Don’t look now but the open road is calling. Faced with onerous security regulations, endless add-on fees, and uncomfortable planes that squeeze customers in like sardines, more and more travelers are opting for the highways rather than the skyways. Americans are rediscovering the joy of driving cross-country with the wind in their hair, the music cranked, and the freedom to check out quirky attractions that would forever have been overlooked from 30,000 feet in the air.
Traveling cross-country in someone eles’s car – for free
This resurgent love affair is also revitalizing driveaway companies, services that match drivers with customers who want their cars delivered to distant destinations. Vehicles need to be moved for a variety of reasons, including corporate relocations, military transfers, and quite often in the case of snowbirds who want to have use of their own car at their winter home but don’t want to do the driving. Car owners pay driveaway companies to move their cars and the company contracts with drivers to make the one-way trips. Driver are responsible for all but the first tank of gas, meals and accommodations along the way, and must put down a deposit (generally $300-400), which is refundable upon delivery of the car to the owner.
There are some limitations to this type of travel. Your schedule must be flexible and you must be willing to drive between the destinations required by the customer. The route and schedule are agreed upon prior to departure and offer enough flexibility for drivers to do some sightseeing along the way, however customers will often load trunks and back seats with their personal belongings, so there is room for only one additional passenger and limited luggage. Drivers must also have a clean driving record, three forms of identification, and be willing to undergo a criminal background check. If none of this is problematic, driveaways are an extremely economical alternative to rental cars, especially for those who have no car or own a vehicle that is not dependable.
Although driveaway companies can be found all over the country, some locations need more drivers than others; routes between eastern Canadian cities and Florida or Arizona, for example, are in high demand due to annual snowbird migration in the spring and fall. For more information, contact one of the following driveaway firms, or check your local Yellow Pages under “Auto Transporters”:
Auto Driveway (43 offices across the U.S. and Canada)
Toronto Driveaway (Toronto based)
Cars To Florida (Toronto based)
Photo Credit: Nate Steiner
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Posted in Travel tips | 
budget, car delivery, car rental, corporate relocations, cross country, driveaway, drivers, free, military transfers, snowbirds, Travel
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Hi! I’m heading out to Brooklyn, NY (or surrounding cities) from San Francisco, CA (or surrounding cities). I’d love to drive there in your car. Mid-30s, nonsmoker/drinker, clean DMV record, teacher (so clean background check) – am looking at the end of July or beginning of August. Email me: eleabosque@gmail.com
Moving WEST! Anyone looking to have an auto delivered from Florida to California sometime between June 22nd and August 1st. Masters student at University of Central Florida, 52 years old, responsible, clean dmv, non-smoker. I have a couple personal items that I need to bring to California with me. If interested, please contact Tammy at tjashlock@knights.ucf.edu; phone 772-766-4601. Thank you!
I am looking to drive from the NYC area to the Los Angeles area mid July. Larry 213-494-8220
Mother and daughter looking to drive someones vehicle in September from Alaska heading south (Montana, Utah, Oregon, California, Washington, etc…) Daughter lives and works in Alaska, Mother lives and works in California. Looking for a fun way to spend time together in September. Contact mhalemitchell@yahoo.com
On the website I only see how to get your car transported How do I become a driver?
Kitty: I am the author of this site. I wrote this article a couple of years ago about driveway services but have no association with the companies that provide the service. Since then, readers have been using the comments section as a sort of a forum. I have no idea if anyone has connected successfully but you can try leaving a comment.
Single responsible retired business exec would like to drive autos for a part time income to supplement the deficiencies of attempting to live on Social Security. Able to travel just about anywhere, with a flexible schedule.
Bruce Campbell
208-340-5467
Looking to bring a car from Toronto or Ottawa to Minneapolis or maybe to SF. Date would be good around mit August. Let me know if you need to move your car somewhere to the west.
Demian
demianez@2efd1225fdde0e80256cc2e08fe8a859:disqus
Auto driveway is an auto ship business. I did not see an opportunity to drive another’s auto.
http://www.autodriveaway.com/employment check out this link
I am a senior citizen seeking to drive another’s vehicle from Atlanta, Ga. to California (Los Angeles, Ontario or Riverside). I would be willing to assist another drive this route; needed departure July 20, 2012.
need car driven to denver from new orleans asap. will pay for gas.
