Copyright © 2002-2004 Andrew Dean Nystrom

What exactly is an Auto Driveaway?

Since the early 1950s, vehicle owners in the USA or Canada who need to transport their cars from one place to another have been finding voluntary drivers for their vehicles through private intermediary vehicle transport companies such as Auto Driveaway Co.

Vehicle owners pay to have their vehicle transport needs posted and willing drivers contact local offices for a list of available vehicles. The vehicle owners pay for the service, but drivers only pay for gasoline and occasionally a small fee for insurance.

What does an auto driveaway cost the driver?

Nothing. Unlike renting a car, their is no charge to the driver for the use of the vehicle. Typically the driver leaves the local agency a refundable cash deposit (around US$300) and pays only for gasoline - the first tank is typically included free.

Carefully consider what type of gas mileage your vehicle may get and check the vehicle carefully for damage before you sign the contract.

How much time is allowed to deliver the vehicle?

Mileage allowances are calculated based on no more than eight hours of driving per day, for an average of around 400 miles (650km) per day. Typical driving schedules allow for some sightseeing en route, but little deviation from the most direct delivery route. The longest cross-country delivery routes (say, San Diego, California to New York City) are allowed up to ten days.

What type of cars are available? Where do they come from?

Auto driveaway vehicles come from many sources, and in many shapes and sizes. Most available cars are late model vehicles, as people who are able to afford to pay someone else to do the driving for them tend to own nicer vehicles.

Many Fortune 500 corporations use auto driveaway companies to deliver vehicles to relocated employees. Seasonal vacationers and snowbird retirees often pay to have their vehicles shipped while they pilot their RVs south for the winter.

More than 20,000 vehicles are shipped annually in the USA and Canada via several competing auto driveaway services.

How can I find auto driveaway vehicles?

Check the "Automobile Transporters & Drive-Away Companies" section in your local phone book, or search the Internet for "auto driveaway" and then begin by making some phone calls.

Many companies list available vehicles online, but phone calls will assure that you get the most up-to-date listings. Most companies suggest that you contact them no more than a week ahead of your desired departure date, but available listings are often posted online up to one month in advance.

Being flexible and persistent are the two keys to finding a vehicle that best suits your needs.