Whether you’re relocating, buying a car from another state, or sending a vehicle to a loved one, one important question often arises: Should you drive the vehicle yourself or hire a transport service to ship it? While driving may seem cheaper and more straightforward, the full financial picture tells a different story. Let’s dive into both options’ costs, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make the most informed and budget-conscious decision.
The Real Cost of Driving Your Vehicle
Driving your own vehicle across state lines—or even across the country—can sound appealing. You’re in control of the journey, can make stops on your schedule, and may even enjoy the trip. But before committing to the road, it’s important to consider the hidden costs that aren’t always obvious at first glance.
Fuel expenses are the most immediate. Depending on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the distance you’re covering, the gas bill can easily range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars. For example, a cross-country trip of around 2,800 miles in a mid-sized sedan averaging 30 miles per gallon, with gas prices around $3.50 per gallon, could cost roughly $325 in fuel alone. Larger or less efficient vehicles will cost more.
Then there are accommodation and food costs. If the trip takes more than one day, often for longer moves, you’ll need to factor in hotel stays and meals. Even modest lodging and budget meals can quickly add $300 or more to the total.
Driving also adds wear and tear to your vehicle. Long trips contribute to tire degradation, oil usage, and general depreciation. While these costs aren’t immediately visible, they can lead to earlier maintenance needs and reduced resale value.
One often overlooked factor is lost time. If you have to take time off work, the value of those lost wages should be included in your calculation. And even if your schedule is flexible, the opportunity cost of spending several days on the road, rather than being productive or relaxing, is worth considering.
Lastly, unexpected events can increase costs even more. Bad weather, traffic delays, or mechanical issues can lead to unplanned expenses such as towing, emergency repairs, or extra hotel nights.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Vehicle?
On the surface, shipping a car might sound expensive, but it can often be more economical when you consider all the variables. On average, shipping a standard vehicle across the country costs between $800 and $1,300. This varies depending on the distance, size of the vehicle, shipping method (open vs. enclosed carrier), and delivery speed.
Unlike driving, the price of shipping is typically all-inclusive. Once you get a quote and schedule the transport, you don’t have to worry about gas, lodging, meals, or potential mishaps. It’s a one-and-done transaction that comes with the peace of mind of insurance coverage and professional handling.
For instance, if you’re moving a vehicle to or from the East Coast, working with professional car transporters in Delaware can help you avoid the hassle of long-distance driving and often ends up being the more cost-effective route, especially when you factor in saved time and reduced stress.
Driving vs. Shipping: Which Is More Affordable?
To get a fair comparison, let’s consider a long-distance move—say, from California to New York. Driving could cost you around $300 to $600 in fuel, another $300 or more in lodging and meals, and an additional $150 to $300 in wear and tear. Add in time off work or other personal obligations, and the total could easily exceed $1,200.
In comparison, vehicle shipping might cost between $900 and $1,200, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Not only is the cost comparable—or potentially cheaper—but it also saves you time, energy, and logistical headaches.
When Is Driving the Better Choice?
There are cases when driving your vehicle is more sensible. If the distance is relatively short—under 300 miles—it might not be worth the trouble to book a transport service. Also, driving could work in your favor if you’re moving on a very tight budget, already have the time off, and enjoy road trips. Driving is also more flexible if you move pets, personal belongings, or simply prefer to keep everything within your control.
When Shipping Makes More Sense
Shipping is ideal for long-distance moves, tight schedules, or when minimizing stress is a priority. It’s also a smart option if you’re transporting a second vehicle or purchasing a car out of state and don’t want to fly out just to drive it back. If avoiding wear and tear, saving time, and staying focused on your move are your top priorities, shipping is almost always the better choice.
Final Thoughts
While driving your vehicle may feel like the obvious low-cost option, it often isn’t once you factor in all the direct and indirect expenses. Between fuel, accommodations, maintenance, time, and unexpected costs, the financial burden of a long-distance drive can quickly add up. In many cases, shipping your car is more convenient and surprisingly affordable. So, before making your decision, take a moment to calculate the full picture. You might find that what seems like the cheaper route isn’t the most cost-effective one after all.