Cross-country road trips are losing popularity and more vehicle owners are relying on domestic auto transport to ship their beloved automobiles instead of driving to far destinations. What ever happened to the American traditions of road trips and drive-away services? Why is domestic car shipping on the rise, when vehicle owners could transport their cars themselves while enjoying the scenery?
Gas Prices and the Economy
A study into the driving habits of drivers in the United States by the Federal Highway Administration reveals an interesting statistic: Americans are driving less and keeping their cars longer. This may not be readily apparent to commuters who find themselves stuck in traffic on daily basis, but the fact is that 2011 was one of the lowest years in terms of mileage per driver since the beginning of the 21st century. Higher gas prices, a flight from the suburbs to urban centers with adequate public transportation, and an uncertain economy are the main causes for this change in driving habits.
Local auto transport is on the rise as well. Local car shipping is a term often used to describe vehicle transport that is longer than what a regular tow truck service may offer, but shorter than crossing several state lines. The fact that Americans are willing to pay for their automobiles to be delivered just a few hundred miles away instead of driving themselves is indicative of the changing attitudes towards moving and relocation in the United States.
Car Transport Versus Driving
Americans have not given up entirely on driving, they are just driving smarter. Many of those commuters riding the metropolitan rail services and suburban bus routes have a car waiting for them in their driveways or garages. These vehicle owners are not only concerned about high gas prices but also about getting the most out of their investment.
Domestic auto transport in the United States has increased because families are relocating to places that offer better prospects for employment and prosperity. In the past, such a move may have consisted of loading everything into the car and taking off, but drivers these days want to make sure their vehicles are in one piece and in sound condition when they reach their new home. This is the main argument in favor of domestic car shipping; a family relocating from Utah to South Carolina sees auto transport as a prudent investment, not as an expense.
