Drive or Ship Your Car Across the Country

Are you going to have a cross-country move?

It's probably going to be a great adventure, brings you a lot of excitement and memories to cherish. While you will be starting a venture of your new life with great opportunities, it also brings various challenges. But, the first challenge begins with the process of the relocation itself.


You need to schedule your relocation, pack your luggage for shipment, do the essential paperwork before you settle down in the new location.

Most importantly, it would help if you find weather you want to drive, ride the train, or fly to the far-off place. But, the hardest decision to make is weather to ship or drive your car across the country. Both of them can have their own pros and cons, but you need to understand it carefully for a happy moving experience.

In this article, we have noted down everything that will help you make an informed decision for your relocation:


Calculate the Exact Mileage

This is one of the most important considerations while shipping your car, as once, you know the total distance; it will be easy to calculate the cost of fuel or gas you will be using. By distance, it means the exact road distance (not just the straight line distance) between your current location to the new one. Consider factors like road infrastructure, roadside amenities, traffic patterns, and other relevant factors.

While calculating the exact mileage, also decide on the route that you will take- the way should be easiest, safest, and convenient.

Then comes- What is your road trip style? This means- will you be going to travel with fewer stops, or will you be renting a hotel room or stay at your friend's home? Or will you be alone or with your family, kids, and pets. Take that into consideration, as well.


Consider Weather

The season you are traveling plays an essential role in your relocation. The cold weather conditions will make driving pretty challenging. The heavy snowfall, chilly winds, and a white layer of snow on the roads will create a lot of trouble and present significant risks to you as well as your safety.

Moreover, the freezing temperatures will impact your health or any delicate items in your car. Thus, it is much more convenient and safe to ship a car during cold weather. This will save you from any potential issues due to bad road conditions, and your vehicle will be protected from exterior elements.

On the other hand, driving across the country in the warm season is likely to be stress-free and pleasant. You can consider driving if it is a warmer time of the year. While you can have a nice road trip, you should not forget that roads can be jam-packed at this time. So, the option for car shipping is always there for you.


Cost and Safety

As mentioned above, the cost of driving across the country depends on the fuel costs and distance to your new home. Other expenses could be parking fees, road tolls, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, and vehicle service. Traveling thousands of miles will have a lot of strain and wear and tear that can add up to your cost.

Besides, safety is another paramount concern in your cross-country move with your family. Your car can break down in the middle of the road, weather can be harsh, there could be an accident, and many security issues you need to consider.

Thus, shipping is a relatively convenient and safer option that will minimize the risk of wear and tear, accidents, and unpleasant weather conditions. Moreover, it is safer to take the train or fly to your new place.


Conclusion

Drive or ship a car- which is better? It depends on your personal preferences, relocation needs, and specific circumstances. Weigh the pros and cons of both options and then choose the right one for you!