{"id":25081,"date":"2023-09-14T08:16:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T12:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=25081"},"modified":"2025-09-09T10:04:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:04:44","slug":"drive-or-ship-car-across-country","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/drive-or-ship-car-across-country\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving vs. Shipping Car: Ship a Car or Drive It When Moving Across Country"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/434\" width=\"690\" height=\"434\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-cross-country-1.jpg\" alt=\"Driving a car or shipping it across the country? That's the question when moving long distance.\" class=\"wp-image-40627 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-cross-country-1.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-cross-country-1-300x189.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group hl-block\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Highlights\">Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When wondering whether to ship your car across the country or drive to your new home, you need to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options and choose the one that\u2019s right for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The driving distance and the time you have available are the most important factors to consider when making your decision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The weather conditions at the time of the move come next.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very often, the cost efficiency of either option is the most decisive factor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety and convenience should not be underestimated either.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether it will be better to drive your car across the country or ship it will depend on the specific circumstances in your case and your personal preferences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-table-of-content ultp-block-3eec6b\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-block-toc\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-header\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-heading\">Table of Contents<\/div><div class=\"ultp-collapsible-toggle  ultp-collapsible-right\"><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-open\" href=\";\">[Open]<\/a><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-hide\" href=\";\">[Close]<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-toc-style1 ultp-block-toc-body\"><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#Driving_Distance\">Driving Distance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Seasonal_Considerations\">Seasonal Considerations<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Time_Concerns\">Time Concerns<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Cost_Efficiency\">Cost Efficiency<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#Cost_to_Ship_Car_Across_Country\">Cost to Ship Car Across Country<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Cost_to_Drive_Across_Country\">Cost to Drive Across Country<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Safety\">Safety<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Convenience\">Convenience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"\/move\/tips-for-moving-across-country\/\">cross-country move<\/a> is bound to bring you a lot of excitement &#8211; and a great deal of anxiety too. You\u2019re about to begin a brand new life in a brand new world full of opportunities and adventures. Yet, you\u2019ll be venturing into the unknown and facing challenge after challenge in the transition to your new life \u2013 the first of them being the actual relocation itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you can settle down in your new home, explore your new area, and take advantage of everything it has to offer, you need to get there first. You have to plan your relocation, <a href=\"\/move\/choose-moving-company\/\">find good movers<\/a>, pack your items for shipment, deal with the necessary paperwork, etc.&nbsp; Last but not least, you need to find a way to get to your new city yourself \u2013 drive, fly, or ride the train to the far-off place that will be your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The decision whether to drive to your new home or ship your car across country and take a flight (or train, or bus) to your new area is a tough one &#8211; there are pros and cons to both options and you need to consider them very carefully in order to make the right choice and ensure your successful moving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how to solve the <strong>driving cross country vs. shipping car<\/strong> dilemma? How to figure out what\u2019s best for you? To make an informed decision, you need to take all the relevant factors into account:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Driving_Distance\">Driving Distance<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-25085\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/442\" width=\"500\" height=\"442\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/cross-country-move.jpg\" alt=\"Moving across the country is a real adventure.\" class=\"wp-image-25085 lazyload\" style=\"width:405px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/cross-country-move.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/cross-country-move-300x265.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Moving across the country can be one of the greatest adventures of your life.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The first thing to consider when wondering whether to drive or ship car across country is the actual driving distance to your destination \u2013 not the straight line distance, but the exact road distance between your current home and your new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a detailed map of the area you\u2019ll be traveling and examine the topography of the region, road infrastructure, typical traffic patterns, available roadside amenities, and other relevant features. Decide on the route you\u2019re going to take (it may not be the shortest one possible, but the safest, easiest, or most convenient way to get to your new home) and calculate the exact mileage you\u2019ll be driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know the driving distance and the exact route to your new home, you\u2019ll be able to estimate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>How much fuel you\u2019re going to need (considering the miles per gallon that your car gets);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much you\u2019ll have to pay for gas (keep in mind that in some areas diesel fuel is more expensive than the national average) and road tolls (depending on the specific route you\u2019re taking);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long it will take you to get to your new city (at an average speed of 60-70 miles per hour).