Have you ever needed to get your vehicle somewhere across the country but are hesitant to take a long road trip or deal with the hassle of traditional auto transport? That’s where driveaway services come in.
Driveaway services are convenient and do not require a lot of money to move a vehicle from one place to another. Using driveaway services, you will have your car driven by a professional so that you can take a nap and enjoy the journey ahead.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about driveway services: how they work, what they cost, and how to find a reputable company. We’ll also share why car shipping through uShip might be a smarter choice.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE DRIVEAWAY SERVICES, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
A driveaway service involves transporting your car over long distances where you do not have to drive it personally. It’s a paid service where a professional driver takes your vehicle from point A to B. This service is beneficial in scenarios like:
- Relocating: You are moving to a new city and don’t intend to drive your car across the country.
- Exceptional Circumstances: You need to transport a car to a location for repair, an event, or to sell.
How does it work?
Many companies provide driveaway services, so you can find one that offers someone to drive the route you desire. However, consider that this method still puts miles and wear on your car, unlike finding a professional auto transporter on uShip, where your car remains stationary throughout the journey. This alternative saves your vehicle from unnecessary strain during the journey.
Example
Imagine moving from New York City to Los Angeles. You could drive yourself, but that is a long, tiring journey. You instead use a driveaway service. You find a reputable provider specializing in coast-to-coast shipping, and they arrange for a driver to pick up your car from your address in New York City and drive the vehicle to your new home in Los Angeles. You simply pay for a service, and the driver does everything from fuel to tolls. In this way, you can have your car delivered right to your new home.
Critical features of driveaway services include:
- Experienced, licensed drivers
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
- Door-to-door delivery
- Flexible scheduling and pickup/drop-off options
- Competitive pricing tailored to the customer’s needs
Car Shipping Alternative: With uShip, professional transporters load your car onto a trailer, eliminating the need to drive the vehicle. It arrives without the added mileage, and you still enjoy door-to-door convenience.
BENEFITS OF USING DRIVEAWAY SERVICES
Here are five key benefits of using driveaway services:
1. Cost-Effective
Driveaway services are usually cheaper than conventional car transport. Since your car will be driven rather than loaded into a transport vehicle, you save a lot on transportation and labor. This is especially advantageous when traveling short distances.
2. Time-Efficient
Driveaway services are ideal for your vehicle to reach its destination quickly. Unlike other means involving loading, unloading, and probably multiple stops, driveaway services ensure a direct and uninterrupted journey. This means your car can reach its destination much faster, which may be invaluable, especially in urgent relocations.
3. Door-to-Door Service
The most significant advantage of a driveaway service is that it offers the customer door-to-door service. Professional drivers collect your vehicle from your location and deliver it to your new address. There will be no need for drop-offs or collections at terminals, which may otherwise be hectic. Whether you are moving across the state or the country, the convenience of door-to-door services cannot be overstated.
4. Flexibility in Scheduling
Driveaway services allow pickup and delivery at times convenient to the customer. Traditional methods of transport usually involve strict schedules, which may not be within your reach. Through driveaway services, you will have the vehicle picked up and delivered at any time that best suits you; hence, it’s a hassle-free experience.
5. Less Wear and Tear
Professional drivers working with driveaway services are trained to deal with vehicles carefully. They follow the best practices that keep your car in the same condition at the beginning of its journey. This limits the wear and tear due to long-distance driving, thus putting the customer at peace of mind that the vehicle will arrive in good condition. Besides, such drivers are skilled at saving fuel without putting unnecessary stress on a car.
STEPS TO HIRE A DRIVEAWAY SERVICE
Hiring a driveaway service is simple. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process.
STEP 1: RESEARCH AND COMPARE DRIVEAWAY COMPANIES
First, research several driveaway services in your area. Check for companies with great reviews, reliable services, and reasonable competitive pricing. Compare three or more companies to define what is offered and the cost. Use customer reviews and ratings to gauge the company’s reputation.
Tips:
- Check for any previous customer complaints.
- Look for companies with years of experience.
- Be sure that they have proper licensing and insurance.
STEP 2: REQUEST DETAILED QUOTES
Having shortlisted a few firms, the next step is to request a detailed quote. This quote should be specific about all the fees likely to come, like fuel fees, driver fees, or the exact amount to add in case of any particular service requests. This will help you plan out your budget and avoid any hidden costs.
Tips:
- Request a written quote.
- Request a breakdown of everything.
- Ask whether they offer any discounts for businesses or any other special offer.
STEP 3: VERIFIED CREDENTIALS
Before signing on, make sure to review the firm’s credentials. It should be duly licensed to engage in the business and carry enough insurance to protect your vehicle while in transit. Though this cannot be a full guarantee, it will at least give you a sense of comfort.
- Review certificates of insurance and licensing.
- Ensure the insurance policy will guarantee the value of your vehicle.
- Ensure that the drivers are bonded and background-checked.
STEP 4: BOOK THE SERVICE
Once you have chosen a service provider, book the pickup of your vehicle and the delivery date. Negotiate a date and time that suits you. Ensure that you get this in writing, along with the window of time for delivery.
Tips:
- Get everything in writing.
- Specify pickup and delivery locations.
- Discuss any special requirements of your vehicle.
STEP 5: PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE
Before the pickup date, prepare your vehicle for shipping. Clean inside and out, remove all personal items, and note any damage to the car so that there won’t be any hassle during inspection. These steps will simplify the inspection process and help avoid disputes at a later stage.
