Hello dmaestro22,
Thanks for the question.
This practice of delivering vehicles is commonly called "driveaways".
You may just be able to find a vehicle of the size you desire as all
sorts of vehicles are commonly delivered this way.
An article at http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=26&category=2
says:
About Driveaway
When the owner of a car pays for a driver to take it somewhere, it's
called a driveaway. Driveaways save money for the driver because it
pays for the transportation. The agreement can also save the owner a
substantial amount over the cost of shipping. .
The arrangement typically has the driver paying for the fuel, tolls,
food and lodging.The driver usually is authorized to pay for and claim
reimbursement for minor repairs -- under $50, say -- but must get
telephone authorization for others. The driver may carry passengers,
but must tell the company about them and accept no payment except a
share of the expenses.
Owners are usually asked to make arrangements at least two weeks in
advance. The owner is usually permitted to fill the trunk with
personal belongings but not to leave anything in the passenger area.
Sometimes the owner pays for the first tank of gas.
A standard driveaway service is when a vehicle is driven to its
destination by a driver who is not paid to do so. In other words, the
driver is not a professional. They must go through an application
process, during which their driving records are checked thoroughly.
The driver is required to leave a significant deposit before being
assigned a vehicle.
They go on further to state requirements, such as being over 21 in
most cases and driving no more than 8 hours per day in others and
possible penalties for arriving late. Its a good article and the above
companies are a great start in getting matched with a car for your
destination and timeframe.
They list the following contacts to find driveaways"
A AAAdvantage Auto Transport (800) 233-4875
Auto Driveaway Company, (800-346-2277)
Toronto Drive-Away (416) 226-4616.
AAA Auto International 877-mov-cars (668-2277).
A to Z Auto Shipping (888) 404-4420.
American Auto Shipping (800) 407-0137
Another good explanation of benefits and risks of driveaways can be
found at Underground Travel,
http://www.undergroundtravel.com/travel-savvy/driveaways.htm
And yet another good description resides at aaaworld.com at
http://aaaworld.com/pages/archive/JF02driveaways.html
One thing they mention of value to your search is:
For more information or to find an agency in your area, look under
"Auto Transporters" in the Yellow Pages. Or visit this Web site:
www.autodriveaway.com
Autodriveaway.com has online applications as well as a current list of
cars and destinations needing drivers.
Another very good article appeared in the St. Petersburg Times at
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/06/16/Travel/Travel_for_free_in_a_.shtml
They list additional companies that provide driveaways and good advice
in this excerpt:
"HOW TO DO IT: Driveaways are found online (www.autodriveaway.com is
the best site), or by checking the Yellow Pages in many cities under
"Automobiles-Transporters and Driveaway Companies."
Most companies ship only new vehicles and thus cannot help you, so
your first question should be, "Do you do driveaways?"
Companies that do offer driveways include: Auto Driveaway, Auto
Delivery, Auto Dispatch and Shultz International.
You may not find a car going the right direction, much less to your
desired destination. Flexibility gets rewarded. Know how to work the
system, such as calling nearby cities for a car headed toward your
desired destination.
If you cannot find what you want, ask about "staging." This means
driving a series of vehicles, from place to place, each toward your
destination. "
My search startegy for this was "driveaways".
I hope this information leads you to success in finding a car for your
upcoming trip!
Drive safely,
-=clouseau-ga=- |
