The cargo industry is growing at a nearly 3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) today. This means that if you ever need to ship something, you don’t have to look far for help.
Working with a company that provides semi truck driveaway services can help you get things from Point A to Point B with the help of a pro that can take the wheel. But what should you know about hiring these professional services?
We’re happy to explain. These tips will help you when you’re looking into a driveaway service that you’ll appreciate.
What Is Driveaway Service?
With driveway service, you’re getting your vehicle moved from one point to another with the help of a professional. This can involve transporting anything from a 4-door sedan to an 18 wheeler.
Many companies offer nationwide services for customers in several different states. It’s a different way to haul a vehicle and comes with many advantages.
What Are the Benefits of Driveaway Service?
When you’re thinking about using a driveaway service, start by internalizing the benefits. For one, there are plenty of drivers available that can take your business.
More than 72% of freight in the United States is transported by trucks. This makes having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) a much-needed skill that can come in handy for the services that you’re looking for. A pro can transport your truck wherever you need it to go, making sure that it arrives safe and sound. Loading a commercial truck, RV or a bus on to a lowboy, drop deck trailer or flat bed that can handle the size is sometimes upwards of $5 to $10 per mile depending on the size of the vehicle. If it’s a 5th wheel RV for example that can be hitched and towed the price goes to around $2-$3 per mile and our driveaway service is usually around $1 a mile plus the customer pays for fuel. These are all estimates so call and speak to one of our commercial trucking agents for exact rates.
Some other benefits of these services include:
You Can Consolidate Your Shipping
Having a driver pick your semi-truck up gives you the chance to kill two birds with one stone. You can pack the cargo bay area of the truck with whatever items you’d like so that you’re creating a shipment while also moving the truck.
You won’t need to worry about weight restrictions in the way you would if you were handling the shipment on your own. Make sure to let the driveaway company know your plans to include cargo so that you can get an accurate quote and negotiate on the price.
The Shipping Is Speedy and Efficient
When you’re investing in driveaway services, getting your truck from one place to another is the company’s primary concern. This means that you won’t have to worry about several stops like you would if your vehicle was being transported as part of a packed shipment schedule.
The efficiency and speed allow give you peace of mind and plan the rest of your schedule without worrying about setbacks or delays. Time is money, and you’ll get an incredible return on investment (ROI) when you decide to move forward with the project.
You Get Personalized Service to Your Liking
Another reason to invest in driveaway services is that you can personalize them to whatever you need. Whether you’re putting together an interstate move or need to move a truck a few hundred miles within the same state, driveaway professionals can provide the services that you’re looking into.
You can also work with pros that have certain specialties. For instance, they might drive certain types of 18-wheelers, or may tow other vehicles behind them upon request. When dealing with smaller vehicles, customers sometimes will even ship their pets or other items.
If you’re shipping pets, make sure to look into the protocols and requirements of your state.
They Offer Door to Door Delivery
You’ll also get peace of mind when hiring driveaway services because many provide door-to-door services. This lets you get your vehicle to its destination without worrying about stops in-between.
When booking driveaway services, make sure to ask if the company provides door-to-door delivery automatically or if it’s an additional service.
It’s a Cost-Effective Service
Since you potentially get the benefit of mixing shipping with vehicle transport, you kill two birds with one stone when you book driveaway services. This service is cost-effective when you reach out to a company that can offer you a great rate.
You’ll likely also find these services cheaper than shipping the vehicle with a general towing service.
They Provide Different Vehicle Options
When you’re looking into driveaway services, consider the fact that these professionals provide help to customers using different types of vehicles.
Consider the semi truck weight to make sure that you’re choosing the type that you’re going to get service for. Examples of different types of semi-trucks that you might get driveaway service for include:
- Freightliners
- Day cabs
- Mid-roof sleeper cabs
- Flatbed trailers
- Dry van trailers
Find out what specialties they have to make sure that your vehicle is in good hands and taken care of.
You Don’t Have to Pay Gas Prices
Another benefit of driveaway service is that you’re alleviated of the gas price burden. With gas prices touching prices of $7 and higher in states like California, you’re probably trying to cut costs wherever you can.
When you turn this service over to a professional that offers driveaway services, you don’t have to worry about footing the bill for the fuel prices. Find out how these services are handled and whether or not the company issues gas price fees indirectly. This is worth the effort for many people exploring options for moving such a large vehicle that takes a lot of money to fill up.
