While most people think of massive trucks and trailers when they hear “car shipping,” there is a more personal, direct alternative: Driveaway Service. Instead of your vehicle being loaded onto a carrier with nine other cars, you hire a professional driver to get behind the wheel and physically drive your car to its destination. It’s essentially a long-distance valet service. Here is the breakdown of why this might—or might not—be the right move for your vehicle.
How It Works
The process is straightforward:
- Match with a Driver: A transport company vets and assigns a professional driver to your route.
- The Hand-off: You meet the driver at your home or office, hand over the keys, and document the car’s current condition and mileage.
- The Journey: The driver takes the most direct route to your destination, stopping only for fuel, food, and rest.
- Delivery: The car is delivered right to your door (or a specified location), often much faster than a standard carrier.
The Pros: Speed and Personalization
- Faster Transit: Because the driver isn’t stopping to load and unload other vehicles at 10 different locations, your car gets from A to B as fast as a person can legally drive.
- Door-to-Door Precision: Large trailers often can’t navigate tight residential streets or apartment complexes. A single driver can pull right into your driveway.
- Pack Your Gear: Most traditional car haulers have strict weight limits and don’t allow personal items. With a driveaway service, you can often leave luggage or household items in the trunk (within reason).
- Pet-Friendly Options: Some premium driveaway services even allow your pets to ride along with the driver, saving you the stress of shipping them separately.
The Cons: Mileage and Wear
- Added Odometer Miles: If you’re moving from New York to Los Angeles, your car will arrive with nearly 3,000 extra miles. This can affect your resale value and lease agreements.
- Standard Wear and Tear: Your car faces the same risks any road trip does—bugs on the windshield, potential tire wear, and road debris.
- Operational Requirements: Your vehicle must be in good running condition. If it breaks down mid-trip, you are generally responsible for the repair costs and the driver’s downtime.
Is It More Expensive?
It depends on the distance and the vehicle.
- For short to medium distances, driveaway services are often very competitive with (or even cheaper than) open-air shipping.
- For long distances, costs can rise because you are paying for the driver’s time, fuel, return airfare, and potentially lodging.
| Feature | Car Hauler (Truck) | Driveaway Service |
| Mileage | Zero miles added | Full trip mileage added |
| Speed | 7–14 days (typically) | 2–5 days (typically) |
| Personal Items | Usually prohibited | Usually allowed |
| Best For | Luxury/High-value cars | Quick moves, RVs, vans |
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Who Should Use Driveaway?
This service is a fan favorite for:
- RV and Large Van Owners: These vehicles often don’t fit on standard car trailers.
- People in a Hurry: If you need your car in three days, not three weeks.
- College Students: Perfect for moving a car loaded with dorm gear across several states.
Thinking about hiring a driver? I can help you put together a “Driver Interview & Inspection Guide” to make sure you’re handing your keys to someone you can trust. Would you like me to do that?
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