Driveaway Cars – Like Driving Someone Else’s Automobile for Free

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.

Hit the road for free in someone else's automobile, with a driveaway car
Hit the road for free in someone else’s automobile, with a driveaway car

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 like getting a free rental car, 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

Feel free to leave a comment below, however this site is solely a travel blog and as such is not in any way involved in the business of arranging for the transfer of vehicles. Use of this blog for such purposes hereby releases and forever discharges and holds harmless Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel, Barbara Weibel, and all successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from such use.

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Driveaway Cars - Like Driving Someone Else\'s Automobile for Free

2,253 thoughts on “Driveaway Cars – Like Driving Someone Else’s Automobile for Free”

  1. Hi,
    I’m driving from
    WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
    to MYRTLE BEACH SO CAROLINA
    then on through LOUISIANA
    to TEXAS
    then up to SOUTH DAKOTA
    and back to WESTERN MA.
    I hope to make the most of the trip by moving your autos between any points.
    In my 50s, responsible, nonsmoking, lifelong driver with a clean record.
    I’ll be leaving in mid May, drop off locations should be within fair range of major roadways.
    Thanks a bunch!
    Paula

    Reply
  2. Hey there,

    I drive professionally as a Tour Manager and Driver for artists and musicians. I’m looking to transport someone’s vehicle from either Portland or San Francisco to Los Angeles on either the 20th or 21st March. If you’re interested please contact me via email. I’m 32 years old and have a clean license.

    Best,
    Aaron.

    Reply
  3. Good morning from Latvia,

    I (entrepreneur in Latvia see web site) am coming to USA with my wife Aija (PhD economic in LV) and our two childern Elizabete (14 years) and Jan (12 years) are going to visit USA from 10th of July till 5th of August. Flying into New York and back from Houston.
    I lived in USA for a year in 1988 so want to go to some old friends in Florida and Texas, Austin and we heard of this opportunity to get some transport done so if you do not write you never know.
    So also flexible in time and places but need to be around places mentioned above.
    Thanks so far.
    Ed-Jan van der Steen

    Reply
  4. hi, looking for a vehicle to drive from Orlando Florida to Los Angeles California needs to be big enough to put small antique dresser. I am a professional driver retired now class a commercial license I don’t drink or smoke I will be making this trip alone all I ask is gas and tolls to be paid for also vehicle needs to be in good running condition if anybody’s interested let me know thank you Jan

    Reply
    • Hello Jan,

      Jan – I’m acquiring a very good condition Jeep Grand Cherokee in Columbia, SC. Let’s talk about me paying for you & dresser to get to Columbia, SC via Amtrak [8.5 hrs.], deliver vehicle to southern Colorado. I pay for your Amtrak fares Orlando to Columbia [or perhaps you can get a friend to drive you & dresser to Columbia] & from Southern CO to LA – gas and should be no tolls. Not 100% of your request, however, may work as an alternative. Let’s discuss asap if you are interested.

      Regards,

      John

      Reply
  5. I drive 100,000 plus Km a year, mostly in someone elses vehicle even though I own a Ford pickup truck and a Camry sedan. I drive all over Canada and parts of the US, picking up and delivering autos, P/Ups, motorhomes. I have driven in Africa and the UK where they drive on the left hand side of the street. I am a non drinker and non smoker, never did either in my life. I am interested in doing some pickup and deliveries anywhere in Canada and the US. My rates are more than reasonable, if interested please call, I live in Gander Newfoundland.
    Ph Number 709 256 8305 ( H ) 709 424 3018 ( C )

    Reply
  6. I m visiting USA and Calgary in the month of June-15, i would like to drive car from Chicago to Calgary. Please revert back if you required driver during this period my dates are flexible.

    Reply
  7. I am looking for someone to drive my Toyota Prius from Chicago to San Jose, Ca in 1st week of April, 2015. Car to be delivered in 4 days.

    Please give your details and quote.

    Reply
    • Time frame not a problem at this time. I need your email so I can get pertinent info to provide your price quote. Thanks.
      Gary

      Reply
    • Hello, my name is Shaun. I reside in RI and moving out to San Diego to be with my brother. I was browsing traveling options and stumbled across this. I am 26, clean driving record , and very punctual. I will be traveling alone and I am a responsible driver/person. Please contact me if you’re still in need of a transporter. Thank you and take care

      Reply
        • Did you find somebody to drive your car yet I would like to do it I live in Hawaii and go to the mainland every year and like to drive across the state usually from Florida to California give me a call my name is Randy my phone number is 808 283 36 87 thank you

          Reply
  8. Hi,
    I’m looking to drive a truck or van from Chicago to the Philadelphia or Washington DC area around late May or June. Let me know if you’re interested.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Hi there. If you are looking for someone to drive your car from Edmonton or Carlgary to Montreal or around there. So im your good driver and Im ready to go. so Email me 🙂

    Reply
  10. Hi, my name is Jerelyn, and this is kind of short notice, but I am available to drive a vehicle, any type, from Idaho(around the Lewiston area), to St. George, Ut. or destinations inbetween or aproximate to. I have driven all over the United States and have a clean divier’s record. Let me know if you have a need. I will be leaving Idaho around March 18th, 2015. Thanks

    Reply
  11. Mature, safe driver available early spring, Denver [100+ mile radius or easy Amtrak from Trinidad to vehicle] to east coast – safe vehicle, no clunkers; clean CO DL [former bus commercial DL], x-Army officer, semi-retired. call 510 545 4411, although So. CO located.

    Reply
  12. Responsible driver clean driving record. Heading from NY to AZ in late May. Can drive your car/small SUV to AZ or somewhere in between 🙂

    Reply
    • Hello Harmony,

      We are relocating to Tucson, AZ from New Jersey and are looking for options to move our car to AZ. Would like to see if this would be an option? Do you have dates that you plan on driving? If so, can you kindly provide references specifically for folks that you might have done this before? Please let us know.

