When considering shipping a car for the first time, some people are a little nervous about it. And this is understandable, given that a vehicle is typically one of the larger assets most people own. However, the car shipping industry is huge with hundreds of thousands of vehicles shipped each month. Obviously, all of these vehicles would not be shipped each month if there was a high likelihood of a problem.
And if you are relocating to another part of the country, the question to ask yourself is what are the alternatives to shipping your car?
If you are not going to ship your car, then one of your options is to sell it. If your car is worth a few thousand dollars or less, that may be your best choice. The down side is that you need to sell your car before moving and then find a replacement one at your new location.
In addition, you need to consider the additional costs associated with selling your current car and buying a new one. These include dealer margins, vehicle registration, and sales tax. So, if you were already planning to replace your car soon, it might be a good time to sell it and get a new one once you move. For people who are not already planning to get a new vehicle, it is unlikely to be worth the hassle.
If you are not going to sell your car, then you can drive it to your new location. The safety of this option depends on how far you are going and your time frame. If you do not need to rush to get to your destination, driving your car could be a fun experience and a good way to see more of the country. If your time is limited and you try to drive across the country in less than 5 days, fatigue could set in and increase the chance of an accident. In the second situation, shipping your car is probably the safer option for both you and your car.
Also, there are hidden costs in driving your car yourself, including lost days of work, hotels, food, and fuel. For more details about the benefits and costs of driving your car, see our post: Is it cheaper to ship or drive my car?
After you look at the other alternatives, shipping your car may be the best option for you. Also, remember that your car would be transported by a professional auto transporter. Auto transporters would not stay in business very long if they did not deliver the vast majority of vehicles without any problems. You just need to be sure you find a reputable car shipping company.
MoveCars.com is a directory of car shipping companies. Since 1997, MoveCars.com has been providing a comprehensive directory of car shipping companies, including international car shipping companies and enclosed car transporters, as well as car shipping tips for first-time car shippers.