Moving your ride hundreds of miles isn’t a decision to make on a whim. You’ve got two main routes: hook it up to a truck for a long distance tow service or crate it on a carrier and ship it. Each comes with perks—and pitfalls. Let’s break down the real talk so you can pick what fits your wallet and your peace of mind.
Table of Contents
When You Need To Tow (And When You Don’t)
Towing sounds straightforward—your car, your schedule. But it only makes sense if the distance falls within a certain range, usually under 800 miles. Anything beyond that, and you’re flirting with rising fuel costs, extra driver time, and the risk of wear and tear piling up.
On the flip side, if you’re relocating nearby or just don’t want to be without your wheels, towing keeps you in control. You meet the truck, hand over the keys, and off you go. No waiting on a shipping schedule.
The Hidden Costs Of Shipping
Shipping feels fancy—your car rides inside an enclosed crate or on an open trailer, protected from road debris. But crate shipping brings hidden fees: crate construction, storage, and insurance add up fast. You might save on mileage, but those add-ons can send your budget sky-high.
Even open carriers, while cheaper, expose your car to weather and road chips. If your ride’s a head-turner or a classic, that “discount” shipping could mean costly touch-ups later.
Towing Time Vs. Shipping Schedules
You call a tow truck, and within hours you’re off—no multi-day waitlist. That’s perfect when your schedule is tight or you need last-minute moves.
Shipping? You’re locked into a pickup window and a delivery window. Miss either, and you face storage or rebooking fees. If you’ve got wiggle room, it’s fine. But if you’ve got a deadline—say, a weekend move or a job start date—towing wins on timing.
Wear & Tear—Who Wins?
Let’s be real: towing drags your car down the highway, sometimes with the drive wheels on the ground. Over hundreds of miles, that can stress the transmission or suspension if not done right.
Shipping keeps all four wheels off the road. That means zero mileage added and no undercarriage abuse. If you plan to flip the car or preserve mileage, shipping edges out towing. Just factor in those crate and handling costs.
Price Tag Showdown
Towing runs roughly $2–$4 per mile. A 500-mile haul could cost $1,000–$2,000. That includes fuel, driver time, and basic insurance.
Shipping might start around $1,000 for the same 500 miles on an open carrier, but enclosed crate shipping can double that. Then tack on insurance, crate build, and terminal fees. Suddenly you’re looking at $2,500–$3,500.
If budget’s king, open shipping may undercut towing by a few hundred bucks—if you can handle the timing and exposure.
Safety & Insurance Breakdown
Towing companies offer standard liability coverage, but it often caps at basic amounts. Check the fine print: some carriers charge extra for higher limits.
Carriers, especially enclosed ones, advertise “door-to-door” service. They often include more robust insurance in the rate. That means if a storm or rock chips your paint, you’re covered—no surprise bills later. It’s worth comparing policy details before you book.
Making Your Decision Cheat Sheet
- Distance under 600 miles? Tow it. You’ll save time and cash.
- High-value or low-mileage ride? Ship it, ideally enclosed.
- Tight schedule? Tow wins every time.
- Flexible timing and budget? Open shipping lets you pick a lower rate.
Pro Tips From The Road
- Book Early: Both services get scarce in peak moving season.
- Inspect Thoroughly: Note every scratch and dent before handing over keys.
- Bundle Discounts: Some companies offer rate breaks when booking return trips or multiple cars.
- Ask About Drivers: If you tow, confirm if the driver relays location updates. Peace of mind matters.
Call To Action
Still not sure? Crunch the numbers based on your exact miles and ride value. For a hassle-free haul you can trust, check out this long distance tow service to get an instant quote and expert advice.
Whichever route you take, plan ahead, read the fine print, and keep your ride’s best interests front and center. Safe travels!
