Three Reasons Why Low Gas Prices Can't Bring Down the Car Shipping Industry

Subscribe February 19, 2015
Auto Transport | Car shipping process | Choosing an auto shipper | Industry Information | Shipping Heavy Equipment

Three Reasons Why Low Gas Prices Can't Bring Down the Car Shipping Industry
As gas and oil prices began dropping in the later part of 2014, and as experts noted that prices were likely to remain low for at least the beginning of 2015, economic analysts have made one prediction based on some recent trends: more Americans are willing to drive their own cars across long distances, instead of using public transportation or professional shipping services, and the number of Americans who are willing to do this will only increase. One would expect that the shipping industry, among other transportation-related industries, would not be in a good position.

But here's the thing: shipping companies -- car shipping companies in particular -- also benefit from lower gas prices just like average consumers do. There's a trickle-down effect that takes place in this industry, meaning that lower gas prices allow car transport companies to move vehicles and other heavy equipment at a much lower cost, thereby offering even cheaper prices to their customers.

In short, if you're in the process of a big move and you're wondering whether you should ship your car or if you should simply drive it yourself, car shipping services are still the more affordable, more convenient, and more secure option for transporting a vehicle. For example,

Experts estimate that it would cost about $2,000 in gas alone to drive across the country. Although that price has likely decreased with lower gas prices and higher efficiency vehicles, it's important to note that maintenance issues, insurance costs, and additional mileage on your car are factors in the overall "cost" of driving your vehicle. It's still about 25%-40% cheaper to use a car shipping service than to drive your car -- no matter how low gas prices drop.

Speaking of mileage on your car, it wouldn't matter if gas were completely free -- putting additional miles on your car's engine will still decrease its value and will increase the risk of maintenance issues. With car shipping services, only a minimal amount of additional mileage is put on your car (usually whatever is required to move the car on and off the carrier vehicle). For valuable and vintage car owners, this should be a strong selling point.

And finally, regardless of gas prices, a vehicle transport service will always provide a little extra protection for your car than driving would provide. Especially with enclosed carriers, cars are shielded from inclement weather conditions and from other vehicles out on the road. Professional drivers are always in charge of transportation, and companies generally employ people who are experienced with handling valuable cars, even for the loading/unloading processes.

Long story short -- there's more to consider than just gas prices when you need to move a vehicle, and car shipping companies are likely to come out on top nearly every time.

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