Driveaway vs auto transport: which is better, and when
Last updated: July 26, 2026
Driveaway means an assigned professional drives your car to its destination. Auto transport means your car rides on a trailer with several others. Driveaway can fit when your car runs and you value an accountable driver and trip-specific communication. Trailer transport fits when the car is inoperable or an ultra-high-value show car you do not want driven.
SelectDrive planning status as of July 26, 2026: SelectDrive is accepting quote and route-planning requests only while required federal interstate operating authority is pending. No interstate for-hire move will begin unless and until that authority is granted and active and the specific vehicle, driver, insurance, route, and signed agreement are approved.
| Planned SelectDrive driveaway | Broker / trailer transport | |
|---|---|---|
| Who handles your car | A future approved trip would name the driver | Carrier assigned directly or through a broker |
| Transfers | Planned direct model, subject to signed terms | Possible terminal or trailer transfers |
| Tracking | Could be enabled on a future approved trip | Varies by provider |
| Personal effects / animals | Pet or ordinary belongings only with advance written trip approval | Provider and contract rules vary |
| Mileage added to car | Yes, the route distance on a future trip | None (rides on a trailer) |
| Inoperable cars | Outside the planned scope | Possible with the right carrier |
| Pricing | $450 daily driver pay, half-day billing, plus itemized trip costs | Varies by carrier, route, and market |
When driveaway is the better choice
Choose an authorized driveaway provider when your car runs safely, your timeline is specific, and you accept added route miles. SelectDrive can prepare a preliminary plan only. If authority becomes active and a trip is approved, its signed agreement would identify the driver, tracking terms, documentation process, and any written pet or belongings approval.
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, when you are moving several vehicles at once, or when service is needed while SelectDrive authority is pending.
The honest trade-offs of driveaway
Driveaway adds route mileage to the odometer and depends on the car being safely driveable. Weather can shift the timeline. SelectDrive's planned model could identify one assigned driver, but those terms are not active service while authority is pending. A pet that travels well may accompany the vehicle it belongs to, and ordinary belongings that fit safely below the window line may be accommodated, but both require advance disclosure and written approval in the trip agreement. Approval is separate from the price estimate and is never automatic. These accommodations are incidental to delivering the vehicle. SelectDrive does not offer household goods moving, standalone goods delivery, or standalone pet transport. No person may ever travel in the vehicle.
Comparing specific companies?
If you are weighing named providers, see our guide to the best car shipping and driveaway services, or read a head-to-head: SelectDrive vs Montway, SelectDrive vs uShip, or SelectDrive vs Auto Driveaway.
Frequently asked questions
Is driveaway cheaper than shipping a car on a trailer?
It depends on the route, provider, and written terms. Compare the final price, transport method, assigned provider, insurance documents, and change conditions. SelectDrive currently offers preliminary planning estimates only while required authority is pending.
Should I drive my car myself or hire a driveaway service?
An authorized driveaway provider can operate an eligible car while you fly or stay put. SelectDrive is not dispatching interstate for-hire moves while required federal operating authority is pending. A future approved SelectDrive trip would identify the driver and tracking terms in writing.
Does driveaway add miles to my car?
Yes. Because a person drives the car to its destination, route distance is added to the odometer. Trailer transport does not add route miles to the car.
Not sure which model fits?
Tell Pilot your route for a preliminary comparison. No interstate dispatch occurs while required authority is pending.