When you’re moving to another state, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what to do with your car.
Do you make the long drive yourself, or ship it and focus on everything else that comes with the move?
The answer depends on a few key factors—time, cost, distance, and how you want your move to feel. Here’s how to break it down.
Driving might seem like the straightforward option, especially if you enjoy road trips.
Driving makes sense if:
But for longer moves, the reality can look different than expected.
At first glance, driving may seem cheaper—but the total cost adds up quickly.
For cross-country or multi-state moves, these costs often rival—or exceed—the cost of shipping your car.
Auto transport allows you to move your vehicle without putting miles on it or taking on the stress of a long drive.
Shipping is often the better choice if:
Open carrier auto transport is the industry standard for vehicle shipping.
It’s a practical and reliable solution for most everyday vehicles.
One of the biggest differences comes down to how you value your time.
Driving requires:
Shipping allows you to:
If you’re moving a short distance and have flexibility, driving can work.
But for longer moves, most people find that shipping their car:
Most customers have already tried driving, so they are ready to give it up. But one thing I have learned is that driving is hard, and what makes it worse is the road construction. It is very dangerous out there between the barriers, between the lanes. It's much easier to ship than drive. It seems the older we get, the harder it is to deal with traffic and construction.