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.
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.
26th/27th March I’m driving from L.A. California to Texas. I have a clean driving record, I have a clean every type of record plus a retired vet and I am 45 yrs old. I will drive your R.V. for you, I only list R.V. because I love R.V.
Email: [email protected]
Florida to Arizona. I need to bring 2 pieces of equipment from:
2512 SW 30th Ave
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.
They would fill the fold down back seats of a mid size SUV or station wagon size, or 1/2 of back of van. Size of large dining room chairs each. [email protected] Thank you.
I am thinking of even driving a one-way Uhaul van back if you need share. I can drive your vehicle for you.
Visiting family in Oklahoma City 4/16/2016-4/30/2016. Looking for a vehicle to drive back to Virginia Beach area.
If interested please email me at [email protected]
Moving to Nashville? I’ll drive your car from California – Bay Area or SoCal – to Nashville Tennessee in late May or June. Middle-age couple, clean driving record. email [email protected]
Hello!
I am a 28 year old female, relocating from NYC to my hometown of Portland, OR in July 2016. I have a clean driving record, am extremely responsible and would be traveling with one friend to see the great American sights as we bid NY farewell after 10 years! My friend is also a licensed driver with a clean driving record (also 28 years old). I would not charge any fee, and am willing to travel anywhere near NYC to pick up your vehicle and drop it anywhere on the west coast that is convenient for you. Ideally we would choose a time frame of about 3 weeks to drive across country, as we’d like to make some stops along the way to sight see and spend an evening or two with family.
Thanks for helping my road trip dream come true! I hope to hear from you.
Julia
[email protected]
503-709-1871
Looking to drive someone’s vehicle from Phoenix area to New Jersey. (609) 408-2571.
I am trying to get my car from LA to east coast (GA) sometimes in end of march/ beginning of April
not sure how this works, , can I travel inside my car as well?
Hi,
I’m available to drive you’re car or truck from Colorado to Oregon in the next two months.
I have a clean record and plenty of distance driving experience.
Thanks,
Wanting to get a 2009 Chevy Aveo from Burlington, Vt. To Southern Oregon (or anywhere in Oregon that suits the driver). Now is great, but anytime in the next month or 2 would suffice.
Trying to find a situation where both sides get their needs met via some middle ground compromise.
I figure there are a lot of variables and what not to address and agree upon.
Hit me at [email protected]
Hey there friend,
I’m in Colorado and looking to get to Oregon, if someone can get your car a little further West, I’d love to get your car the rest of the way.
I have a lot of long distance driving experience (Denver to Montana, and all over the West Coast), a clean driving record, and just plain good sense and awareness.
Keep me in mind if something fits this situation.
Thanks.
Hi Jason,
My name is Eugene (a girl), I am going to be in NYC around July going to West Coast (California).
If you would consider me driving your car, please keep in touch.
[email protected]
Hi Jason,
If you end up needing help come July, I’m headed from NY to Portland and would gladly be of assistance.
[email protected]
Hi I need to go to my daughter Mary’s wedding in Portland Ore.by beginning of June.I have a 10 yr.old black lab and really don’t want to leave her behind or take her on a plane.Her name is Blossom and we’ve never been separated.I am a 54yo widow with an immaculate driving record.
NE Pa.
If anyone needs his vehicle driven from the East Coast (preferably NY or Boston) somewhere to the West Coast between April and June, contact me at [email protected]
Retired crane operator looking to drive a car from Richmond to Houston the week of March 13.
Retired Professional CDL licensed, with over 4 Million safe miles, Vietnam Era Veteran, Pet friendly, non-smoker. Looking to drive your vehicle from Central Florida to New England available 3rd week of March…
I might be interested in utilizing your services to drive my car from Delray Beach, FL to Suffern, NY (northern suburb of NYC) perhaps by next week.
Can you provide me with particulars? What is CDL?
Planning to go to California, sf bay, last of april or 1 st. of may. Cheapo air [$240.}But if Any one on the east coast needs a car , truck or u-haul driven west contact me. for the cost of gas it could be done. Fexible on dates could leave as early as april 6, I will not use your car for side trips or for my stay in California. Non smoker. Located between Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh Pa. If you have the need, let me have the adventure, flying boring. Call me 301 616 1335
I am an Army Veteran with immaculate driving record, doctorate, and a passion for driving that is moving back home to Southern California sometime this summer. (flexible on dates) I have driven from California to Boston. Cali to Texas. Cali to Tennessee. Georgia to L.A. ALL WITH NO ISSUES AT ALL. If you need an RV class C, Car, Van, SUV with RV in tow, MiniVan etc. moved to the other coast drop me an email with details.
