Shipping vs. Driving back to Texas

utfenix335i · 04-05-2011, 08:22 AM

So my dad bought a 5GT from here in the DC area and he's debating on driving it back vs. shipping it back to Texas. Most of us would say drive it back, but I think he just wants to get a good idea of how much the costs are. Anyone know of an Excellent shipping company who won't scuff or scratch my dad's new ride?

MacR6 · 04-05-2011, 08:25 AM

Back in 06 a group of us had to go to ft huachuca in southeastern AZ. Some of the guys shipped their cars an I think it cost the between 800-1000 dollars. I don't know if I would trust my new car to shipping then again something could happen on the way down while driving.

pseto · 04-05-2011, 08:58 AM

I've shipped cars from CA to MD and it was $1k about 3 years ago.

You have to really do good research on a shipping company. Almost ALL shipping companies hire drivers as independent contractors, and they will blatently lie to you and say they are employed/secured by their company. If they start changing timelines on you, I'm pretty sure its b/c they can't find anyone going from MD to TX.

The other decision you have to make is whether you want your car in an open or closed trailer. I've used an open one in the past and other than getting a little dirty, it was fine.

I would ship cars if I had to, but I'd rather make the drive.

BushidoN54 · 04-05-2011, 09:17 AM

Yeah, be careful with the car shipping company contractor thing as they basically put our your shipping order for bid and take the lowest bidder... where in TX is the car going? The state is a country in itself =)

You could just pay me $850 + Fuel costs, and I'll perform a flawless and speedy delivery...

utfenix335i · 04-05-2011, 01:25 PM

Haha. I could do the same for my folks. You can sleep in the car too. This thing is huge and very comfortable. At least huge compared to my e92

ADV.1 Matt · 04-05-2011, 01:39 PM

Been looking into this for a new DD i'm getting myself, figure 800 minimum.

Personally I think i'm gonna fly out and drive it back. Nothing better than a road trip in a new car?

04-05-2011, 08:22 AM	#1
utfenix335i Colonel 135 Rep 1,999 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i; 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	Shipping vs. Driving back to Texas So my dad bought a 5GT from here in the DC area and he's debating on driving it back vs. shipping it back to Texas. Most of us would say drive it back, but I think he just wants to get a good idea of how much the costs are. Anyone know of an Excellent shipping company who won't scuff or scratch my dad's new ride?
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04-05-2011, 08:25 AM	#2
MacR6 Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Back in 06 a group of us had to go to ft huachuca in southeastern AZ. Some of the guys shipped their cars an I think it cost the between 800-1000 dollars. I don't know if I would trust my new car to shipping then again something could happen on the way down while driving.
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04-05-2011, 08:58 AM	#3
pseto Major General 810 Rep 7,750 Posts Drives: E92 M3 ZCP, F80 M3 ZCP- beater Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (4)	I've shipped cars from CA to MD and it was $1k about 3 years ago. You have to really do good research on a shipping company. Almost ALL shipping companies hire drivers as independent contractors, and they will blatently lie to you and say they are employed/secured by their company. If they start changing timelines on you, I'm pretty sure its b/c they can't find anyone going from MD to TX. The other decision you have to make is whether you want your car in an open or closed trailer. I've used an open one in the past and other than getting a little dirty, it was fine. I would ship cars if I had to, but I'd rather make the drive. __________________ Paul Seto - BMW Car Club of America President, National Capital Chapter (MD/DC/NoVA) Director, National Events ///M Chapter Become a BMW CCA member; Click HERE to join and use my member #339225 for a referral Join our NCC Facebook Page
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04-05-2011, 09:17 AM	#4
BushidoN54 Private First Class 17 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Yeah, be careful with the car shipping company contractor thing as they basically put our your shipping order for bid and take the lowest bidder... where in TX is the car going? The state is a country in itself =) You could just pay me $850 + Fuel costs, and I'll perform a flawless and speedy delivery... __________________ 2007 335i E92: Mods? What are mods?
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04-05-2011, 01:25 PM	#5
utfenix335i Colonel 135 Rep 1,999 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i; 2015 X5 50i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	Haha. I could do the same for my folks. You can sleep in the car too. This thing is huge and very comfortable. At least huge compared to my e92 __________________ Join Bimmer Alliance.... https://www.facebook.com/groups/511846452162411/ Become a BMW CCA member & reference my member# 451032
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04-05-2011, 01:39 PM	#6
ADV.1 Matt Lieutenant Colonel 130 Rep 1,512 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Been looking into this for a new DD i'm getting myself, figure 800 minimum. Personally I think i'm gonna fly out and drive it back. Nothing better than a road trip in a new car?
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