Tips:
- Take multiple photographs of the vehicle from every angle.
- Ensure that the gas tank is a quarter full.
- Turn off any car alarms that may get triggered during transit.
STEP 6: PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
When your driver comes to collect your shipment, review your vehicle top to bottom with the driver before pickup. Note any scratches, dings, etc., on the Bill of Lading. Both you and the driver must sign this.
Tips:
- Log all information on pre-trip inspection.
- Keep a copy of your Bill of Lading.
- Talk about special handling instructions with your driver.
STEP 7: COMMUNICATION
Be in contact with the driver or service provider throughout the transportation. This frequent update will keep you aware of any unexpected delays or issues.
Tips:
- Get the number of the driver.
- Get regular status updates regarding the vehicle.
- Keep your phone handy in case of urgent communications.
STEP 8: DELIVERY OF YOUR VEHICLE
Make sure that you inspect your vehicle in front of the delivery personnel before signing off on its delivery. Check its condition against the pre-trip inspection report to determine whether any new damage was done during transit. If everything is fine, sign off on the Bill of Lading.
Tips:
- Do an excellent post-trip inspection.
- Note any new damage at once to the driver and the company.
- Keep all documents for future reference.
These steps will most likely be practical in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience when hiring a driveaway service. Proper planning and due diligence shall safeguard your car and ensure successful transport.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A DRIVEAWAY SERVICE
You need to consider several factors before hiring a driveaway service provider. These include, but are not limited to, the kind of vehicle being moved and the available insurance options. Let’s break it down for easy decision-making.
#1. Suitability of the Vehicle
The suitable vehicle type will heavily influence your decision. Make sure to check with multiple providers to see who has the best experience with your specific vehicle. Here are the most common vehicle categories that you can transport:
- Personal Cars and SUVs: It is no surprise that standard cars and SUVs are generally well-suited for driveaway services. They’re easy to drive and don’t require special handling.
- Luxury and Classic Cars: If you own a luxury or classic car, you want to ensure the drive-away company has experience with high-value vehicles. It should provide additional care during transportation.
- RVs and Large Vehicles: Driveaway services can also relocate recreational vehicles and large trucks. However, they require skillful drivers and special insurance coverage.
#2. Reputation and Reviews
Check the company’s reputation with previous customers by reading customer reviews and testimonials on services like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. See how previous customers felt about the company’s professionalism, reliability, and customer service. A company with good marks is usually more likely to deliver adequate service.
Action: Find reviews regarding timely delivery, vehicle condition upon arrival, and customer satisfaction in general.
Tip: Note how the company responds to negative reviews. This could indicate that it genuinely cares about getting problems resolved.
#3. Licensing and Insurance
Ensure the driveaway service is licensed to operate in your state or country. Check if it is fully insured to protect your vehicle from any damages or loss during transportation, just for your peace of mind.
Action: Ask for proof of license and insurance before you enroll in the service. Tip: Be sure that the insurance can provide complete coverage of your vehicle and personal items inside the car.
#4. Cost and Fees
Know the total cost of any move, including fuel surcharges, driver fees, expedited delivery costs, and other hidden extras. Get detailed quotes from several providers to compare and pick the best deal for your wallet.
Action: Get a written estimate that includes all costs.
Tip: Be wary of any quote that is far lower than others; it likely includes hidden fees.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A DRIVEAWAY SERVICE PROVIDER
Ask the right questions to ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and efficiently. Here are some essential questions to consider:
What is your experience with driveaway services?
This will help you know how many years the firm has been in operation and what experience it has.
- How long has the firm been in business?
- Can you give any references from previous customers?
Are you fully bonded and insured?
Check if the company is legitimate and, more importantly, if your vehicle is safe to be in its hands while being transported.
- Do you have proof of your licensing and insurance?
- What does the insurance entail if damage or theft occurs?
What are your costs and payment terms?
Understand the financial aspects clearly, including any potential hidden fees.
- What is the total cost of the service?
- Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
- What are the payment terms and accepted payment methods?
What are the terms of the contract?
Clarifying the contract details will help avoid misunderstandings later.
- Can I see a copy of the contract before committing?
- What is your policy on cancellations and refunds?
How do you handle scheduling and logistics?
Knowing the logistics will help you plan better and set realistic expectations.
- How flexible are your pickup and delivery times?
- What is the estimated delivery time for my vehicle?
- Can you provide a tracking system or regular updates during transit?
uShip: A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO DRIVEAWAY
While driveway services are an option, they still require your car to be driven, leading to added mileage, potential wear, and higher fuel costs. By choosing uShip, you can avoid these downsides. Professional car transporters ensure your vehicle is securely loaded and transported on a carrier, which protects your investment and makes the entire process smoother.
Using uShip allows you to:
- Reduce Mileage: Your car is shipped, not driven, keeping it in pristine condition.
- Avoid Wear and Tear: Long drives can cause unnecessary wear on your vehicle, something you can avoid entirely by opting for uShip.
- Save Money: Shipping your car through uShip is more affordable than many realize, especially with the ability to compare multiple quotes.
- Rely on Professionalism: With uShip, you get access to vetted, reviewed transporters with a track record of safe, reliable service.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, driveway services offer convenience but at the cost of mileage and wear. Shipping your car through uShip provides a smarter alternative, saving your vehicle from unnecessary stress and protecting its value while offering competitive pricing and reliability. Whether you’re moving across the country or simply need to get your car to another city, consider the advantages of professional car transport through uShip.
