Tips on How to Ship Cars Without Hiring Professional Truck Drivers

When you need to ship a vehicle from one location to another and don't want to use a professional transport service, you can choose between hiring a professional driver or driving the car yourself.

Several things, including price, time, distance, and safety, influence the choice of the best method. It is entirely feasible to ship your vehicle yourself, and many drivers opt to do so.

However, you should examine the benefits and drawbacks of each choice before deciding to go it alone.

Drive Your Car Yourself or Use a Driver Service: Which Is Better?

The cost of shipping a car varies by distance, location, and terrain. If you're short on time and not in the mood for a road trip, you could ask someone you know and trust to drive the car or consider using a driver service.

If you choose to drive your car yourself, you'll need to ensure you've done everything possible to prepare for the trip. Above all, your car will need to be safe and roadworthy.

Option 1: Drive the Vehicle Yourself

Some people are happy to combine a vehicle move with a road trip. If you've got the time and the energy, road trips can be lots of fun.

This choice is not necessarily cheaper than using a professional driver, though. When you travel, the expenses add up. You'll also need to budget for food and lodging.

You may want to keep track of all expenses to calculate how much money the process will cost you accurately.

Pros

• You get to take some time out and hopefully relax.
• You may get to see some sights.
• You know the car is in safe hands—yours.
• You can pack personal items, which may also need to be moved along with the car.

Cons

• You'll need to spend time preparing for the trip.
• You'll have to consider accommodation, food, and current fuel costs.
• You'll have to negotiate weather, road, and traffic conditions.
• You'll be adding wear, tear, and miles to your car.

Option 2: Hire a Professional Driver

Finding independent drivers to move your car from one location to another is not easy, but there are several different methods you can use to get started.

You can search online for a reputable driver service. Some services offer free quotes, while others charge per mile. Some others ask that you give them the address of a location where they can pick up your vehicle. And still, others want you to leave your automobile at their location.

You can also contact local auto clubs and see if they have recommendations for reliable companies.

You'll need to do your research regardless of which method you choose. First, make sure that the driver has experience transporting cars and that he or she has a clean record.

When you contact a driver service, you'll need to give them detailed information about your car, including its model year, color, mileage, and condition.

Pros

• You may be able to go with the driver.
• The driver only needs to attend to your vehicle.
• Professional drivers have specialized insurance.
• Sometimes you can pack personal items into the car.
• Your car will arrive faster: the driver only has one vehicle to handle.

Cons

• Depending on the distance between places and the number of stops necessary, the cost of hiring a professional driver can vary.
• You'll need to make sure you understand all the costs involved.
• There may be extra fees for fuel, tolls, and parking.
• You may have trouble finding a driver who can do what you require.
• The service can be expensive.
• It can be difficult to find a reputable driver.
• You'll still be adding mileage to your car.

Option 3: Ask Someone You Know to Drive Your Car

A friend or acquaintance could be helpful once they understand what you need. They won't have any special equipment or training, but they'll better understand what you want than anyone else.

Pros

• You get to ask someone you trust and know.
• The whole process can be a bit more relaxed and a lot cheaper.
• You'll save money this way because even if you pay fuel, on-road costs, accommodation, and food, you'll still pay less than a professional driver.
• You can pack personal items that also may need to be moved.

Cons

• There's no guarantee that you have a friend willing to accept the job.
• The longer and more arduous the trip, the less likely you will find someone to take it on.
• You really need to trust in their driving skills.
• You'll need some extra insurance.
• You'll still add miles (and wear and tear) to the car.

Option 4: Use a Professional Auto Transport Company

Of course, if you're unable (or don't want) to arrange things yourself, you can have your car moved by a professional auto transport service.

Companies that export cars use qualified personnel and carry their own insurance, so you can be sure that your car is secure.

Regardless of the type of carrier you want, these businesses operate under stringent time constraints. Thus deliveries are more likely to be made on schedule.

Pros

• Peace of mind: they're reliable, and they've been doing this for years.
• The company will transport your car safely.
• Any damage that occurs on the way will be the company's responsibility.
• All the drivers will be experienced and qualified.
• There should be no hidden fees once you've received your shipping quotation.
• You'll save time.
• No wear and tear to your vehicle and no km's added to the clock
• The company will handle the entire shipping process.

Cons

• You'll have to wait until after you've moved to receive your car or pay for storage until you arrive.
• You'll have to pay for additional services like customs clearance and delivery.
• It can get expensive, depending on what type of carrier you choose.

About Preparing Your Car

Regardless of how you ship your vehicle, it would help if you prepared it for the journey. Consider this list of things to remember before you begin any vehicle transport trip:

1. Check tire pressure.
2. Replace worn brake pads.
3. Change oil.
4. Clean out air filters.
5. Inspect battery terminals.
6. Check fluids.
7. If you're packing luggage, do it safely and securely. Take photos of everything, including the interior and exterior of the car.
8. Make sure the items you've packed can pass through customs.
9. If you're driving, check your registration and insurance.
10. If you're driving, make sure you've allowed enough time for the trip.
11. If you're driving, check weather and road conditions, and make sure you'll have access to accommodation.
12. Let someone know when you leave, where you are, and when you should be arriving at your destination.

About Receiving Your Car

When you allow your car to be shipped with or driven by someone else, it's important to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Here are a few things to check when you receive your car at the end of the journey:

1. Confirm that the vehicle was delivered as described.
2. Ask questions if there are any issues.
3. Record and report any damages immediately.
4. Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic if you have any concerns.
5. Have any paperwork ready.

Conclusion

When shipping your car without professional shippers, you can choose between driving the vehicle yourself, asking a friend to drive it, or hiring a professional driver.

There are advantages and disadvantages connected with each option, and the final shipping costs will also be different.

However, you can trust the entire job to a professional and reliable company. These companies have training, experience, and the necessary skills to move your car in a timely and safe manner.

Contact our customer service at A1 Auto Transport with any questions about shipping your car. We can provide you with everything you need to know, including costs, shipping times, and shipping methods.