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Travel nurse car shipping

Transport your vehicle safely and efficiently between travel nursing jobs.

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Stress-free car shipping for traveling healthcare professionals

The world of healthcare has seen significant shifts in recent years, and one notable trend is the sustained high demand for cross country travel nursing. While the pandemic undeniably fueled this need as healthcare systems navigated unprecedented challenges, the demand for skilled travel nurses has remained considerably larger than pre-pandemic levels.

 

This ongoing demand means more nurses are embracing the opportunity to travel the country, bringing their expertise to various healthcare facilities on temporary assignments. However, this exciting career path also presents unique logistical considerations, such as how to transport their vehicles long distances.

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What is a travel nurse?

A travel nurse is a registered nurse who works temporary assignments at hospitals, clinics, or specialty facilities. Their contracts can be in healthcare centers just over state lines or across the country. Unlike regular staff nurses who are permanently employed by a single institution, travel nurses fill critical staffing gaps, providing specialized skills when and where needed.

This nomadic career offers numerous benefits to nurses, including higher compensation packages, the chance to explore different parts of the country, diverse clinical experiences, and greater control over their work schedule. Travel nurses are able to quickly adapt to new environments and protocols, and deliver essential patient care, making them invaluable assets to the healthcare landscape.

Drive, ship, or rent a car?

When embarking on a cross-country travel nursing assignment, one of the first practical questions to address is transportation: should you drive your own vehicle, ship it to your new location, or opt for renting a car upon arrival? 

The best option often depends on a few factors, with your assignment location being a primary determinant. For instance, a rural assignment might mean you’ll need a car for everyday errands and commuting, whereas a major city with public transportation could offer more flexibility. The length of your contract will also influence your choice. 

Let’s consider the pros and cons of each option:

Driving your car

Shipping your car
Renting a car
Pros:
Pros:
Pros:
Comfort and flexibility during the road trip
Convenient pickup and delivery often right at your door
Flexibility of choosing a vehicle that suits your needs
Potential cost savings if a short distance
No added mileage or wear and tear on your vehicle
No maintenance concerns
Ability to pack car with belongings
Saves time by flying to your destination
Potential cost savings versus shipping if a location such as Hawaii or Guam
Potential cost savings compared to driving if a long distance
Cons:
Cons:
Cons:
Time commitment for driving
Cost consideration
Potential high costs if a longer job assignment
Fuel and lodging costs (if overnight stays are involved)
May have a few days without your car
Cost of storing/maintaining your own vehicle
Adds mileage and wear to your car along with potential repairs or maintenance costs
Potential delays due to traffic, construction, or harsh weather

How much does travel nurse car transport cost?

If you typically drive to your out-of-state assignments, you may not be familiar with car shipping and how costs are calculated. Understanding the factors that influence the cost will help you budget and make the best decision for your needs. The cost of shipping is calculated based on several key variables:
  • Distance: This is often the most significant factor. Longer distances naturally incur higher transportation costs due to increased fuel consumption, driver time, and logistical complexities. For example, shipping a car from Illinois to California will generally cost more than shipping it to a neighboring state like Missouri, although the rate per mile will be lower.
  • Vehicle type and size: Larger and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, typically cost more to transport than smaller cars. This is because they take up more space on the carrier and can impact fuel efficiency. Specialty vehicles or those with modifications might also have different pricing structures.
  • Transport method: The choice between open and enclosed transport affects the price. See below for more details.
  • Time of year and seasonality: Demand for car shipping can fluctuate throughout the year. Prices may be higher during peak moving seasons (like summer) or around holidays when more people are relocating.
  • Delivery timeframe: If you require expedited pickup with a tight delivery window, you can expect to pay a premium. Standard shipping typically allows for a broader timeframe.
  • Pickup and delivery locations: Shipping to or from remote or less accessible areas can increase costs due to the extra time and effort required for carriers to reach those locations. Metropolitan areas with established transport routes tend to have more competitive pricing.
To get an accurate cost for your specific situation, we recommended getting a personalized car shipping quote. This will include details about your vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, and desired timeframe. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Open vs. enclosed transport: understanding the difference

When arranging car transport, you’ll typically have two main options: open transport and enclosed transport. These differ significantly in terms of cost and the level of protection offered:

Open car transport

This is the most common and usually the more affordable option. Your vehicle is transported on a multi-car carrier, similar to the ones you often see hauling new cars to dealerships. While your car is exposed to the elements (weather, road debris, etc.), reputable carriers take precautions to ensure safe transit.

Enclosed car transport

This premium option involves shipping your car in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from the elements, dust, and road hazards during transit. It is typically more expensive than open transport and recommended for classic, luxury, or high-end vehicles.
For most travel nurses, open transport is a safe and cost-effective solution for shipping their personal vehicles.

Why travel nurses choose Montway

Travel nurses on the move trust Montway Auto Transport for a smooth car shipping experience, and for good reason. Backed by nearly 20 years of experience and over one million vehicles shipped nationwide, we’ve built a reputation for safe and reliable service. Montway has earned more than 100,000 online customer reviews, including 79,000 five-star ratings.

We understand the demands of your profession, which is why our customer service team is available extended hours to assist with quotes, explain our process, and answer your questions. Once an order is booked, you’ll receive a link to your order status page, where you can access updates and essential shipment details. And for immediate support, Montway representatives are available 365 days a year through our convenient LiveChat platform.

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Travel nurse car shipping FAQs

Do travel nurse agencies help with car shipping?
Agencies typically focus on finding assignments, housing, and other logistical aspects of travel nursing, not car shipping itself. Some agencies may offer recommendations or partner with reputable car shipping companies.
Yes, Montway allows one suitcase or bag (up to 100 lbs) of personal items free of charge. The luggage must be confined to the trunk or storage area of the vehicle, remaining below window level and seats must remain in their upright position.
Pricing varies, depending on timeframe, locations, vehicle type, etc. A simple way to save money is by opting for open auto transport rather than enclosed. You can also reduce costs by keeping your pickup date flexible, meeting your truck driver near a main route, and avoiding seasonal demand.
Travel nurses are typically reimbursed for their travel expenses to and from their assignment, which includes airfare. Some agency contracts also include a travel stipend and other benefits.

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