Generally it is cheaper to drive a car yourself to a far-off destination than to ship it. There are variables in figuring cost of driving the car over long distances. A big one is how many miles per gallon your car gets. For example: A car that gets 20 miles to the gallon and is driven 800 miles would require 40 gallons of fuel start to finish. Suppose a national average cost per gallon of gas of $3.00 and the trip would cost $120.00 in fuel alone. This does not include the cost of oil or wear and tear on the tires.

Budget one night for a motel at $100 to be safe, and $50 a day for food on the road. The cost for you to drive your car on an 800 mile trip would be about $320 for a drive-it-yourself scenario. Naturally, this does not include any roadside emergencies.

If you are traveling with family members or companions who are moving or vacationing with you, add in their per diem for food and overnight accommodations. So, for you and your spouse, let\’s say, the total cost to drive your car would be $420. With an average transport of around $700 for the same distance (plus airfare for two to your final destination), shipping your car is more expensive.

Then again, if you plan to tow the car behind your rented U-Haul, your only additional costs for your car\’s transport would be for the rental/lease or outright purchase of the towing gear.

Are dollars and cents the only way to measure if shipping your auto is more expensive than driving it yourself? Definitely not.

Are you a professional who charges by the hour: doctor, dentist, lawyer, consultant, etc.? What is your hourly rate: $200, $250, $300? Or are you a skilled person like a mechanic, electrician, plumber or mason? What is your hourly rate? If you are going to be on the road for twelve or more unproductive hours, how will this affect your wallet? If you are going to be starting a new job in a new city and can begin three days early, how will this affect your first paycheck? It is something to add to the equation.

A non-financial consideration would be the stress factor of driving yourself. If you are the type of driver that tensely grips the steering wheel and worries throughout the entire trip about various perils coming your way, you are going to end up at your destination in a frazzled condition. If people are in the car with you, they will feel the tension in the air and you will all wish you shipped the car instead.

And let\’s not forget the family car with mom, dad and three young ones in back. It goes against the laws of nature that three young siblings can stay in one small confined space for two days or a day and a half without bickering, hair pulling, crying, socking each other and generally making life miserable for the parents. Don\’t make me come back there! What price can you place on peace of mind for two individuals who work 40 hours a week and then come home to take care of three young ones? Priceless.

For more on Car Shipping or Vehicle Transport please visit MetroGistics.

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Author Bio: For more on Car Shipping or Vehicle Transport please visit MetroGistics.

Category: Automotive
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