Ship a Car | Rent a Trailer or Hire an Auto Shipping Company?

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Hey, are you planning to move somewhere and wondering how to transport your car with you? In general, you have a few options to choose from – driving it yourself, renting a trailer, or hiring an auto shipping company. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it can be overwhelming to make a decision. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll help you figure out which option is best suited for your needs. Let’s dive in and find the best way to ship your car!

Drive a car yourself
Renting a trailer
Hiring an auto shipping company
Comparison of the three options
FAQ

Drive a Car Yourself

Looking to transport your car to a new location? One option to consider is driving the car yourself. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a fun road trip. But, like all options, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Driving a Car Yourself

On the plus side, driving the car yourself gives you full control over the route, schedule, and stops along the way. Plus, it’s a flexible option since you can pack your car with personal belongings and not worry about weight or size restrictions. And who doesn’t love a good road trip adventure?

However, driving long distances can be time-consuming, tiring, and even dangerous if you don’t take proper breaks (for example professional carriers are allowed to drive no more that 8 hours a day, so we highly recommend you not to drive more than 8 hours a day to avoid exhaustion). Plus, it puts wear and tear on your car, which can lead to increased maintenance costs. And don’t forget about unpredictable weather and road conditions that can make driving difficult and unsafe.

Overall, driving your car yourself can be a great option if you have the time and are up for the adventure. But if you’re short on time, want to avoid the risks, or need to transport a luxury or classic car, then you may want to consider other options like renting a trailer or hiring an auto shipping company.

Renting a Trailer

If you’re planning to transport your car to a new location, renting a trailer is a solid option worth considering. It provides you with the flexibility and control to move your car on your terms without having to worry about long-distance driving. Here’s what you need to know about renting a trailer for your car:

How It Works:

When you rent a trailer, you’ll typically have the choice between an open or enclosed trailer. Open trailers are more cost-effective and offer more versatility when it comes to loading and unloading your vehicle. Enclosed trailers, on the other hand, provide additional protection and security for your car but come at a higher cost. After selecting the trailer that suits your needs, you’ll need to hitch it to your vehicle and load your car onto the trailer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Renting a Trailer

Pros:

Greater control: Renting a trailer gives you more control over the transportation process than hiring an auto shipping company. You can choose the route, schedule, and stops along the way.
Cost-effective: Renting a trailer is often less expensive than hiring an auto shipping company, particularly for shorter distances.
Flexibility: Renting a trailer enables you to pack your car with personal belongings without worrying about weight or size restrictions.
No wear and tear: Renting a trailer means your car won’t experience any wear and tear from long-distance driving.

Cons:

Requires towing skills: Renting a trailer necessitates some driving skills and experience, particularly when it comes to reversing and parking the trailer.
Towing equipment: Renting a trailer requires you to have the appropriate towing equipment, which can be costly if you don’t already own it.
Safety concerns: Towing a trailer can be risky if you’re not careful, particularly in adverse weather conditions or on steep terrain.
Time-consuming: Renting a trailer can be time-consuming, especially if you need to pick up and drop off the trailer at different locations.

Renting a trailer can be a good choice if you’re comfortable with towing and want to have more control over the transportation process. However, if you’re not confident with driving or towing a trailer, or you need to transport a luxury or classic car, then you may want to consider hiring an auto shipping company instead.

Hiring an Auto Shipping Company

When it comes to shipping your car, hiring an auto shipping company can be a no-fuss and dependable option. Auto shipping companies are experts in moving vehicles across long distances, so you can rest easy knowing that your ride is in good hands. Here’s what you need to know about hiring an auto shipping company:

How It Works:

Once you’ve chosen an auto shipping company, you’ll need to provide them with the necessary details about your car and the transportation route. They will then give you a quote and arrange for a carrier to pick up your car from your location and deliver it to the destination. Auto shipping companies offer a variety of services, such as open and enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, and expedited shipping.