I’m looking for someone that lives in California, and needs their car driven to them from the East coast. I’m located near Harrisburgh, PA but am able to pick the car up. My reason for doing this is because I’m looking to relocated to California. I have family out there, and many more opportunities to better my future. Also I am not looking to do any site seeing on the drive out, so it will be a straight shot. Thanks
gterek08@gmail.com to contact me or reply here.
I am a semi retired college professor. And travel much and have clean license -how do i get a gig like this?
I am looking to drive an SUV-type vehicle from Los Angeles to Michigan to take my son to school. We will need to leave from Los Angeles on 8/24, and will arrive in Michigan on approximately 8/29.
Please contact me by email or by phone at 310-804-5528 if interested.
Hi! I’ll be in Dallas at 4/5 September. I can drive your car to the West. I’ve got clear driving license and will pay for the gas. For more questions please contact with me by email
kiboko@o2pl
Need to go from Los Angeles to Dallas in beginning of August. Please let me know if you need a car transported from L.A to Dallas. Email: rortvedt.jordan@gmail.com
moving to east coast looking for anyone who needs a car delivered in that direction my dates are flexable. I have a clean driveing record , non smoker ,53 years old . please call me @720-839-1895
I am interested in driving a car from the San Francisco Bay area to Atlanta, GA in the next few weeks. Mature Professional driver with excellent record, do not drink or smoke. Please contact me if you need a car driven cross country.
Need to get from Cleveland, OH to Indy, IN. 56 yrs.old, non-smoker, clean driving record. Hoping for a stroke of luck. call 440-221-2798
Sorry…rooking mistake..Ned to go Friday, July 27, 2012. Hence the stroke of luck
OMG…Rookie!!!!
I am looking for a car to drive from Wisconsin(or surrounding area) to Homer, Alaska anytime between now and early September.
Planning a trip to California in October to visit my son in the military. If anyone needs a vehicle delivered out there please contact me at ksbissett@aol.com
My daughter, 22, and I are driving from Columbus OH to San Diego CA in a few weeks. Leaving Ohio Aug 6/7, arriving CA Aug 11/12. Happy to transport car. Please call 614-443-6626 and ask for Eric. Both non-smokers, clean driving record. Both able to drive stick shift.
I am a truck driver by trade. I have been driving professionaly for 20 years, with a clean abstract. If anyone needs a vehicle driven to BC from Ont in the month of Aug 2012, please email me jasonkeithster@hotmail.com. Thanks
Hello. Looking to drive in December from Montreal, Quebec to Orange County, California (Laguna Niguel) to visit our daughter and family. My wife and I have clean drive’s record and will pass all requirements. Please contact Rene @ dchretien1@sympatico.ca – Thank you.
Looking for someone to drive my packed up car from Denver CO area to Boston!! My name is Hannah and my number is (970)-319-7746
looking to drive from LA to miami. who needs their car moved!!!
anyone looking to have their cart driven from Massachusetts (Boston North Shore) to Florida (Winter Park) early to mid September?
Contact umccomas@hotmail.com if so….
Thanks!
Boston to Seattle almost free! Anyone (student, work) driving from Boston area to Seattle WA soon? Need a Subaru Forester driven to Seattle by 8/15 8 pm at Seattle Tachoma airport. $200 gas money and space for your stuff! Write me at jamesbrownell@hotmail.com within the next few days! This is new ad 8/6/12.
Anyone need a car / truck driven from Phoenix to New England? Please email me dajvt60@gmail.com. Non smoker, clean drive record. 51 yrs old. Thanks Denis
Arriving in San Francisco the second week of September 2012. Looking to drive a vehicle back to the east coast. Drive cars for a living. Clean driving record. Respectful. Email becm75@yahoo.com with questions. Thanks
Hello! I’m an artist and college professor moving from Providence to San Francisco and am happy to drive your car to the west coast. I have a good driving record and have driven cross-country many times. Can pick up in NYC, Boston, etc. I can leave anytime Aug 22-27. Email me at betseybiggs@brown.edu.
