When you need to get your vehicle from point A to point B, you’ll have to decide whether to ship it or drive it yourself. Both options have their own pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your situation, budget, timeline, and priorities.
In this blog, we’ll help you decide based on cost, time, vehicle wear and tear, and safety. By considering these factors, you can make a smart choice that best fits your needs.
Deciding Between Shipping Your Car or Driving It Yourself
Before we dive into the pros and cons, let’s look at the scenarios where this decision matters most.
Long-distance moves: Whether you’re relocating for a job, starting fresh in a new city, or downsizing in retirement, a move of 500+ miles makes the shipping vs. driving question very real. A move like this can upend your schedule and require careful budgeting.
Out-of-state car purchases: Found the perfect vehicle across the country at a price you can’t beat? Shipping it home beats the cost and exhaustion of a round-trip drive, especially if you have other commitments waiting for you.
Military relocations: Service members and their families often face tight timelines and long distances when relocating. Shipping handles the logistics while you manage the other complexities of PCS moves.
Seasonal travel (snowbirds): Heading south for the winter months? Shipping your car ensures it’s waiting for you without the wear, fatigue, and fuel costs of a cross-country drive.
College students: Whether you’re the parent of a student or you’re heading to college yourself, moving to and from campus is already a big task. Driving long distances can be stressful and risky, especially for young solo drivers.
Shipping Your Car: Pros and Cons
Pros
Saves time and effort. Instead of spending 2–4 days on the road (depending on distance), a professional carrier handles the drive while you fly, take a train, or focus on other aspects of your move.
No mileage or wear and tear on your vehicle. Every mile you drive adds depreciation and wear to your engine, transmission, tires, and suspension. Professional shipping preserves your car’s condition and resale value.
Safer, especially for long distances or bad weather. Experienced drivers navigate highways, weather, and traffic daily. By trusting them to ship your car, you avoid the risks of fatigue-related accidents, mechanical breakdowns, and driving in harsh conditions. For high-value vehicles, many auto shipping companies offer enclosed transport for added protection.
Ideal for luxury, classic, or non-operational vehicles. If your car is a large investment, a collector’s item, or doesn’t run, shipping is often the only practical option. Some vehicles simply shouldn’t be subjected to a cross-country road trip.
You can fly instead of spending days on the road. If time is your most precious resource, flying while your car is shipped is a game-changer. You arrive fresh and ready, not exhausted from driving.
Cons
Upfront costs may seem high. Cost is one of the top concerns for many people looking to ship their car. However, when you factor in fuel, hotels, food, time off from work, and lost productivity, shipping is often competitive—or even cheaper—for long distance moves.
Scheduling flexibility depends on carrier availability. Unlike driving whenever you want, shipping involves coordinating pickup and delivery windows. Most companies offer a 1–3 day delivery window rather than a guaranteed exact date, so you’ll need some flexibility.
Requires planning ahead and drop-off/pick-up coordination. Shipping isn’t spontaneous. You need to book in advance, confirm pickup windows, and be present for pickup and delivery.
Driving Your Car Yourself: Pros and Cons
Pros
Can feel more flexible and spontaneous. You leave when you want, stop when you want, and take the route you prefer. There’s a sense of freedom and adventure in a long drive, especially if you enjoy road trips and don’t mind the time commitment.
No cost for car shipping. There’s no carrier fee, which appeals to budget-conscious movers. You’re only paying for gas and whatever meals and lodging you need along the way.
Great for road trips or if you enjoy driving. If you love the open road, seeing new places, and the adventure of a cross-country drive, this might be the choice for you. Some people see this as an opportunity, not a burden.
Immediate control of timeline. You decide when you leave and when you arrive. No waiting for a carrier, no coordination needed beyond your own schedule.
Cons
Time-consuming (could take several days). A cross-country drive from LA to New York is roughly 2,800 miles and takes 40+ hours of actual driving time. Add in overnight stops, breaks, and a realistic pace, and you’re looking at 4–5 days minimum. That’s significant time away from work, family, or settling into your new place.
Adds mileage and wear and tear. Every 1,000 miles adds depreciation. Long-distance driving stresses your engine, transmission, suspension, and tires. For older vehicles, the risk of breakdown increases. If you plan to sell your car later, all those extra miles reduce its resale value.
Fuel, hotel, and food costs add up quickly. A full tank of gas, a decent hotel room, and meals for multiple days aren’t cheap. A cross-country drive can cost over a thousand dollars, especially if you’re traveling with a partner, family, or kids.
Physically and mentally exhausting. Spending 8+ hours daily behind the wheel is draining. Fatigue impairs judgment and increases accident risk. Many people underestimate how tough long-distance driving actually is.
Risk of breakdowns or accidents. The longer you’re on the road, the greater the chance of mechanical failure or an accident. If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you’re looking at towing costs, repairs, and being stranded. If you have an accident, the liability and injury risks are real.
Cost Comparison: Shipping vs. Driving
Let’s look at an example: moving from Los Angeles to New York.
Cost to ship your car:
- Standard open carrier: $1,200–$1,500
- Enclosed carrier (luxury/classic cars): $2,000–$2,500
Cost to drive your car:
- Fuel (2,800 miles at 25 MPG, $3.50/gallon): ~$390
- Hotel (4 nights at $175/night): $700
- Food and other expenses (5 days): ~$150–$250
- Potential repairs/maintenance: ~$150
- Lost productivity/time off work: varies, but could be significant
Estimated total cost: $1,490
When you account for all the potential expenses—especially the value of your time and vehicle depreciation—shipping often comes out competitive or cheaper. For a move of 1,000+ miles, shipping becomes increasingly cost-effective.
When to Choose Shipping Over Driving
Consider shipping your car if:
You’re moving more than 500+ miles. Beyond 500 miles, the time and expense of driving start to favor shipping. The farther the distance, the stronger the case for professional transport.
You’re on a tight schedule or relocating quickly. New job starting Monday? Moving to be closer to family? Shipping gets your car there on your timeline while you handle the urgent parts of your relocation. For last-minute moves and tight deadlines, some companies offer guaranteed pickup services to make sure your vehicle gets in transit as quickly as possible.
You have multiple vehicles or a valuable car. Driving multiple cars means multiple people spending hours or days on the road. For many people, their vehicle is one of their largest investments, and the risk and depreciation make shipping the smarter financial choice.
You’re moving during winter or through risky routes. Shipping in January through snow country, or along routes known for accidents and harsh weather, transfers the risk to experienced professionals. Your safety is worth it.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Shipping your car and driving it yourself both have valid trade-offs. Driving offers flexibility and feels cheaper upfront, while shipping provides convenience, safety, and often better overall value when you account for all costs.
To decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How much is my time worth? If your time is valuable or you’re already stretched thin, shipping wins.
- What’s the condition of my vehicle? Older cars, luxury cars, and non-running vehicles should be shipped.
- How far am I traveling? For distances greater than 500 miles, shipping provides the most value, safety, and convenience.
- Am I comfortable driving long distances? If the answer is no, ship it. Fatigue-related accidents aren’t worth the savings.
- What’s my budget? If shipping fits your budget, it almost always offers better total value than driving.
The auto transport experts at Auto Shipping Group understand that this decision is personal, and we’re here to help you weigh your options. Whether you decide to ship or drive, we want you to feel confident in your choice.
Ready to explore your options? Learn more about how car shipping works or get started with a free instant quote. Call us at (888) 588-1269, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.