Types of Services Provided by Auto Shipping Companies:

Open transport: This is the most common method of auto transport, where your car is transported on an open carrier alongside other cars.
Enclosed transport: This is a more secure and protected option, where your car is transported in an enclosed carrier to shield it from weather, dust, and debris.
Door-to-door delivery: This service picks up your car from your location and delivers it directly to your destination.
Terminal-to-terminal delivery: This service requires you to drop off and pick up your car from a designated terminal.
Expedited shipping: This service provides faster transportation and delivery of your car, but comes at a higher cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiring an Auto Shipping Company

Pros:

Easy and hassle-free: Hiring an auto shipping company takes the pressure off of transporting your car, as you won’t have to worry about driving long distances or renting a trailer.
Professional service: Auto shipping companies have the expertise and equipment to transport your car safely and securely, giving you peace of mind knowing that your car is in capable hands.
Time-saving: Auto shipping companies can save you time and effort, especially if you’re moving to a new state or relocating over long distances.

Cons:

Expensive: Hiring an auto shipping company can be pricier than driving your car yourself or renting a trailer, particularly for long distances or luxury or classic cars.
Limited control: Hiring an auto shipping company means you have less control over the transportation process, as you’ll need to rely on the carrier’s schedule and route.
Risk of damage: There is always a risk of damage during transport, but auto shipping companies typically have insurance to cover any damages that may occur.

Hiring an auto shipping company can be a reliable and stress-free option for transporting your car, particularly if you’re moving long distances or transporting a luxury or classic car. However, if cost is a concern or you prefer to have more control over the transportation process, then driving your car yourself or renting a trailer may be a better option for you.

Comparison of the Three Options

As you consider shipping your car, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the three options we’ve explored. Let’s compare and contrast each option to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Driving Your Car Yourself:

If you’re moving a short distance or just want to take a road trip, driving your car yourself can be a viable option. You’ll have complete control over the transportation process and can set your own schedule and route. However, keep in mind that driving long distances can be tiring and expensive, with costs like fuel, lodging, and tolls adding up quickly.

Renting a Trailer:

Renting a trailer can be a practical choice if you’re moving a medium distance and have experience with towing. It gives you more control than hiring an auto shipping company and can be a cost-effective option. However, it can also be time-consuming, as you’ll need to learn how to properly hook up and tow the trailer, and you’ll have to factor in additional costs like fuel and insurance.

Hiring an Auto Shipping Company:

If you’re moving a long distance or transporting a luxury or classic car, hiring an auto shipping company can be the most dependable and convenient option. You’ll save time and effort, and professionals with the proper equipment and insurance will transport your car safely and securely. However, it can also be the most expensive option, and you’ll have less control over the transportation process.

Ultimately, the choice of how to ship your car comes down to your specific situation and preferences. Consider factors like distance, vehicle type, budget, and your level of comfort with each option. Weighing the pros and cons of each option carefully will help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, whether you choose to drive your car, rent a trailer, or hire an auto shipping company, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each option carefully. At Movewheels, we offer reliable and cost-effective auto shipping services, including open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your car transportation needs.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car?

The cost of shipping a car depends on various factors, including the distance, type of vehicle, and transport method. On average, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.

How long does it take to ship a car?

The time it takes to ship a car depends on the distance and transport method. On average, it takes between 1-2 weeks for a cross-country shipment, while a shorter distance may take just a few days.

What type of insurance do auto shipping companies provide?

Most auto shipping companies offer basic insurance coverage as part of their services, but you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for added protection.

Can I pack personal belongings in my car during transportation?

Most auto shipping companies do not allow personal belongings to be left in the vehicle during transportation, as it can add weight and cause damage to the car.

Is there a specific preparation I need to do before shipping my car?

Yes, you should prepare your car by cleaning it, removing personal items, and ensuring that it has no leaks or mechanical problems. You should also document any pre-existing damage to the car before transportation.

What happens if my car is damaged during transportation?

If your car is damaged during transportation, you should report it to the auto shipping company immediately. Most companies have a claims process that you can follow to seek compensation for the damages.

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