Thanks,
Dr. Ricky B
Army Vet
Leaving Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo New York will drive your car to South Florida Feb, March, April dates neogiatable Discuss details References avaiable message [email protected]
Driving from Tampa, FL to Portland, OR beginning mid-March 2016. Very safe, reliable female Coast Guard veteran relocating to be near family. I will take one friend (always safer). Reply to me for references. Clean driving record (clean record period).
I am thinking of buying a Subaru in San Antonio, TX and need it in Washington state. Portland is close enough. Would that work for you?
I am 67 years old and retired from the Federal Government. I live in Colorado Springs and love to drive. I can drive you or your car anywhere in the US with only a few hours notice. I have never had an accident or ticket in my life and I used to drive all over the US for the gov’t.
I am looking for someone to drive my sons car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles around March 12th. Not sure if this is possible for you.
can u pls email me. I need to move my car and myself from LA( west coast) to GA (east coast)
[email protected]
Reliable driver with good driving record looking to drive your vehicle from Massachusetts to Florida. Looking to leave Massachusetts towards the end of February, early March.
I am a retired police officer with references available.
Hello I will drive your car or truck from North Carolina to west coast I can drive a straight shift 5 speed or automatic. I am a mature trusting female and enjoy traveling I just ask for plane fare back home. Can furnish driving record. thanks Peggy
Looking to drive a car from N.Y. To Florida. End of April 2016
Looking to drive someone’s car from Palm Desert, Ca area to New Jersey around the end of April, 2016.
Planning to go to California, sf bay, last of april or 1 st. of may. Any one on the east coast that needs a car , truck or u-haul driven west contact me. Willing to co drive if your making the trip.
Hi Rich
I am moving my 90 yr. old father to Northern California, Davis. He, currently, lives on Long Island. He will be moving out sometime in March/April. We are flexible on dates and could make arrangements for
you to pick up the car from a family member. His car is a, well maintained, 2001 Honda Accord and very dependable. We could easily pick the car up from you, if you want to take it as far as the Bay Area…..I have kids that live in SF, or we could get you a ticket on Amtrak from Davis to the Bay. Let me know if you have any interest. Thank you
Patti , thank you for the inquiry. My travel dates are also fexible, but can only travel when there is nice weather. Call me , for a interview ,and to exchange imformation. 301 616 1335 or email [email protected]
Hi I am travelling from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles Leaving PA on March 5th. I am able to pick up on Long Island first by getting a rental from PA to Long Island. I am visiting family in Los Angeles and SF area. I don’t fly and I’d rather not put the miles on my car. I am 33 year old mother of 2 daughters. I am very responsible and have an excellent driving record. Let me know if this time frame would work for you. I would just get a rental home, but it would save me a lot not having rental both ways. I would arrive in Los Angeles on the 7th and then San Franscisco on March 11th or 12th to drop off. [email protected]
Hi,
My name is Andrew and I’m a professional driver (35 years old with more than 15 years of experience, clean NYC driver licence).
I can drive somebody’s car/van/cargo van from Los Angeles to New York at the end of February (27-29 February, 2016).
2/8/2016
My wife and I will Fly to New York for a graduation ceremony on May 12 to 15 /2016 and will be in New York city for about 1 weeks and would like to drive a car back to the West coast . We would like to take your car to Los Angeles . This will be about 10 days and one stop at Rochester MN for a days or two . We are in our early 60’s and have both clean drivers license. It will take us a few days to drive from New York to Los Angeles area we are planing to drive 500 mile a day only and stay at the hotel at night . We will take very good care of your car .If you have a car and want us to drive it to the west coast please contact me.Thank you
My wife and I will Fly to New York for a graduation ceremony on May 12 to 15 /2016 and will be in New York city for about 1 weeks and would like to drive a car back to the West coast . We would like to take your car to Los Angeles . This will be about 10 days and one stop at Rochester MN for a days or two . We are in our early 60’s and have both clean drivers license. It will take us a few days to drive from New York to Los Angeles area we are planing to drive 500 mile a day only and stay at the hotel at night . We will take very good care of your car .If you have a car and want us to drive it to the west coast please contact me.Thank you