Cross Country Car Transport: Is Drive-Away Service For Me?
In need of cross country car transport, but uncomfortable moving your car on a truck? Drive-away services might be the right choice for you. Offered by many reputable auto transport companies, this option involves hiring someone to physically drive your car to its new destination.
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The Security of a Company
Using a company driver has many advantages over placing an ad in the paper. Most important, is the added security that can come from a driver employed by a company.
A company should be willing to provide you with information about the man or woman who will drive you car. Be proactive and ask questions such as:
Does the driver have a clean driving record?
Have they ever been in an accident? If so, were they at fault?
How long have they worked for the company?
Can I meet them before the transport?
If I’m not comfortable, can I choose a different driver?
Ask as many questions as it takes to afford you piece of mind during your cross country car transport.
In addition, if you car is large and hard to handle, requires a CDL license or is a stick shift – you may want to check that the driver has experience and is comfortable handling your type of vehicle.
Expenses
Drive-away services incur different expenses than a traditional truck transport, although mileage and dates of services remain the two most important factors in the initial estimate.
Part of your costs cover the driver’s travel expenses. He/she may need to fly or drive to meet you and acquire basic travel expenses to return home. Since these arrangements are a one-on-one service, the driver needs set aside the time to drive your car – including purchasing plane or train tickets or fixing their own car to drive to the pick-up location.
Although drivers can often accommodate any dates or locations, most companies require you to place a deposit to reserve the driver and dates. This fee is often non-refundable for cancellation and, depending on company policy, for changes in dates and locations as well. If you change the date or location, especially last minute, the driver/company has already put out the travel funds to secure the driver – making it impossible to reimburse your deposit.
Preparing Your Car
To prepare for your cross country car transport, make sure you car is in good working order and:
- All pre-scheduled maintenance are taken care of, such as oil changes
- Inspection is up-to-date
- Any issues that need repairing are fixed
- Fluid levels, battery and the air in your tires are all within proper range
- Climate adaptations such as snow tires or A/C coolant are made before the move
These preparations not only ensure that you don’t have to worry about finding a mechanic before you settle into your new home, but that the car is safe for the driver.
Most companies and their drivers allow you to keep personal belongings in the interior and trunk of your car. You should not fill up your car so that the driver is uncomfortable or their vision is obscured and do not keep items of significant value in the car, as the company holds no liability for loss or damages.
Drive-Away
Drive-away cross country car shipping affords you certain liberties such the ability to keep items in your car during transport as well as the most flexibility in terms of transport dates and locations. Before placing a deposit, be certain of your arrangements and that you are satisfied with the man or woman who will be driving your car.
