For individuals that are moving and have vehicles that they need transported to a new location, there are largely two choices. They can pack up the car and drive it themselves to their new home or they can have it shipped. There are good reasons for either method and advantages and disadvantages to both. Car shipping saves time. An individual does not have to worry about taking the time out of their schedule to drive. It is also convenient. For an exchange of cash, most vehicle transportation companies will handle everything from picking up your car to dropping it off at your new location. However, there are also some disadvantages. Car shipping can be very costly and individuals do have to go through the hassle of picking up a company and making arrangements.

There are also advantages to driving instead of needing to ship a car. It will likely be cheaper and an individual does not have to worry the possible damage done by a vehicle shipper or coordinating pick up and delivery times. Driving can also provide some one-on-one or family time. It is important to also consider that while car shipping will save individuals driving time, it often takes longer to get a car shipped then it would if the individual simply drove themselves.

Car Shipping Vs. Self Transportation

Time: Saving time is probably the biggest reasons that individuals use a car transport service. It allows them to get their car to another destination without having to go through the hassle or taking the time to drive it themselves. However, it is important to note that car carriers will typically take longer to transport the vehicle because they have other stops. Therefore, depending on the company chosen, it could take as much 2-3 weeks to get a car from one coast to the other. If you don’t require coast-to-coast shipping, then obviously, you will get your car much sooner. It is important to discuss delivery times with car carriers before you hire them.

Cost: It will likely cost you much more money to ship your car then it would to drive it yourself. Therefore, actual money is not a big factor when deciding whether to have a car shipped. However, time is money and time can be saved by using car carriers.

Convenience: Convenience is a big reason why individuals choose to use an auto shipping company. It is much more convenient to have a company transport your car then it is to have to drive your car from one city to another. Often times, people use car transportation companies to ship their cars when they have changed jobs or have relocated and do not want to drive their vehicles from the city that they are leaving to the city that they are moving to.

The primary factors that differentiate car shipping and self transportation are cost, time and convenience. Car shipping is definitely more convenient and saves the individual driving time. However, it can be expensive and it generally takes longer for the car to get to its’ destination then if the individual simply drove it themselves.