Driveaway Service Explained: What You Need to Know

Understanding Driveaway Services for Your Vehicle Transport Needs

Transporting a vehicle across the country—or even across a few states—can feel like a logistical challenge. Whether you're planning a big move, purchasing a car from a seller out of state, or simply relocating for the season, you’ll need to figure out the safest and most efficient way to get your car from point A to point B. That’s where car shipping services come into play.

One method some people consider is a driveaway service, where a hired driver physically drives your vehicle to its destination. While this option may seem convenient or cost-effective at first glance, it’s important to understand its limitations—especially when compared to professional auto transport services that use open or enclosed carriers.

In this article, we’ll break down what driveaway services are, how they work, and why—more often than not—shipping your vehicle through a trusted broker like AmeriFreight is the more secure, practical, and cost-effective solution.

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What Is a Driveaway Service?

A driveaway service involves hiring a licensed driver to deliver your car by driving it themselves. It’s often marketed as a personalized and hands-on approach to vehicle transport, appealing to those who want a direct and flexible transport solution.

Driveaway services are typically used by:

• Long-distance movers who don’t want to drive their car themselves.
  
  

• Snowbirds relocating to warmer regions for the season.
  
  

• Car buyers who’ve made an out-of-state purchase and want the vehicle delivered quickly.
  
  

But while this option may serve a narrow group of vehicle owners well, it does come with significant caveats—namely, the added mileage and wear, limited insurance coverage, and the level of trust placed in a single individual to complete the transport.

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How Does a Driveaway Service Work?

Driveaway services are relatively simple in concept but require thorough planning and consideration:

1. Booking the Service

You’ll begin by providing basic details about your vehicle—its make, model, and condition—as well as pickup and drop-off locations and your desired delivery timeframe. Once the details are confirmed, the company assigns a driver to your vehicle.

2. Driver Assignment and Vetting

Reputable driveaway companies employ licensed and insured drivers, but the degree of screening can vary. Some companies allow retirees or part-time drivers to sign up, while others may offer more rigorous vetting. In either case, you’re trusting one person with your vehicle for a long road trip, often hundreds or thousands of miles.

3. Vehicle Inspection and Handover

Before the trip begins, the vehicle is inspected for existing damage and photographed. This helps protect both parties in case of claims after delivery. The driver then takes possession and begins the journey.

4. The Drive

Throughout the trip, the driver is responsible for your vehicle’s safety. They may stop overnight, detour for personal needs, or face unpredictable road conditions. Each of these variables introduces risk that is largely out of your control.

5. Delivery and Final Inspection

Once the vehicle arrives, another inspection is completed to check for damage or issues. Assuming all is well, paperwork is signed, and the service is complete.

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Driveaway Service: Pros and Cons

Potential Advantages

Driveaway services might appeal to some users thanks to:

• Speed: Direct routes with no extra stops for other vehicles.
  
  

• Scheduling Flexibility: You may have more control over timing if a driver is available.
  
  

• Simplicity: No need for trailers or specialized equipment.
  
  

However, these benefits must be weighed against the downsides—especially when the safety, condition, and long-term value of your vehicle are a concern.

Major Disadvantages

• Vehicle Wear and Tear: Every mile driven adds wear, especially on long-haul routes.
  
  

• Increased Risk: Drivers face road hazards, weather, traffic accidents, and other variables that trailers protect against.
  
  

• Insurance Gaps: Coverage varies, and not all damages may be fully covered.
  
  

• No Fit for Non-Operational or High-Value Vehicles: If your car can’t be driven or is too valuable to risk, driveaway isn’t suitable.
  
  

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The Superior Choice: Auto Transport via Open or Enclosed Trailer

Unlike driveaway, professional auto transport involves loading your vehicle onto a trailer—either open or enclosed—and hauling it to its destination without being driven. This method is considered the industry standard for safe, efficient car shipping.

Open Carrier Transport

The most common and cost-effective method, open carrier transport is ideal for most standard vehicles. Your car is secured on a trailer alongside others, and while it’s exposed to the elements, it’s not accumulating mileage or wear.

Enclosed Carrier Transport

Enclosed transport offers additional protection against weather, road debris, and prying eyes. This is the go-to option for luxury, exotic, vintage, or collector vehicles. Your car is sealed inside a covered trailer, insulated from potential hazards.

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Why Auto Transport Is the Better Option

1. Preserves Vehicle Condition

Because your car isn’t being driven, there’s no added mileage, tire wear, or engine stress. This is especially important for newer cars, lease returns, or vehicles with strict maintenance schedules.

2. Insurance and Peace of Mind

With AmeriFreight, your shipment is protected by vetted, insured carriers.  Optional gap coverage plans are also available through AFTA. You’ll know your vehicle is in good hands from pickup to delivery.

3. Lower Long-Term Costs

Although open or enclosed trailer shipping may seem more expensive upfront, it eliminates hidden costs—like depreciation from added mileage or future mechanical repairs due to road wear.

4. Ideal for All Vehicle Types

Whether your car is non-operational, customized, or particularly valuable, trailer-based shipping is designed to accommodate various shapes, sizes, and needs.

5. Scalable, Professional Logistics

You’re not relying on one driver. Instead, your shipment is backed by a network of professionals and established processes that prioritize safety, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

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AmeriFreight’s Role in Vehicle Transport

At AmeriFreight, we specialize in exactly the kind of reliable, secure, and professional auto transport services that many driveaway providers simply can’t match. As a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, we work with a vast network of top-rated carriers to offer tailored solutions for every customer.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Open and Enclosed Shipping Options: Flexible solutions based on your vehicle and budget.
  
  

• Carrier Vetting: We only work with carriers that meet our high safety and performance standards.
  
  

• Optional Gap Coverage: The AFTA PLAN gives you extra protection not often found in driveaway services.
  
  

• Transparent Pricing: Use our instant quote calculator for an accurate, no-obligation estimate.
  
  

• Dedicated Support: Our team is here every step of the way—from scheduling to delivery confirmation.
  
  

Whether you’re shipping across the state or across the country, AmeriFreight delivers more than just your car—we deliver peace of mind.

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Conclusion: Why Trailer-Based Shipping Wins

While driveaway services may still have a place for certain customers—especially those seeking ultra-flexible, last-minute transport—they come with significant trade-offs. If preserving your car’s condition, reducing risk, and working with licensed professionals are your priorities, traditional auto transport is clearly the better path.

Driveaway might feel more “hands-on,” but the added mileage, limited insurance, and increased uncertainty often make it more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, trust a reliable partner like AmeriFreight to provide a streamlined, secure, and proven method of vehicle transport.

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FAQs

How does AmeriFreight’s car shipping differ from driveaway services?
AmeriFreight uses open or enclosed trailers to transport your vehicle without driving it. This reduces risk, eliminates mileage accumulation, and provides greater insurance protection.

Is open carrier transport safe?
Yes. Open carrier is a safe and cost-effective option for most standard vehicles. For added protection, enclosed carriers are available for high-value or specialty cars.

Can I ship a non-operational vehicle with AmeriFreight?
Absolutely. Many of our partner carriers are equipped to handle inoperable vehicles using winches and specialized loading equipment.

How long does shipping take?
Transit time depends on distance and route availability, but AmeriFreight ensures efficient scheduling and provides updates throughout the process.

Is AmeriFreight licensed and insured?
Yes. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and only work with certified carriers who meet DOT and FMCSA requirements.