Driveaway vs auto transport: which is better, and when
Last updated: June 2026
Driveaway means a professional driver drives your car to its destination. Auto transport means your car rides on a trailer with several others. Driveaway wins when your car runs, you want one accountable driver, and you value direct tracking. Trailer transport wins when the car is inoperable or an ultra-high-value show car you do not want driven.
| Driveaway (SelectDrive) | Broker / trailer transport | |
|---|---|---|
| Who handles your car | One named driver, start to finish | Broker, then an unknown carrier |
| Transfers | None | Possible terminal or trailer transfers |
| Tracking | Live GPS, daily check-ins | Often none |
| Belongings / pets | Allowed when they fit | Prohibited |
| Mileage added to car | Yes, the route distance | None (rides on a trailer) |
| Inoperable cars | Not eligible | Possible with the right carrier |
| Pricing | $0.75/mi, fully itemized | Quote can change after pickup |
When driveaway is the better choice
Choose driveaway when your car runs and drives, you want one trusted person responsible for the whole trip, your timeline is specific, or you want to send a pet or packed belongings with the vehicle. Because Dan drives it himself with live GPS and photo documentation, you always know where your car is and who has it.
When trailer transport is the better choice
Choose trailered auto transport when the vehicle cannot be driven, when it is an ultra-high-value collector car you do not want to add road miles to, or when you are moving several vehicles at once. We will tell you honestly when this is the right call for your situation, even though it is not what we offer.
The honest trade-offs of driveaway
Driveaway adds the route mileage to your odometer and depends on the car being safely driveable, and on long routes weather can shift the timeline. In exchange you get one accountable driver, no trailer transfers, live tracking, and the option to move pets and belongings. For most operable cars on a planned move, that trade is worth it.
Not sure which fits your move?
Tell Pilot your route and we will be straight with you about whether driveaway is the right tool.