When you are travelling cross-country on the big move, there are a variety of ways you can do it. Of course, you can fly, which is fast, but also uncomfortable and takes away the sense of adventure. You could take a train, which is much more expensive but allows you to see more of the country. You can also drive, which makes you dependent on gas prices and force you to perform maintenance once you reach your destination.
So when you have engaged one of the best auto transport companies you can find with helping you make that trip, you might be wondering what form of transportation you should take to reach your destination. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages when you want to ship your car. So let us talk about each one in detail.
Planes: Fast, and Effective?
The go-to option for many folks making a cross-country trip is flying. Depending on where you are going and how much in advance you make the reservation, it is a rather cheap form of transportation. It is safest form of transportation. Of course, it is also the fastest, with trips that would normally take days or even weeks being condensed into hours.
If you’re looking at flying, you will have to plan things very carefully. The best auto transport companies do not ship via planes because the weight of a vehicle is too much to fly. This is why truckers are hired left and right to make those long trips. So if you are deciding to fly, you have to coordinate things very carefully and be prepared for the days preceding and following the trip.
Now, the best auto transport companies will work with you to tell you exactly how long it will take to ship your car. But no matter how close you get to the mark, there will be a period before and after where you will not have any transportation if you ship all your vehicles at once. You have to be ready for carpooling or a lot of walking. In addition, your movers just might be left in the dust if they don’t know exactly where you’re going. So fly with caution. You just might find yourself in a tremendous pickle.
Trains: A Little Niche-y, But a Solid Option
The second popular means of travelling cross-country is by train. Now, trains present a perfectly plausible opportunity. While it will be quite expensive, you might find that a train ride can give you the pleasant experience you need. This is primarily because trains, unlike planes, can take the weight of a vehicle in addition to your family and all the other passengers.
There is a catch, however. Not many trains in this country service both passengers and cargo. Most of the time, it’s one or the other. While there are exceptions to the rule, they are few and far between. It’s these opportunities you need to look for if you decide to ship your car by train. They will undoubtedly be more expensive, but there are certain benefits that can be reaped.
For starters, you and your car will arrive at your destination at the same time. What’s more, the cost of automotive shipping will drop dramatically because you are using a train rather than a truck to get your car there. So while the opportunities are rare, the best auto transport companies will help you find those opportunities and work with you to facilitate shipping at the station.
And if you can’t find a passenger-cargo hybrid train, you can still use the classic trailer model and more easily synchronize arrival times. Yes, the “no car” buffer zone will still be there, but it won’t be as difficult to negotiate as it is with flying. Trains are definitely a solid opportunity for making the move.
Automobiles: Perfect Synchronization
Of course, the last alternative is simply driving there and forgo using any of the best auto transport companies. While this is undoubtedly the most popular transportation method, it is something of a double-edge sword. On one hand, you and the truck driver responsible for your cars will be able to stay together, departing and arriving at the same time no matter where you are going. It can also make for a solid vacation for you and your family with numerous opportunities to make stops.
At the same time, however, you will still have to cope with gas and maintenance costs, which are the precisely the reasons you want to ship your car in the first place. Long drives down empty roads will become boring. It’s even likely that some great calamity will fall on your vehicle, leaving you stranded halfway between old home and new home. Shipping your vehicle using the best auto transport companies can prevent you being stranded on the road.
So if you feel like driving one car yourself while the transporter takes the rest, do be sure to watch out for these problems and prepare accordingly. Send it to the shop for a check-up before departing. Make sure your local registration office is aware of your change of location. Talk with your insurance company about possible protections. These and many more should be done before you head ‘em up and move ‘em out.
All three dominant forms of transportation require patience and study in order to really prepare yourself for the big day. Using the best auto transport companies can make your move a lot smoother. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions.
