While the majority of moving occurs locally, 14% of people decide to cross state lines each year to their new home. And one of the biggest questions they ask is what to do with their cars.
If you are torn between driving to your next house or flying while shipping your car then there are several things to consider, especially the distance, cost, and convenience.
Use this pros and cons list to help you make your decision.
Pros of Shipping Your Car
Traveling long distances is either a hassle or a fun adventure. It depends on what type of person you are and how you handle tough situations.
If the idea of driving your car across the country makes you nervous then you may consider these advantages of looking at more info regarding hiring a car shipping company.
1. Avoid Mileage and Wear
Adding miles to your odometer is something that every car owner tries to avoid. It not only reduces the value of your car, but also ensures that vehicle maintenance is in the near future.
You will also need to prepare your car for travel by changing your oil, checking fluids, getting new tires, and making sure it can make it to the destination.
2. Maybe Cheaper Than Driving
Shipping your vehicle may seem like an expensive endeavor, however, the cost of gas and car wear may even exceed the cost of hiring a professional. You also avoid the cost of travel, including lodging and dining expenses.
A transportation service only charges one flat fee. So, you do not have to worry about any extra costs popping up during travel.
3. Save Time
If you want to get to your new home and possibly new job faster than flying is much quicker than driving. A shipping service will take care of the long process of driving while you can be relaxing in your new home.
Renting a car or taking public transportation is an option while you wait for your car to get to you.
4. Safer Option
Let’s be honest, driving is full of unexpected dangers from road hazards, bad weather, and the possibility of an accident. If you do not like driving locally then you will feel even worse when you are on an unknown road.
Putting your car in the hands of a professional driver takes the burden out of your hands.
5. Car is Insured
Most car shipping companies offer insurance plans for your car while in transit. This takes the pressure off worrying about your car or if your regular insurance premium will increase in case of an accident.
6. Protected From Elements
Having your car protected while traveling cross country is important, especially when the weather can cause a lot of damage. You can choose to get your car covered to avoid heavy rain, snow, and flying debris from damaging it.
Shipping companies also provide vehicle care by securing your car to the truck and doing an inspection prior to shipping.
7. Simple and Convenient
Packing up your car and driving for hours can be a burden for some people. A car shipping service takes this task off of your hands. They pick up your car, load it, and drop it off at your destination. What could be more simple than that?
Cons of Shipping Your Car
With every type of service, there is a possibility that you will not be satisfied. In the case of shipping your car, here are a few things that could go wrong or be viewed as a disadvantage.
1. Lose Responsibility for Your Car
Some people do not like other people driving their car to run an errand. So, the thought of giving your car to a stranger to ship across the country is daunting.
You also have to worry about how the truck driver will handle your car and their driving skills.
2. Delays in Delivery
Car shipping trucks can be delayed for several reasons. They deliver multiple cars on one truck so your car might be left last. There could also be traffic or truck maintenance issues that cause your delivery time to be delayed.
3. Potential Scams
If you are quoted one price but given another at the time of shipping then it may be a scam. Sometimes it is the shipper or it could be the driver trying to get an extra buck. Either way, looking at the fine print and asking for a final price in writing may help avoid this, but not always.
4. Possible Damage
Getting insurance can protect you from paying for car damage but that does not mean it will not happen. Damage from an accident or from handling your car during loading and unloading can be a nuisance. You will have to get repairs and go without a car.
5. Trucks are Harder to Maneuver
When you drive your car you can avoid things that trucks cannot. This means that you are putting your trust in a large vehicle that is more prone to error, putting your car at a larger risk.
6. Car Will Arrive After You
You may be fine with not having a car for a few days in your new town or maybe not. However, despite your feelings about it, it is bound to happen. So, you will have to prepare and pay for other arrangements to get around and to go to work.
7. Choosing a Bad Company
There is a chance that you choose the wrong car shipping company and you encounter several problems. From, shipping to the wrong address to damaging your car or delaying it, there is always a risk when putting your car in another person’s hands.
Weighing the Good and Bad
Shipping your car across the country to your new home has some possible negative outcomes, but with the right company, many of these issues probably will not happen. Your decision also depends on your personality and whether worrying about your car outweighs the pros of shipping it.
Once you make your decision then check out our Travel section for more tips on moving out of state.