Put Together a Driveaway Service Project
Now that you know some of the advantages of these services, it’s time to look into the steps that’ll help you hire the right company and move forward. This takes a combination of understanding the work and communicating clearly with the company that you choose.
Here are some of the main points to keep in mind:
Consider Your Reason for Driveaway Services
Hiring driveaway services will play out differently depending on your reasons for making the hire. Many people opt for this service when conducting an interstate move for business. Consider whether you’re an owner-operator transporting your truck to set up shop elsewhere or if you’re a truck driver working under the banner of a company.
These circumstances might determine how much you pay and what companies you decide on. Figure out whether you’re moving a truck that is in optimal condition or whether it’ll need some repairs before you decide to put it on the road.
Calculate the Mileage of the Project
The distance of the drive is one of the biggest factors that you need to consider when hiring driveaway services. This is particularly important when you’re moving between states of different sizes.
Find out the exact mileage of your move and learn how the company you’re hiring handles this with their rate. Knowing the distance will help you out when you’re ready to get estimates from a few different professionals.
Research the Credentials of the Driver
You should always know the credentials of the driver that you’re hiring, along with the track record of the company that they work for. Look into their CDL and find out whether the driver has any glaring marks on their record. Learn where they went to trucking school and what kind of on-the-job experience they have had in the industry.
In regards to the company, find out how long they have been in business and what lengths they go to background check the drivers. The company that you work with should be licensed, insured, and bonded and should have strong marks for reliability. These professionals should also provide drug and alcohol screenings for drivers to make sure that they’re safe and responsible when they drive.
Do business with companies that provide impeccable customer service so that you can get in touch whenever there are issues. A good gauge of a company’s capability is to get a feel for what other services they provide.
Put together a list of the best drivers and trucking companies located in your area or those that provide national service, including your state.
Schedule a Consultation for Service
Do your due diligence by consulting with a company that can offer you driveaway services. A one-on-one consultation will help you shore up the details of your project and make sure that you’re on the same page with the driver.
This is also the time that you’ll have the opportunity to ask some questions. Some of the questions that you might want to address with your professionals include:
- Is the price you’re offering an no-obligation quote?
- What types of documents do you need from me?
- What payment options do you accept?
- Can you furnish some references?
- What should I do to prepare my vehicle?
- Where is your company headquartered and what areas do you serve?
- What are my options for pickups and dropoffs?
- What timeframes do I have to choose from?
- Can you provide a copy of your license and insurance?
Carve out some time for the consultation to make sure that you’re able to get all of your questions and concerns addressed without an issue.
Get a Few Different Price Quotes
Go through a few consultations with the most qualified companies that you find. Most importantly, make sure that you get accurate price quotes from the professionals that you’re considering.
Ask about the company’s shipping rate and get a personalized quote for the services they provide. Make sure to find out what the quote entails and get an itemized list of all of the work involved. This lets you know that you’re being quoted fairly and will offer some insight that will help you shop for different price quotes.
Pay a Deposit to Lock in Your Dates and Rates
In most cases, you’ll need to pay a deposit to secure your driveaway services. The deposit is a portion of how much you’ll pay in total. It is typically either charged as a separate refundable deposit or part of the price that is rolled into the total.
Book your services as far in advance as possible so that you’re also able to secure your dates – especially if you’re dealing with a company whose services are always in demand.
Consider Insurance Needs
Always ask the company whether or not they provide insurance for your vehicle. If they do, ask to see a copy of the insurance to know how much you’re covered for compared to the value of the semi truck. You might also need to look into getting your own insurance plan if the driveaway company doesn’t cover you.
Find a policy that covers you for any incidentals that can happen during the trip, from liabilities and collision coverage to any damages that can happen due to weather events, vandalism, or to protect you from uninsured drivers. Keep a copy of the insurance policy for your records so that you’re ready to file a claim if you need to during the trip.
Invest in Professional Driveaway Service
These tips will help you out when you’re looking into driveaway service that can make a difference for you. When you’re trying to get the help of a shipping professional that can assist you, do your research and take the time to get the help that you’re looking for.
Let Long Distance Towing provide you with the standard of service that you need. We’ve been in business for years providing auto transport, classic car shipping, motorcycle towing, and a host of other services to customers in several states. We’d be happy to call you our next customers.
Estimate your costs by reaching out for a free quote or by giving us a call at (800)216-6045.