At-a-Glance: If you need to transport your car long distance but can’t drive it yourself, you can always hire someone else to drive it for you. This differs from car shipping, where a transport vehicle carries your car. Instead, someone else will simply drive it wherever you want it to go. It is a less expensive option, but it comes with unique risks. Learn all about how to ship a car or if you should hire a driver in this ultimate guide!
You can’t always drive your car where you need it to go. Maybe you’re moving, need to relocate, or simply don’t have enough drivers for the vehicles you need to travel with. Whatever your circumstances are, sometimes the right move is to hire a driver to take your car across the country.
Unlike standard car shipping, this method involves having another person physically drive your car rather than moving it with an auto transport car carrier. That can mean lower costs, but it can also increase certain risks.
To clear up these questions, we created this comprehensive guide for hiring a long-distance driver to physically drive your car. You’ll learn about hiring someone to drive your car across country, how it compares to car shipping, and what could make this the right choice for you.
Why do people hire drivers to move their cars long distances?
The reasons behind this are varied, but they often fall within a few major common categories. In all three cases, hiring a driver and getting your car shipped to another state are potential options.
- Buying or Selling a Car in Another State
If you sell a car across state lines, you might want to hire a professional driver to deliver it. After all, driving it yourself could be time-consuming — and then you have to figure out how to get back. Similarly, if you are buying from a seller in a different state, having a professional pick it up and deliver it to you may be a lot more feasible or the only possible way to get the car.
- Vacationing or Moving Long Distances
Often, people are unwilling to drive their cars to their vacation destination or to the city they are moving to. Long drives can be extremely tiring, and a tired driver is a dangerous driver. Some people might have health reasons why a long-distance drive is off the table, or there might be other logistical reasons why driving the car is impossible.
- Snowbirds
Many snowbirds, people who live in warm climates during winter months, might need to travel to their other location but don’t want to drive themselves. Often, snowbirds are elderly, so they might find it uncomfortable to drive for long periods of time.
Of course, there are plenty more reasons to hire a driver to take your car across state lines. The above are just a few of the major categories.
How does hiring a driver for long distances work?
Hiring a driver for long-distance car transport is convenient and follows a super-simple process:
- Research and Select Driver
This is where you decide what driver you’ll use. You can find drivers online or check around for personal recommendations. Check out the section below for tips on how to vette your options. - Get a Quote and Negotiate Terms
Once you have a quote and know your terms (including insurance and potential hidden costs), you’ll be well on your way. - Prep Your Car
Make sure to inspect your car thoroughly before handing it over. Cleaning the interior and making sure it has had its regular maintenance makes it much easier to compare the car before transport and after. If the driver has caused excessive damage, being able to prove it through pictures is often the best way to be reimbursed. You’ll also want to remove any personal items. - Drop Car at Pickup
This is the easy part! Just go to the agreed-upon location and hand over the keys. - Arrive at Delivery
Once you’ve picked up your car, inspect it soon after. The sooner you spot any damage, the better. - Rate and Review
Most drivers rely on the good word of their clients. If a driver has done an excellent job, let people know! This will help them build trust with future clients and land new opportunities. If they work for a company, it could also lead to a raise or promotion.
Tips for Hiring a Driver to Transport a Car Long Distance
- Vet Thoroughly
If you are hiring an independent driver, it’s important to ask for references and check them. Whether you are hiring a driver freelance or through a company, make sure that you can check reviews to see how they’ve treated previous customers.
- Compare Rates
While a driver can be an inexpensive option, if you choose it solely based on price, you’ll want to ensure this is truly cheaper. You have to factor in mileage and long-term impact on your vehicle. You’ll also want to obtain a dependable quote from the potential driver and other services (like a car shipping company in your area) to compare rates.
- Understand the Insurance Situation
Don’t rely on fuzzy understanding here. Any long-distance driving, even with the best driver, contains inherent risk. So make sure you’ll be covered if anything should happen. If you need to, contact your insurance agent to double-check the details.
- Make Sure to Communicate
Stay in contact with the driver and communicate your needs clearly. Because a car is very valuable, even small miscommunications can lead to a lot of stress for both the car owner and the hired driver!
Standard Car Shipping vs. Hiring a Driver to Transport Your Vehicle
| Cost | $800-$2,000 For a FREE quote, call: (717) 227-7447 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Insurance | Typically included | Varies; might require additional purchase |
| Convenience | High, potentially offering true door-to-door service | Higher, can offer door-to-door service in more areas due to lack of a large transport vehicle |
| Safety | High, less risk of accidents and no risk of wear | Moderate, dependent on driver's experience |
| Flexibility | Low, involving fixed schedules and routes | High, with customizable routes and schedules |
| Tracking | Yes, often included | Sometimes, but this depends on the driver or service |
| Time | Typically slower | Typically faster |
| Mileage | No additional mileage on the car | Additional mileage on the car |
| Vehicle Preparation | Minimal | Detailed |
| Potential for Damage | Lower, the vehicle is secured on a carrier and the risks go even lower if the carrier is enclosed | Much higher, especially if conditions are poor, which can be hard to predict |
| Availability | High | Moderate |
| Environmental Impact | Lower, as a shared carrier reduces the carbon footprint for each vehicle transported | Higher, as the car is driven on its own |
Hired Driver vs. Car Shipping vs. Driving It Yourself?
Now that you know how hiring a driver works and how it differs from car shipping, its time to compare it with your three major options. Let’s look at the pros and cons to see if its a good fit for your situation.
Professional Driver Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than professional services, as the service has much less overhead.
- Personal Touch: Direct communication with the driver means you can often stay in close contact.
- Flexibility: Potentially more adaptable schedules that can change on the fly.
Cons:
- Varied Reliability: Quality and reliability can vary significantly, depending largely on where you live and your destination. Not all places are easy to deliver cars from, as the driver needs a way back.
- Safety Concerns: Higher risk if the driver is not thoroughly vetted.
- Wear and Tear: Comes with wear and tear, through mileage and the conditions of the open road, as well as interior wear and tear from use.
Car Shipping Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliability: Experienced drivers and fleets dedicated to smooth delivery make this a highly reliable option.
- Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is included, so you’ll be made financially whole no matter what happens.
- Convenience: Door-to-door service with tracking options means high convenience for most locations — though not all.
Cons:
- Cost: Generally more expensive than independent drivers, though this isn’t always the case. It’s important to check prices as many factors can influence what is the most affordable option.
- Less Personal Interaction: Working with a company sometimes means less personal connection to the driver.
Driving It Yourself Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Free: The only costs are for fuel and any food or lodging you need along the way.
- In Control: You have complete control over transportation and always know the status because you’re right there!
- Simple: You don’t have to coordinate with a driver or car shipping company. You simply drive where you need to go.
Cons:
- Inconvenience: With this option, you must do the driving yourself, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
- Wear and Tear: Your car will take on the full risk of the open road and the mileage of the trip, unlike with car shipping.
- Extenuating Circumstances: Could conflict with other needs.
Moving Your Car Long Distance with a Driver
For many people, hiring a driver is a good option for taking their car across the country. For others, standard car shipping might provide the security they’re looking for. Still, others will opt to drive the car themselves despite the difficulties.
If you’d like to learn more about your car shipping options, contact Convoy today!
