DIY vs. Professional Car Transport: When to Drive vs. Ship

Before moving a car across states, try to find the answer that is dear to your heart to the following question: Should you drive it yourself or hire a professional auto transport company? We invite you to expand your awareness about shipping and find solutions to your concerns.

Let’s be real, shipping can get messy. So, you need to identify all the stakes. At first glance, driving seems like the cheaper option, though you can end up with your income cut in half overnight. It’s a low-hanging fruit to estimate a budget for shipping if you opt for DIY, and especially if you don't have a solid plan in place. Meanwhile, shipping is a complex process that might require several strategies. To this end, doing a little legwork is of great benefit. When you factor in time, safety, and hidden costs, shipping your car with a trusted company like Revoway often wins. Let’s break it down so you can decide what works best for you.

DIY Car Transport: The Drive-It-Yourself Option

Driving your car long distances isn’t very appealing, though some drivers prefer to do so. Organizing, executing, and tracking the route over a given period isn’t an easy task. It comes with some responsibilities, risks, and expenses that aren’t very visible. However, many people are hesitant to apply to car shipping companies due to past experiences or other reasons. However, this risk should be calculated carefully before you take it. 

Pros of DIY:

Flexibility

Here you are truly free to set your own schedule if you are ready to cover so many miles away.

Long drives enjoyment

If you are a big fan of driving long distances and exploring new states or cities for yourself, DIY is the way to go. However, don’t forget about the risks and  

Immediate access to your car at your new location

Yes, it’s a fact that you reach your destination faster than with a shipping company, as you control your time and don’t need to wait unless the truck loads and so on. But do remember about your car’s wear and tear, as well as the time you allocate to shipping.

Cons of DIY:

Wear and tear

Though DIY seems like a good option, it has a real risk of wear and tear, so every 1,000 miles adds real depreciation to a car’s value.

Expenses add up

When thinking about shipping, people often concentrate on distance and time issues, but DIY is full of add-on expenses, like gas, food, lodging, and tolls. So, depending on distances, the costs can fluctuate from $500 to $1,500.

Time drain

You are free to choose DIY if you have a lot of free time to spare, as a cross-country trip can take 5–7 days of your life.

Safety risks

If you are an experienced driver, you can feel safe while driving long distances. If not, you are prone to some risks like fatigue, weather conditions, and potential breakdowns.

Professional Car Transport: The Stress-Free Route

Excellent shipping service can be achieved in different ways. However, what remains common is hiring a trusted auto transport company like Revoway that shifts the heavy lifting to the pros. Professional car transport is a complex solution to all your concerns. Instead of wasting time on organizing your car shipping, you have your car picked up, safely loaded, and delivered right to your door or to the destination you designated.

Don’t think twice; simply rely on Revoway!

Pros of Shipping:

Saves time

Professional shipping is your safe way to save time instead of spending a week driving. If you move to another destination, you can enjoy your flight while the car arrives at your destination and get back to business.

Cost efficiency

Though you may commonly think that DIY is a cheap option, it’s only at first sight. It will cost far more if you add to the costs accommodation, food, and gas during the long distances. On the other hand, the average shipping cost runs between $800 and $1,200 cross-country. In fact, it is often less than the true cost of DIY. To understand all the factors that impact these prices, check out what really affects car shipping costs.

No wear and tear

Even if your car is in perfect condition, it can’t easily survive long distances. Considering the volume of states and climate differences, you easily expose your car to various risks, like weather, damage, and so on. Opt for professional shipping and get your car in the same condition it left in.

Peace of mind

The most crucial thing is that licensed carriers drive your car, are well-trained, and provide insurance for it. 

Cons of Shipping:

As ideal as it may seem, there are still some cons that come with professional shipping:

• You’ll be without your car for a few days (though Revoway keeps you updated with tracking).
• Requires planning ahead, especially during busy moving seasons.

DIY vs. Professional: Side-by-Side Comparison

DIY vs. Professional Auto Shipping

When to Drive and When to Ship?

When you are about to move to another city or state, you need to make a decision whether to drive or to ship your car. Here, we introduce you to a couple of points to help you figure out in which cases it’s worth driving, whereas shipping a car is always a good choice.

 DIY might be a good idea:

• If you’re moving within 100–200 miles.
• If you love road trips and don’t mind driving more.
• If you want to use your car right away.

Professional transport is your best bet:

• If you're moving a long way or across the country
• If you are a vehicle dealer who is transferring stock.
• If you have to relocate more than one car.
• If you want a method that doesn't take up too much of your time. 

Why Revoway is the Smarter Choice

Among numerous options available, you need to make an informed decision. No doubt, a car transport company could remove the hassle of a long drive, but how to find the best that matches all your needs? We strongly recommend Revoway Nationwide Auto Transport Company. A standout feature of Revoway is honesty and trustworthiness, as well as the company’s Price Lock Promise. We ensure our agency is your safe place to land.

With Revoway, you have:

• Door-to-door delivery for maximum convenience.
• Competitive pricing that beats the hidden costs of DIY.
• Trusted carriers with full insurance coverage.
• Real-time updates so you’re never left wondering where your car is.

At Revoway, we value your car equally as you do. 

Final Takeaway

To sum up, it always feels adventurous to drive a car, but you are at risk of getting back to the drawing board. Save time and money by hiring a trusted shipping company if you're moving a long distance. Professional car transport usually comes with benefits. Rely on Revoway, and get smooth, affordable, and safe shipping.

Get a free quote today at Revoway.com and let us take the wheel.

FAQ

1. Is it cheaper to drive my car myself instead of using an auto transport company?

Not always. Many people think that DIY is cheaper, but it’s only at first sight; the real costs of gas, hotels, food, tolls, and wear on the car can easily add up to more than professional shipping. Get transparent pricing and locked-in pricing benefits with no hidden surprises with Revoway.

2. How long does professional car transport take?

There is no exact time, as there are various factors that determine a transit time. Depending on the distance, we can indicate some approximate duration, like

• California to Texas: 3–4 days
• California to Florida: 5–7 days
• Local (within 200 miles): 1–2 days

However, Revoway will keep you updated at every mile on your way and offer you peace on the road.

3. Is my car insured during transport?

Yes, indeed! All of the carriers that work with Revoway are completely licensed and insured. That means your automobile is safe from the time it is picked up until it is delivered, so you can relax.