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The numbers you get will help you make an informed decision about how to transport your car across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Seasonal_Considerations\">Seasonal Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Needless to say, driving across the country in January is utterly different from taking a road trip in May. Therefore, the time of the year when your move takes place will also influence your decision whether to ship car or drive across country \u2013 especially if you\u2019re moving to the more northern parts of the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-25090\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/312\" width=\"500\" height=\"312\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-in-winter.jpg\" alt=\"Driving across country in winter is quite a challenge.\" class=\"wp-image-25090 lazyload\" style=\"width:465px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-in-winter.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-in-winter-300x187.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Across the realm of snow and ice&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The adverse weather conditions in the winter will make driving quite a challenge \u2013 the chilly winds, heavy snowfalls, and icy roads will cause you a lot of trouble, result in considerable delays, and pose great risks to your vehicle and your safety. What\u2019s more, being on the road for days on end in freezing temperatures will have a bad effect on your health and on any sensitive items you\u2019re transporting in your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>See also:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/move\/moving-in-the-winter\/\">Moving in the winter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shipping your car across the country is a much safer and more convenient option during the cold season \u2013 you will avoid any potential problems caused by bad road conditions and will travel quickly and comfortably to your new home. Your vehicle will be protected from the elements if it is shipped in an enclosed truck and even the shipping costs will be quite affordable as business is less brisk in the winter months and the demand for car transportation services is much lower as compared with the <a href=\"\/move\/peak-moving-season-tips\/\">busy summer period<\/a> when most house moves take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving across country in the warm season, on the other hand, is likely to be pleasant and trouble-free, so if you\u2019re moving any time from April to October, you may have quite a nice road trip to your new home (keep in mind though that traffic will be really heavy this time of the year). Besides, the higher shipping costs in the summer will provide an even bigger stimulus to drive across country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/move\/moving-during-different-seasons\/\">Pros and cons of moving during different seasons<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Time_Concerns\">Time Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The time you have to spare is another decisive factor when it comes to the <em>shipping car cross country vs. driving<\/em> dilemma. Driving across the country takes a long time and you may not be able to afford to spend several days on the road. Flying to your new city (and shipping your car with an auto transport carrier) will allow you to be back at work on the very next day after your move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how long does it take to drive across the country? A road trip across the states may take from a couple of days to about a week \u2013 depending on the distance to your new city, the road and weather conditions, the traffic along your chosen route, your driving style, whether you\u2019re driving alone or rotating with a companion, etc.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>When moving from coast to coast (a distance of approximately 3,000 miles), you\u2019ll be on the road for four days, at the very least; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When driving cross country alone, you\u2019ll have to stop more frequently to rest in order to make the trip safely;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heavy traffic and bad weather conditions are certain to result in considerable delays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-25093\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/310\" width=\"500\" height=\"310\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/endless-road.jpg\" alt=\"Driving across country takes a lot of time and effort.\" class=\"wp-image-25093 lazyload\" style=\"width:480px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/endless-road.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/endless-road-300x186.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8220;Country roads, take me home; to the place I belong.&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If time allows it, a driving trip may be your perfect option \u2013 you\u2019ll be able to travel at your own pace, stop whenever you want to, see the countryside, visit places of interest along the way, have fun with your family, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to get to your new home quickly, however, driving across the country won\u2019t be an option \u2013 if you (or your spouse\/partner) have limited time off, or you\u2019re moving during the school year and your kids can\u2019t be away from school for long, or if you have important commitments shortly after the move, it won\u2019t be possible to spend so much time on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, even if you (and all your family members) have plenty of free time, you may prefer to spend it unpacking your items and arranging your new home or exploring your new area rather than traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>See also: <\/strong><a href=\"\/move\/things-consider-when-moving\/\">Things to consider when moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Cost_Efficiency\">Cost Efficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive? More often than not, it\u2019s the cost factor that determines the decision whether to drive or ship car across country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Cost_to_Ship_Car_Across_Country\">Cost to Ship Car Across Country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of shipping a car across country depends on the size and weight of the vehicle, the kind of insurance you want, the actual shipping distance, the current fuel costs, and the specific route taken during the transportation. The experts say that it mainly comes down to demand &#8211; when the quantity of vehicles shipped on a certain route goes up, so does the price. It is even possible that the price is different when going in opposite directions on the same route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, shipping a sedan across the country costs between $600 and $1,100, while transporting a small van may be anywhere between $800 and $1,500. You can expect to pay $200-$400 more in the summer than in the winter and enclosed shipping can cost about 60% more than shipping on open-air trailers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The price will also increase if you want a guaranteed delivery date (instead of a delivery window) and\/or door-to-door services (instead of terminal-to-terminal transport). Having your car shipped on a large multicarrier will be less expensive but will take longer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to carefully compare your shipping options and choose the one that best suits your needs and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When shipping a car across country,&nbsp;the price stated in the quote you receive from the car transportation company is the final price you\u2019re going to pay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, the shipping cost is not the only expense to consider when wondering how to transport a car across country. You need to also factor in:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-25099\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/320\" width=\"500\" height=\"320\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/auto-shipping.jpg\" alt=\"The cost to ship a car across country depends on the vehicle's size and the shipping distance.