Are you considering transporting a vehicle to help with your move? Whether driving it yourself or opting for shipping services, each option has its unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice that best suits your moving needs.

Advantages of Driving

Taking the wheel offers flexibility and control over your schedule. It can be home can be an adventure or a chore. Consider these factors before making your decision:

1. Cost Savings: For shorter distances, driving might be more economical than shipping.
2. Flexibility: You have the freedom to set your own pace and route. If your home furnishings have a longer delivery window and you have the time, you can take the time to sightsee along the route.  
3. Maximizing Vehicle Space: Using your car for the move allows you to transport essential, fragile, or valuable items safely while making the most of available space.

Challenges of Driving

1. Time Consuming: Long-distance drives can take days if you are relocating a long distance. If you have a time constraint to be in your new city or at a job, driving may not be your quickest option

2. Stress & Exhaustion: Moving is stressful. Long drives can be physically and mentally draining, making the moving journey more stressful.

3. Wear and Tear: Every mile adds wear to your vehicle, potentially leading to maintenance costs down the line.

Advantages of Shipping

Shipping is an increasingly popular choice among movers seeking efficiency and peace of mind. Here’s why many opt to entrust professionals to transport their vehicle:

1. Convenience: Once arrangements are made, professionals handle all aspects of transportation.
2. Time Efficiency: Allows you to focus on other moving priorities without worrying about road travel.
3. Vehicle Protection: Reduces mileage and protects against potential road hazards.

Considerations with Shipping

1. Cost Factor: Shipping can be more expensive than driving, especially for longer distances. Does the convenience of transporting your car fit in your budget?
2. Scheduling Availability and Constraints: Availability may affect timing; advanced booking is necessary. What is the delivery date of your vehicle? Will you need it when you arrive at your destination?
3. Distance of Move: Shorter moves might favor driving, while longer moving distances might favor shipping.
4. Trust in Service Providers: Ensuring you choose reputable movers is crucial for peace of mind (our commitment at Saunier Moving is unwavering).

The Right Choice

Ultimately, choosing between driving or shipping depends on individual circumstances and preferences.

- If cost-effectiveness and control are paramount, driving may be ideal.

- If convenience and preserving vehicle condition are priorities, shipping stands out as the preferred option.

Our team at Saunier Moving specializes in providing tailored solutions that cater specifically to your needs—ensuring every element aligns seamlessly with your vision for a successful relocation.

North American Van Lines Auto Shipping – what makes us different from the online / retail brokers?

Guaranteed Pick-up Dates: North American’s customers get guaranteed pick-up dates while retail (customers directly booking with car carrier/broker instead of NAVL) customers do not. Pickup dates for retail customers are estimated and often customers wait for days before their vehicle is picked up.

On-Time Delivery Commitment: North American’s customers get our commitment to the transit times for their guaranteed delivery window. If we are unable to deliver an NAVL customer’s vehicle within the advertised transit time, we provide a rental vehicle at no charge until the customer's vehicle is delivered. Retail customers do not get rental vehicles provided at no charge, and they can only wait if it takes longer than expected to get their vehicle delivered.

White Glove Service: North American’s customers get a dedicated customer service team available to assist them with every step of the auto relocation. The moving and relocation team provides high-touch VIP customer service with multiple contacts throughout the process. Retail customers do not get that, and they usually deal only directly with the truck drivers. Essentially, retail customers must work around the truck driver's needs. For NAVL’s auto customers, the truck driver must work around the customer's needs.

Claims Resolution: Claims for North American’s customers are processed by certified claims agents, and we guarantee a resolution within 30 days. Retail customers must deal directly with the car carrier and its insurance company when there is a claim. In addition, we often pay out NAVL claims as a goodwill gesture even if the claim is denied by the car carrier's insurance. Retail

The journey toward deciding whether to drive or ship isn’t always straightforward. By carefully considering factors such as distance, budgetary concerns, time constraints—and most importantly—personal preferences—you can make the decision that works best for you.

Let us assist you today by offering personalized advice suited precisely around what matters most…YOU!

For further insights into optimizing every aspect related not just limited solely upon vehicles but encompassing entire relocations themselves—reach out to our team at Saunier Moving. We provide expert recommendations ensuring smoothest transition possible!