Need my car (Saturn 2002) driven from Chicago area to San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles, CA. Dates flexible. Non-smokers only! Contact me at carolbeen@aol.com
Have you got a driver yet
Live in Alexandria, VA looking to get back to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Would be willing to drive someone’s mini van or SUV from VA to FL and will even meet you half way and pay for half the gas to deliver your car. Clean driving record, really good driver. Your car will be in safe hands. If interested please e-mail me at djwinza@yahoo.com. Thank you.
I am looking to drive someone’s car or truck from Bozeman, MT to Asheville/Charlotte, NC area in mid October 2012. Anything available?
I am 54 years old and have a clean driving record with no accidents in the past 38 years and no speeding tickets. I am moving my 14 year old daughter to my home in NC…
Moving to Tampa from Queens, NY and i need a car / SUV, non-rental
I’m looking for someone to drive a 2004 Didge Durango from Lafayette la to Charlotte NC. Email me for additional info: bumblebeebees@hotmail.com
Looking to drive a car one way from the Dallas Tx area to Asheville, NC area during late September early October, 2012. Anyone need a car moved?
Have looked into the “Driveaway” car “opportunities”…and they simply don’t exist. I’ve even contacted rental car companies and they use commercial car haulers, not independent drivers. The ONLY possibility I could fathom is if you might personally know an owner of a car rental business…otherwise this is UNREALITY.
Ed: You are completely wrong. I just visited the Auto Driveaway site that I linked to in my article to confirm that they still offer this service and there is a page on the site specifically for drivers that detains the requirements: http://www.autodriveaway.com/driver
I just clicked link and saw it. Thank you. I just wish there were more services on West Coast, and I know you are not in charge of any of it. Like you blog.
Thanks Ed.
Need your vehicle transported to Florida, Daytona area? I am a responsible 52 year old female with a chocolate lab. Traveling late September returning to Ilion NY dec 6
40yo responsible man relocating to southeast. Leaving los angeles area sometime in Sept. Can drive your car to Virginia, Tenn., NC, SC, Alabama msybe even FL.
looking to drve a car from Pheonix to San Francisco the fourth week of November[Thanksgiving week]. I am retired and it would be my wife and I.
I need two cars driven from Northern VA to San Diego in October. Anyone interested? Email me at clistva22046@aol.com. Leslie
If anyone needs a vehicle transported to florida from southern california I am a CDL over the road driver, getting ready to head home to south florida, I don’t like flying as crazy as it may seem I would rather drive. I am a very safe driver never had an accident in my life, you pay for gas I will pay my own expenses, and I will deliver your vehicle safe and sound within 5 or 6 days tops. My name is john I’m 46 been driving SAFELY for 30 years 786-253-0289
Great website! I am looking for a reliable driver to bring our car this month from California to Detroit.. Feel free to contact me, Peter
Hi may I have more details on this trip
Thank You
Becky
Looking to drive a car from chicago to Houston in mid October. Responsible middle aged couple looking to help out and take a road trip.
I need to drive a car from Atlanta Georgia to Ft. Lauderdale Florida the first week in Oct/2012. One way only. I am a very good driver and am over 60 years in good health with no animals, and insured. Paulette Bayer
Paulettebayer@yahoo.com
Looking to drive from Phoenix or surrounding area to Ny/Nj/Pa anytime after the first week in October. I am a responsible and professional 37 year old female with a clean driving record. Can drive standard or auto transmission vehicle. Please contact me at aikomama@hotmail.com
If you are looking for a driver to drive your vehicle form Fort Lauderdale, FL to Charlotte, NC or Charlotte, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL please contact me.
Regards,
David
HELLO,
Looking for a driver from Montana to a Chicago, in a week from now, here is my phone number 406-270-2102.
Thanks,
Yvonne wysote
Looking for a car to drive from Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach Fl area to New Orleans from October 17th to October 25th. We are a family from Denmark on vacation in Florida.
Regards
Lars