\" class=\"wp-image-25099 lazyload\" style=\"width:470px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/auto-shipping.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/auto-shipping-300x192.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Having your vehicle transported on a large, open-air multicarrier is the cheapest way to ship a car across country.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>The cost of the airplane tickets (or train tickets) for you and every member of your family (who could have all traveled in the car) \u2013 you may need to pay up to $500 per ticket when flying across the country;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost of transportation to and from the airport (train station);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost of renting a car in your new city to cover your transportation needs until your vehicle arrives (it may take up to two weeks for your car to be delivered);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost of shipping all your household goods and personal belongings with a moving company \u2013 you\u2019ll be able to take only a few personal items with you when traveling by plane or train and will need to entrust all your other possessions to the movers (if you choose to drive to your new home, you\u2019ll be able to transport some of your items in the car). This will result in higher <a href=\"\/move\/average-moving-cost\/\">moving costs<\/a> as long distance moving costs are based on the weight of the shipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although shipping by truck is the most common option for transporting a car across the country, you can also ship your vehicle by train. For distances exceeding 1,000 miles, train transport is likely to be cheaper. Yet, the available routes are quite limited and you may not be able to find an open slot on a specific date as train transport is primarily intended for auto dealers moving several vehicles at once. Besides, pickup and drop-off still involve a truck \u2013 for an extra fee, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>See also:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/move\/vehicle-transport-new-state\/\">How to ship a car to another state<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Cost_to_Drive_Across_Country\">Cost to Drive Across Country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As already mentioned above, the cost of driving across country depends on the distance to your new home and the current fuel costs. Filling up the gas tank, however, is not going to be your only expense. You will also need to pay for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>Road tolls and parking fees;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meals and lodgings along the way &#8211; you will spend several days on the road and will need something to eat and somewhere to sleep during that time \u2013 unless you\u2019re planning to stay with friends or relatives, you\u2019ll have to pay for hotel stays and dine at restaurants or take-out places;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vehicle servicing &#8211; you need to have your car serviced before the trip, not to mention that you may get a flat tire, have an accident, or require towing along the way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of wear and tear on your vehicle should also be taken into account as a few thousand extra miles will place a lot of strain on your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Needless to say, if driving across country requires an unpaid week off work, the opportunity cost may tip the scales in favor of shipping your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-25102\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"500\/333\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-cross-country.jpg\" alt=\"The cost to drive across country depends on the distance to your new home.\" class=\"wp-image-25102 lazyload\" style=\"width:458px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-cross-country.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/driving-cross-country-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">What goes into driving across country?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to ship your car, but don\u2019t have the time to drive across country, you can hire someone to take your vehicle to your new home for you \u2013 there are people who drive cars across country for money:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_ol_padding\">\n<li>You can use professional driving services \u2013 they\u2019re fully insured and you can rest assured that your car will be handled by an experienced professional. You can pack up the car with belongings, if you want to;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can hire an independent driver &#8211; someone you know personally, a trustworthy student looking for a free way to get cross country, etc. Just make sure your vehicle insurance covers any accidents or thefts when someone else is driving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiring someone to drive your car across country will cost you more than driving it yourself, but will save you time and effort. Also, if you have more vehicles than licensed drivers in your family, it\u2019s your only viable option other than shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Safety\">Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no doubt that yours and your family members\u2019 personal safety and the safety of your vehicle will be your primary concern when planning a cross-country move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When driving across country, you risk a lot \u2013 your car may break down in the middle of nowhere, you may fall asleep at the wheel, there may be an accident, etc. The extra mileage will put a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle and the effects of the weather may be really harsh. Besides, your car will be susceptible to a number of threats and security issues \u2013 from road accidents to auto thefts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shipping is a much safer way to transport a car across country \u2013 using trustworthy auto transportation services will limit the wear and tear on your vehicle, minimize the risk of accidents, and protect your vehicle from unfavorable weather conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For maximum safety, consider having your car shipped in an enclosed truck \u2013 cars on open-air trailers are exposed to the elements and vulnerable to damage and break-ins, so the extra cost will be worth it if you\u2019re moving in the winter or transporting a high-end vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shipping your car will reduce not only the risk of damage to your vehicle, but the potential safety hazards to you and