Driving vs. Shipping: What’s the Best Option When Moving Within Canada

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Advantages of Driving
   • Cost Savings
   • Flexibility
   • Adventure
3. Advantages of Shipping
   • Convenience
   • Vehicle Preservation
   • Safety
4. Challenges of Driving
5. Challenges of Shipping
6. Choosing the Right Option for You
7. Final Thoughts

Summary

When moving from Toronto, choosing between driving yourself or using car shipping services Toronto companies offer is crucial. Driving gives flexibility and adventure, while shipping offers convenience and safety. This guide explores the advantages and challenges of both options to help you make the best decision for your move across Canada.

Introduction 

Moving from Toronto to a new location? Then one important decision you need to make is whether you drive on your own or hire a company offering car shipping services in Toronto. Both options have their advantages and challenges, and to help you in this decision-making process, here is our guide to which is better.

Advantages Of Driving

There are many reasons why people want to drive their cars while relocating. Here are some of them:

Cost Savings

Driving is cost-effective, depending on where you are relocating. If it is a relatively short distance, such as Toronto to Ottawa, the cost of fuel and related travel expenses may not be significant.

Flexibility

As said before, you get more flexibility when driving on your own. If you don’t have much luggage to move with, you can pack all your belongings in the car. For pet owners, it is fun to drive with your pet instead of paying extra on travel for it.

Adventure

For many, a long drive across Canada’s scenic highways can be an enjoyable and memorable adventure, turning the move into a road trip experience.

Advantages Of Shipping

Opting for car shipping services in Toronto from a professional is a hassle-free solution, particularly for cross-country moves such as relocating from Toronto to Halifax or Vancouver to Toronto.

Convenience

You don’t have to worry about being late on the road, driving through unknown routes, planning where to stay the night and more when hiring professionals. You can hand over your car before the moving date, then fly to your destination and have the car delivered to your location or pick it up from their terminal. So, you have more time to pack and unpack. 

Vehicle Preservation

Long-distance drives can cause significant wear and tear on your vehicle, particularly when covering thousands of kilometres. By using car shipping services in Toronto, you protect your car from unnecessary mileage, tire wear, and potential breakdowns along the journey.

Safety

Canadian winter makes it hard for driving. Professional transport companies are equipped to handle various conditions safely, offering peace of mind during your move.

Challenges Of Driving

Driving long distances across Canada can be tiring and time-consuming. You’ll face weather risks, fuel and accommodation costs, and potential vehicle wear and tear. Delays from road closures or breakdowns are common, and long trips add stress, especially for older vehicles.

Challenges Of Shipping

The cost of shipping can seem exorbitant for some, and you have to depend on their shipping schedule. Carriers often don’t allow personal items, and rural areas may lack door-to-door service. Finding a reliable, insured transporter also takes research.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Now that you know both the advantages and challenges of driving by yourself and opting for car shipping services in Toronto, how do you choose one? Well, by answering these questions:

• How far am I moving? Short distances may favour driving, while longer distances might make shipping more practical.
• What’s my timeline? If you don't have time, shipping is the best option.
• What’s my budget? You need to minutely calculate the true cost of both options, considering hidden expenses.
• Is my vehicle suitable for a long drive? Older vehicles or luxury cars may be better off being shipped to avoid potential issues.
• Do I enjoy long road trips? If not, shipping might spare you a lot of stress.

Final Thoughts

Driving or opting for car shipping services in Toronto is a very personal choice, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to it. All you can do is carefully weigh in on the advantages and the challenges of both the options and answer the questions given in this blog. Hopefully, it will help you make the best decision and ensure the new change in your life is smooth and stress-free.