A driveaway service is when a professional driver gets behind the wheel of your vehicle and drives it to where it needs to go. No truck, no trailer, no terminal. Your car, truck, RV or van is moved on its own four wheels, door to door, by one driver.
It’s the oldest way to move a vehicle, and for a lot of people it’s still the best one. Here’s how a driveaway service works, how it compares to car shipping, and when it makes the most sense.
What Does “Driveaway” Mean?
“Driveaway” simply means the vehicle is driven away to its destination instead of being hauled. The term has been used in the transport world for decades. Manufacturers and dealers have long used driveaway drivers to deliver new trucks, buses and RVs, and families use the same idea to move their personal cars across the country.
With a professional driveaway service like Professional Drivers, you hire a vetted driver who picks up your vehicle, drives it to the destination you choose, and hands you back the keys.
Driveaway Service vs. Car Shipping
Most people know car shipping: your car gets loaded onto a carrier truck with other vehicles. A driveaway service works differently, and the differences matter.
| Driveaway service | Car shipping | |
|---|---|---|
| Who moves it | One driver, start to finish | Often a broker, then a carrier you never meet |
| Pickup day | Set when you book | Often a window of several days |
| Your belongings | Pack the car | Usually limited or not allowed |
| Pets | Can ride in the car | Not allowed |
| Riding along | You can ride with your car | Not possible |
| Contact | Your driver’s name and cell number | A dispatcher or broker |
The trade-off is simple: a driveaway adds miles to your vehicle, the same miles you’d add driving it yourself. In return, you get one person responsible for your car the entire way. Want the full comparison? See our car shipping alternative page.
How a Driveaway Service Works
- Get your quote. Tell us the vehicle, where it is, where it’s going and your dates.
- Meet your driver. You get your driver’s name and direct cell number before pickup.
- Pack it up. Load the car with whatever you need on the other end.
- Hand over the keys. Your driver does a walk-around with you at pickup.
- Delivered door to door. Your driver brings it straight to you, then heads home.
What Can Be Moved With a Driveaway Service?
If it’s street legal and runs, a professional driver can usually drive it. Professional Drivers moves:
- Everyday cars, SUVs and trucks
- Electric vehicles
- RVs and motorhomes
- U-Haul, Penske and Budget rental trucks, with your car towed behind
- Company cars, vans and fleet vehicles
When a Driveaway Service Makes the Most Sense
- Snowbird season: Fly south and have your car waiting, packed for the winter.
- Moving with pets: Your dog or cat rides in your own car instead of a plane.
- Military moves: New orders and two cars? Your family travels together and we bring the second one.
- College: A student’s car delivered to campus, full of dorm supplies.
- Emergencies: A car stuck far from home after a hospital stay or a change of plans.
- You want to ride along: Travel with your car without doing the driving.
Who Are the Drivers?
This is the question that matters most, because a driveaway service is only as good as the person behind the wheel. Every Professional Drivers driver, men and women alike, is carefully vetted and drug-screened. Our team includes retired business executives, military veterans and career drivers.
- More than 40 years in business
- Over 20,000 customers served
- Millions of accident-free miles
- No brokers: the same company from your first call to delivery
Related: How to Hire Someone to Drive Your Car Across the Country (Cost, Pros & Cons) ยท Bought a Car Out of State? Here’s How to Get It Home
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a driveaway service?
A driveaway service moves your vehicle by having a professional driver drive it to its destination, instead of loading it onto a truck or trailer.
Is a driveaway service the same as car shipping?
No. Car shipping hauls your car on a carrier, often arranged through a broker. A driveaway service uses one driver who drives your car door to door, and you can pack the car, bring pets or ride along.
Does a driveaway add miles to my car?
Yes, the same miles you’d add driving it yourself. Many people decide that’s worth it for a set pickup day, a packed car and one driver they can call.
How much does a driveaway service cost?
Every trip is quoted for your exact vehicle, distance and dates. Fuel, tolls and the driver’s trip home are billed at actual cost, with no markup.
Ready to Hand Over the Keys?
Tell us where your vehicle is and where it needs to go. Get your free quote or call us at (214) 444-7544.