your family as well. When you ship your car across country, you\u2019ll either fly or take a train to your new city. Both air travel and train travel are considered much safer than road travel &#8211; the likelihood of a plane crash or train accident is considerably smaller than the possibility of a traffic accident, so you\u2019ll be safer on your trip to your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Convenience\">Convenience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no doubt that you\u2019ll want to transport your car across country in the safest and cheapest way possible. Yet, you\u2019ll certainly be looking for the most <em>convenient<\/em> way to take your vehicle to your new home as well &#8211; organizing and performing house move is difficult enough as it is, so you don\u2019t need to deal with complicated car transportation issues on top of everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-25105\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"470\/324\" width=\"470\" height=\"324\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/road-trip-fun.jpg\" alt=\"Make the most out of your road trip.\" class=\"wp-image-25105 lazyload\" style=\"width:455px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/road-trip-fun.jpg 470w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/road-trip-fun-300x207.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8220;I spy with my little eye, something long-eared and white.&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A road trip to your new home will take some planning &#8211; choosing the best route to drive across country, booking hotel stays, etc. \u2013 but will ensure maximum comfort and help reduce the moving stress. It may feel like an adventure, vacation, and family bonding time &#8211; you will be able to stop whenever you want to (very convenient if you have children and\/or pets), visit nearby historical sites, attractions, and places of interests, visit friends and relatives who live along the way, play games in the car, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, you\u2019ll be able to take all your essentials and valuables with you, bring along <a href=\"\/move\/moving-non-allowable-items\/\">non-allowable items<\/a>, transport some of your belongings in the car and reduce the overall weight of your shipment, saving thousands of dollars on your final moving costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Car shipping companies will take care of transporting your vehicle from the beginning to the end \u2013 all you need to do when shipping a car across country is <a href=\"\/move\/prepare-car-for-shipping\/\">prepare your vehicle<\/a> and be present for pre-shipment inspection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your car will arrive at your door (or at a terminal in your new city) in the same condition as it was before the move and without a ton of mileage on it. You won\u2019t need to worry about road conditions, traffic issues, car failures, hotel stays, etc. You won\u2019t have to take extra time off from work and spend days behind the wheel \u2013 you\u2019ll get to your new home quickly and easily and will have the time and energy to unpack, set up your new home, explore your new area, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional car shippers have tens of thousands of miles of driving experience and the right equipment for the job. They\u2019ve undergone specialized training and obtained their CDL certification, and they know what to do in any situation that can occur on the open road. What\u2019s more, all professional auto shipping companies provide adequate insurance, so you can have your peace of mind when leaving your vehicle in their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shipping your car across country will save you time, the hassle of traffic, and any troubles on the road. Just make sure you <strong><a href=\"\/car-movers\">choose the best auto shipper for you<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; ask your family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations, get multiple car shipping quotes, read online reviews, check the companies\u2019 credentials through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Better Business Bureau<\/a>, make sure the carriers are registered with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Department of Transportation<\/a> and properly licensed (use the company\u2019s motor carrier number to check with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration<\/a>), verify the auto shipping companies\u2019 insurance, compare prices and services, and find the right shipper for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Book their services as early as you can to ensure convenient pickup and delivery days, favorable conditions, and price discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>So, is it better to ship a car or drive? The answer depends on your specific circumstances, relocation needs, and personal preferences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When asking yourself \u201cShould I drive my car across country or ship it?\u201d, you need to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options and choose the one that\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, it\u2019s the path to your new life \u2013 only you can decide how to travel it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights A cross-country move is bound to bring you a lot of excitement &#8211; and a great deal of anxiety too. You\u2019re about to begin a brand new life in a brand new world full of opportunities and adventures. Yet, you\u2019ll be venturing into the unknown and facing challenge after challenge in the transition to &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/drive-or-ship-car-across-country\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Driving vs. Shipping Car: Ship a Car or Drive It When Moving Across Country&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":40630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vehicle-transportation","category-guides","entry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shipping-or-driving-a-car-cross-country.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jessica Ryan","author_link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/jessica-ryan\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Driving vs. Shipping Car: Ship a Car or Drive It When Moving Across Country<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is it better to ship a car or drive across country? 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It depends on the distance to your new home, the time you have to perform your move, and the transportation cost.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/drive-or-ship-car-across-country\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MoveAdvisor\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-09-14T12:16:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-09T14:04:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/shipping-or-driving-a-car-cross-country.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jessica Ryan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jessica Ryan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Driving vs. Shipping Car: Ship a Car or Drive It When Moving Across Country","description":"Is it better to ship a car or drive across country? 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