Updated on December 18th, 2025
A Guide to Driveaway Service
There are several different ways of transporting a vehicle from Location A to Location B. At Cross Country Valet, we specialize in what’s called Driveaway Service. The driveaway service approach to car transport uses hired drivers to move a vehicle from one location to another. This approach boasts several advantages compared to traditional transport methods such as auto haulers or rail. Notably, it is cost-effective and ensures faster delivery without any intermediary stops, as the task is handled by a single driver.
Whether you are a snowbird looking to transport your car to Florida for the winter, or are looking to have your vehicle delivered for a different reason, you may be wondering whether a driveaway service is right for you. This blog post delves into the intricacies of driveaway service, shedding light on what it is, how it works, and the pros and cons associated with this unique mode of transportation.
Definition of Driveaway Service
A driveaway service is a specialized transportation solution where a hired driver transports a vehicle from one location to another. Unlike traditional vehicle shipping methods, such as car carriers or trailers, driveaway service involves someone physically driving the vehicle to its destination. This service is particularly popular for situations where individuals or businesses need to move a vehicle but are unable or unwilling to do the drive themselves.
How Does it Work?
The process of utilizing a driveaway service is relatively straightforward. When a person or business needs a vehicle transported, they contact a driveaway service provider, such as Cross Country Valet. After reaching an agreement, the service provider connects the vehicle owner with a qualified and vetted driver. The driver then picks up the vehicle from the current location, performs a thorough inspection to document its condition, and drives it safely to the specified destination.
The step-by-step process looks like this:
- Request a Quote – Provide details about your vehicle and desired transport dates.
- Driver Assignment – A vetted, professional driver is assigned to your vehicle.
- Paperwork – If required, paperwork (e.g., border forms) is filled out with the assistance of the service provider.
- Transport & Updates – The vehicle is picked up on your preferred date, and the journey begins. You will receive updates during the journey to track your vehicle’s progress.
- Delivery & Acceptance – The vehicle is delivered to the destination address, and final inspection ensures everything is in order.
Who Uses Driveaway Services?
Driveaway service is ideal for a variety of different situations, including:
- Snowbirds moving vehicles to Florida or other southern U.S. states for the winter.
- Relocating families or individuals moving long distances.
- Car buyers purchasing vehicles from out-of-state or across the country.
- Businesses transporting commercial vehicles without driver availability.
Essentially, anyone who wants their vehicle moved safely and efficiently without personally driving it can benefit from a driveaway service.
At Cross Country Valet, most of our business involves vehicle relocation for snowbirds, but we do plenty of vehicle deliveries year-round for unique use cases and customer needs.
Driveaway Service vs. Other Transport Methods
It’s important to understand how driveaway service compares to other vehicle transport options, including driving the car yourself. Ultimately, choosing which vehicle delivery option you want to go with comes down to personal preference and what you value most.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway Service | Cost-effective, personalized service, faster delivery | Vehicle accumulates mileage, dependent on driver reliability |
| Car Carrier / Trailer | No mileage accumulation, can transport multiple cars | Higher cost, slower delivery, risk of damage if poorly secured |
| Rail Transport | Economical for long distances and often cheaper | Limited pickup/dropoff points, slower, less flexible |
| Self-Drive | Full control, no service fees | Time-consuming, fatigue, wear & tear on vehicle |
Driveaway Service often hits the sweet spot between cost, speed, and personalization.
Pros of Driveaway Services
There are several advantages to choosing a driveaway service over alternative methods of vehicle delivery.
- Driveaway Service is Cost-Effective: One of the primary advantages of driveaway service is its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional shipping methods. Shipping a vehicle on a car carrier can be expensive, but hiring a driver to transport it is often more affordable, especially for long distances.
- Driveaway Service Offers Quick Delivery: Driveaway service offers a faster delivery option compared to shipping. When time is of the essence, especially for commercial vehicles or businesses, a driveaway service can be a more expedient choice.
- Driveaway Service is Personalized: Having a dedicated driver for your vehicle provides a more personalized touch. Owners can communicate directly with the driver, ensuring that specific needs and concerns are addressed throughout the journey.
