauler is the more reliable option. With a car hauler, you don’t have to worry about driving long distances or dealing with traffic. The driver will take care of all that for you.
If you drive the car yourself, on the other hand, you’ll be responsible for everything. That means you’ll have to deal with traffic, bad weather, and all the other hazards of the road. In short, it’s much more reliable to hire a car hauler than to drive the car yourself.
Available options for shipping your car
There are primarily two options available for shipping your car. We’ll discuss each of the options below:
Enclosed Shipping:
Enclosed shipping is the safest and most secure method of shipping your car. Your car will be shipped in an enclosed trailer that protects it from the elements and potential damage. Enclosed shipping is also the more expensive option, so it’s important to weigh your options and choose what’s best for you and your car.
Open Shipping:
Open shipping is the more economical option for shipping your car. Your car will be shipped on an open trailer, which means it will be exposed to the elements. Although this is the less expensive option, it’s important to consider whether or not your car will be safe during shipping. If you choose open shipping, be sure to take steps to protect your car from the elements, such as covering it with a tarp.
Car shipping is a big decision, and there are a lot of factors to consider. Be sure to do your research and choose the option that’s best for you and your car.
There are a few ways to ship your vehicle. Click HERE to view additional convenient options for shipping your vehicle.
Choose the right car shipping company
There are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing a car shipping company. Below are some of the suggestions you should keep in mind:
1. Do your research.
It is important to do your research before choosing a car shipping company. You can check out online reviews to see what other people have to say about the company. You can also ask your friends or family if they have any recommendations.
2. Compare prices:
It is important to compare the prices of different car shipping companies before choosing one in order to get the best deal possible. There are a few things to take into consideration when comparing prices. The first is the type of service you need. Some auto shipping companies offer basic shipping services while others offer more comprehensive packages that include additional features such as insurance and tracking.
The second thing to consider is the company’s reputation. You can research online reviews to get an idea of how satisfied other customers have been with the auto transport broker. Finally, make sure to ask about any hidden fees or surcharges that could increase the final cost of shipping your car. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can be sure to find the best deal on car shipping services.
Once you have a list of potential car hauling companies, you will need to compare their prices. Make sure to get quotes from different car carriers so that you can compare apples to apples.
3. Consider the offered services:
Be sure to ask the potential car shipping company about the services they offer. Some companies may only offer basic transport while others will offer a full suite of services that can include things like pick-up and delivery, storage, and more. Choose the company that offers the services that best meet your needs. You might be looking for a door-to-door service or you might be okay with a terminal-to-terminal delivery. Consider what will work best for you and your schedule.
Also, find out what kind of tracking system the car hauling business uses. You should be able to track your car’s progress from the time it’s picked up until the time it’s delivered. This will give you peace of mind and help you plan your own schedule around the delivery.
4. Check for insurance
Cars are expensive items and so are the auto transport companies that transport them. Make sure that whichever auto transport company you choose offers liability insurance. The cargo insurance will protect your investment in case something happens to your car during transport.
Also, be sure to get all the insurance information from the auto transport brokers in writing before you sign any contracts. That way, if there is any confusion later on, you will have the documentation to back up your claim.
5. Review the contract:
Be sure to carefully review the contract before you sign it. Make sure that you understand all the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to the company’s cancellation policy. Some companies may charge a fee if you need to cancel your order, so be sure you are aware of this in advance.
You should also find out if there are any restrictions on what you can ship. For example, some companies may not ship cars with aftermarket parts or modifications.
By following these suggestions, you can be sure to find the right car transport company for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Car hauling is the better option when it comes to saving money, time, and safety. Driving your car can be more expensive in terms of gas and tolls, it can take longer because you have to find a parking spot, and it’s not as safe because you’re driving on the highway. When you choose car hauling, you’re getting all of those benefits plus the convenience of having your car delivered right to your door
About Scott’s Auto Carrier
Scott’s Auto Carrier is a leading Owner/Operator auto transport company, with 20 years of service and counting! Dispatching regionally and nationwide to our network of 20,000+ carriers. Scott’s Auto Carrier offers customized service, 24/7 availability, and owner/operator commitment to quality, giving you competitive, reliable moving trucks, cars, RVs, boats or motorcycles, industrial units, non-operational vehicles, and more, moving quotes and peace-of-mind auto transport service. Get your quote today at: ScottsAutoCarrier.com/Request-a-Quote/