      Thanks,
      Santhosh

      Reply
  13. Hello!

    My name is Danielle and I am seeking a car to drive from New Jersey to Denver, Colorado in the month of May. I am working on my MSW and moving out for an internship. I am licensed, non-smoker, and incredibly respectful. I can provide references and additional information. Please let me know if you have any interest or possibilities!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  14. Would like to drive your vehicle to alaska via the alcan hwy. i will originate from western colorado to drive your vehicle to south central or interior alaska. I have lots of driving experience including commercial driving. Have driven the alcan hwy twice.
    I would like to end up near anchorage or fairbanks or anywhere from northway, ak on in, with your delivery.
    Prefer a 30 day notice on this.
    I need some room for a few personal items and a 12 lb. dog (he can stay in a carrier during the trip, if you require).
    If you are seriously interested, reply and i will provide email and a phone #.

    Reply
  15. We have traveled with are 30′ RV but have sold it to someone who really wanted it. However this year we plan traveling from Eugene OR. to Arizona the end of March. Would you like to your RV brought there for you? Let me know.

    Michael

    Reply
  16. We are a traveling family and after driving through 20 European countries we are heading to the USA to see our children’s grandparents. We can drive any vehicle (sedan and larger) from anywhere in New England (or thereabouts) to anywhere in the Pacific Northwest (or close to it) leaving anytime in June or July. We have a perfect driving record and after driving through 20 countries, we are ready for any roadblocks that may arise. I know that many people may not want a family with children in their car but we assure you our children are very well traveled and respectful of spaces and property. We are flexible on times and dates. We are both working professionals that are trying to show our children the world and we look for creative solutions whenever possible. We would be honored to deliver your vehicle safely and to have the opportunity exceed your expectations. Check out our family story http://www.livology.com if you may consider our services. Thank you!

    Reply
    • How about driving other way around. Seattle to Burlington vermont. I need my Nissan rogue transported back to vermont
      Anytime In May 2015.
      It’s a stunningly beautiful drive.. I did coming out in Dec 2014,
      But was in mountain trekking accident and can’t drive car home.
      Please let me know.. Either way.
      Chiapas
      Jaafa

      Reply
  17. My boyfriend and I are both safe and experienced drivers looking for trips from Michigan/N. Indiana to Florida. His daughter lives in Florida and we are looking for a cost effective way to travel back and forth throughout the year. We are both Non-smokers. Would love to find some snowbirds to set up regular annual trips with.

    Reply
  18. My husband and I are looking to drive a SUV, van, or larger car across country from the DC to San Francisco area in mid- to late-April (but May would also work), 2015. We are mature adults, have excellent driving records, are non-smokers, and can drive manuals. We plan to make the drive in 6 to 7 days. If anyone is interested please contact me at [email protected].
    Thanks

    Reply
  19. Hello!

    I am available to transport an automobile from Seattle to Los Angeles during the autumn of 2015 (sometime between august and late november). I will also be stopping in Portland and San Francisco along the way.

    I’m a responsible, conscientious traveler. I’ll take excellent care of your car along my journey!
    Please see my airbnb site for references and basic info: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/1414656

    At this point, I’m very flexible about the dates, but will need to finalize plans during the next couple months, so please contact me soon if you might want to work something out.

    Thanks!!

    Reply
  20. Im driving to northern california from texas .Im in transportation business since 2008 and picking up a vehicle to bring to texas. i will drop yours off for free just pay the gas and stypin

    Reply
  21. Should have included that i will originate from western colorado to drive your vehicle to south central or interior alaska. Please see the other post i made on feb.10 for more info

    Reply
  22. I have lots of driving experience including commercial driving. Have driven the alcan hwy twice.
    I would like to end up near anchorage or fairbanks with the delivery.
    Prefer a 30 day notice on this.
    I need some room for a few personal items and a 12 lb. dog.
    If you are seriously interested, email me and i will provide a phone #.

    Reply
  23. My wife and I are driving our small dog back from San Diego to Chicago at the end of Feb/early March 2015. The vet said our dog can not handle the pressure of a plane. We are willing to drive your car back to Chicago and cover all our own expenses. We are gainfully employed and have excellent driving records. No need to respond after March 3,2015

    Reply
  24. hello my name is sarah I m with my boyfriend Douglas, we are two confirmed drivers. we will drive your car from miami to los angeles from the 1st march to the 28 or before.
    If you need so you can also write me an email at [email protected]

    Reply
    • Hi,

      My name is Heather. I am a 27 year old Florida licensed driver. I live in Tampa, FL but have been visiting Portland, OR for several months.

      I will be ready to move back to Florida after the 1st week of April, 2015. I would prefer to go directly from Portland to Tampa, but anywhere from Southern California up to Seattle is okay for a starting point and anywhere on the Eastcoast as an ending point is fine, too.

      I can drive automatic and stick.
      I don’t need compensation beyond the cost of gas for a direct route.
      Good driving record.
      Worked for an auto shop test driving cars.
      Experience driving many, many different kinds of cars, trucks, and vans.
      Willing to drive with you if you just need someone to share driving time with.

      Please contact me if you have a vehicle I can drive back East.

      -H

      Reply
      • Hello Heather, I am looking for a driver in late april from SF to Sarasota. I have a Lexus plus am possibly looking into pulling a small u-haul trailer – that is undecided yet. Are you interested?

        All the best,

        Linda

        Reply
      • hi I will be visiting my uncle in orland then driving to Southern California I had already rented a car
        But am willing able to transport your
        CarI am 50years old excellent driving record references available
        Please call me 808.283.3687

        Reply

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