- Driveaway Service Allows You to Load Your Vehicle with Stuff: With driveaway service, your vehicle can double as a moveable storage container. We tell our clients to feel free to load their vehicles full of the stuff they will need when they get to their destination address, as long as there is sufficient room and visibility for the driver. Shipping via truck or rail often comes with restrictions on what else can be present in the vehicle.
Cons of Driveaway Services
While we believe that driveaway service is the superior option for most people who are looking for a vehicle transportation solution, we recognize that there are drawbacks that need to be taken into account as well. The cons of driveaway service fall into two main categories.
- You Need to Trust Your Driver: The effectiveness of a Driveaway Service is heavily dependent on the reliability and competence of the hired drivers. You want to make sure that you trust the person who will be driving your car (although this is also a concern when shipping a vehicle on a flatbed truck … trucks require drivers too, after all!). Ideally, the company that is providing you with driveaway service will point you to reviews from satisfied customers and a copy of your hired driver’s license.
- Your Vehicle will Accumulate Mileage: With driveaway service, it’s important to note that the odometer will still tick during the journey. This might be a concern for owners who are meticulous about their vehicle’s mileage.
Cost & Pricing Considerations
Because there are so many factors involved, driveaway service providers often rely on custom quotes depending on the specific route and dates. Some of the factors that influence the cost of a driveaway service include:
- Distance – Longer trips generally cost more since you are paying for more of a driver’s time.
- Vehicle Type – Heavier vehicles or ones that consume premium gasoline may require higher fees.
- Scheduling & Timing – Peak seasons may increase costs due to the higher cost of airfare (your driver needs to fly back home, after all!).
At Cross Country Valet, a typical price range for a vehicle delivery from southern Ontario to southern Florida falls between $1,600 and $1,800 CAD, with a 2-3 day turnaround time. By contrast, transporting a vehicle on an autohauler between those same two destinations can be $2,000 CAD or more.
Driveaway is the Convenient Way
When it comes to car transportation, Driveaway Services offer a unique and cost-effective way to move vehicles from one point to another. The pros of this approach, including affordability and personalized service, make it an attractive option for many of our clients.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional shipping methods and Driveaway Service depends on individual preferences, timelines, and the specific requirements of the transportation task at hand. As with any service, thorough research and communication are key to ensuring a smooth and satisfactory experience.
If you are interested in a driveaway service to move your car between Canada and the United States, or withn Canada, get in touch with us for a custom quote!
FAQs About Driveaway Service
What is a driveaway service?
A driveaway service is a vehicle transport solution where a professional driver physically drives your car from one location to another. Unlike traditional shipping methods, your vehicle is personally driven, offering faster delivery and personalized service.
Is my vehicle insured during driveaway service?
Yes, your vehicle will be insured under your existing insurance policy via permissive use coverage. Essentially, when you loan your car, you also loan your insurance policy. When the four wheels are turning, only the primary policy can be in effect.
Can I include personal belongings in my vehicle during transport?
Yes, with driveaway service, you can typically load your vehicle with luggage and other personal belongings as long as it remains safe for the driver. Of course, different providers may have different policies, so be sure to check with the service provider.
Will my car’s mileage increase during transport?
Yes, since the vehicle is being driven to its destination, the odometer will record additional miles. If mileage is a concern, discuss this with your provider and consider how it may affect your vehicle’s maintenance or warranty.
How far in advance should I book a driveaway service?
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like winter for snowbirds. Early booking ensures driver availability and allows the service provider to schedule the most efficient route. Airfare is also generally cheaper the further out it is booked, and since airfare for the driver makes up a significant portion of the service’s cost, those early booking savings get passed along to you.
Are there any vehicles that cannot be transported via driveaway service?
Most standard vehicles can be transported using driveaway service. However, extremely old vehicles that are not safe to drive long distance would be better suited for freight shipping. Heavy-duty vehicles that required specialized licenses to operate may also not be suitable for driveaway service, depending on the provider.