If you’re moving or heading south for the winter, you might wonder: Is it better for the environment to ship your car or drive it?
The good news is that car shipping can be surprisingly eco-friendly! Shipping carriers can transport many vehicles at once, which reduces the emissions for each car compared to driving them individually. In this post, we’ll explain how car shipping impacts the environment and share easy ways you can make it even greener.
Is Car Shipping Better for the Environment?
Yes, shipping your car is often better for the environment than driving it long distances. Here’s why:
1. Less Emissions Per Car
Car carriers can move up to 10 cars at the same time, which means fewer emissions per vehicle. Instead of 10 cars driving separately and using more fuel, they’re all transported on one trip.
2. Smarter Routes
Shipping companies plan their trips carefully to save time and fuel. By grouping cars going to the same area, they cut down on unnecessary miles and reduce emissions.
3. No Wear-and-Tear
When you drive your car long distances, you add mileage and may need extra repairs later. Shipping keeps your car in good shape, which also saves resources in the long run.
Comparing Driving vs. Shipping: Carbon Emissions
To see how driving compares to shipping, let’s look at the numbers:
- Driving: A car produces about 404 grams of CO2 per mile. Over 1,000 miles, that’s 404 kg of CO2.
- Shipping: When transported on a carrier, your car only adds 150–200 grams of CO2 per mile, or around 150–200 kg of CO2 over the same distance.
Shipping cuts emissions almost in half!
6 Ways to Make Your Car Shipment More Eco-Friendly
Want to lower your carbon footprint even more? Try these simple tips:
1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Shipping Company
Some companies are working to reduce their environmental impact by using fuel-efficient carriers or carbon offset programs. Ask your shipping company if they offer green options.
2. Go With Open Transport
Open transport carriers hold more cars than enclosed ones, so they’re more fuel-efficient. Unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, open transport is usually the better choice for the planet—and your wallet.
3. Plan Your Shipment Early
When you book early, shipping companies can better group shipments and avoid empty return trips. This helps them save fuel and lowers emissions.
4. Use Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Instead of door-to-door delivery, choose terminal-to-terminal shipping. Dropping off and picking up your car at a terminal lets carriers plan their routes more efficiently.
5. Reduce the Car’s Weight
Take out heavy items from your car before shipping. A lighter car means less fuel is needed to transport it, which helps reduce emissions.
6. Offset Carbon Emissions
Some shipping companies offer carbon offset programs to balance out the emissions from your shipment. You can also buy offsets yourself through programs like Cool Effect or Gold Standard to support green projects.
Other Green Travel Tips
Shipping your car is just one part of the journey. Here are more ways to make your move eco-friendly:
- Carpool: Share a ride with friends or family to reduce fuel use.
- Choose Greener Travel: If possible, take a bus or train instead of flying to your destination.
- Switch to an EV: Electric vehicles produce far fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to gas-powered cars.
Conclusion
Shipping your car can be an eco-friendly option, especially for long trips. By reducing emissions per vehicle and consolidating trips, it helps lower the environmental impact of your move.
If you want to go even greener, look for shipping companies with sustainability programs, book early, and take simple steps to reduce your car’s weight. With a little planning, you can make a positive impact for the planet while getting your car where it needs to go. Contact us today and get your free quote!