Brantley Kendall 20 Aug 2024 4 months ago Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive? Driving your vehicle yourself to the destination is going to be cheaper most of the time; in fact, it’s pretty difficult to imagine a scenario where it’s not. Things tend to get more complicated once you factor in the time and energy it takes to move your car across long distances. At some point, the cost-to-benefit ratio may simply not be worth it, and delegating the task to an experienced driver becomes the better choice. Need more insights into the driving vs. shipping car debate? We cover the topic in more detail below. Shipping a Car vs. Driving – Overview Life in modern society often revolves around cars. That’s how you get to work, how you drive your kids to school, go shopping, visit friends, the list goes on. Given how vital they are to everyday life, moving across the country introduces this considerable dilemma of whether it’s more sensible to drive your car or have it shipped. To settle the argument of shipping a car vs. driving it cross-country and make an informed, well-researched decision, you should take the following factors into consideration: What is your budget? Enlisting the help of a car shipping broker or transport company can save a lot of time, though the service cost offsets that. The bottom line is that driving your car on your own will likely be the cheapest option to ship your car. How valuable is your car? This comes down to personal preference. Car transport companies like SAKAEM Logistics only work with the best and most experienced professionals on the market, meaning the chances of any mishandling or accidents are very low. However, if the car is the apple of your eye, putting it in anyone else’s hands might be off the table entirely for you. How many cars do you need to transport? With more than one vehicle, relying on multiple car transport services becomes much more sensible. This doesn’t just save you loads of time – it can also prove to be the more cost-effective option, as you’ll be saving money on gas. Plus, many companies offer discounts for shipping several cars at once. How far do you have to go? Transporting a car yourself to a neighboring state a few hundred miles away isn’t that big of a commitment. If it’s about shipping a car cross-country vs. driving it yourself, though, that’s an entirely different story, as long-distance transport requires much more time, effort, and energy. Shipping Your Car – Cases to Consider When can shipping your car be the better option? Take a look at the following scenarios, they should help you narrow down your choices: Limited Time As we mentioned above, driving your car when moving is a considerable time investment. If money isn’t an issue for you but you’re on a tight schedule, look into car transportation companies. That way, you can delegate the task of transporting the vehicle to its destination safely and reliably while focusing on other aspects related to your move. Shipping Multiple Cars at Once If you own multiple vehicles and need them all shipped elsewhere, it makes much more sense to have a service provider load them up on a carrier all at once rather than going on two separate round trips yourself. The latter option is more exhausting, time-consuming, and overall just a hassle to deal with. By contrast, organizing the shipments via a car transport company simplifies the logistics of your move, allowing you to focus on more pressing things. Long-Distance Relocation Again, driving your car cross-country is a herculean task. On top of the time spent driving, don’t forget you’ll also have to spend money on gas and lodging. Therefore, it might be better to hand it off to someone else. Protecting Your Car If you’re shipping a valuable vehicle, transporting it in a carrier reduces the wear and tear, eliminates the risk of theft, and avoids hazardous road conditions, like driving through unfamiliar roads or mountainous terrain. Key Takeaway Should I drive or ship my car, then? The choice comes down to preferences and needs. If you have multiple vehicles, shipping makes more sense as it cuts down on driving time significantly. However, if you’re still not sure if shipping vs. driving your cars is better, employing a company to help seems to be the sensible option. Similarly, in the case of long-distance transport or time constraints, removing the burden from your own shoulders can help you attend to other business. If you’re looking for a trusted car shipping broker that will help you transport your vehicle safely, reliably, and at the best possible rates, contact SAKAEM Logistics to obtain a quote and we’ll help you figure out the best option tailored to you! You may also read: What Is the Best Way to Ship a Car? Car Transportation Methods Explained Brantley Kendall Share this: