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Auto Driveaway

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Auto Driveaway operates as a premier professional vehicle relocation service in North America. This organization primarily serves large corporate fleets, upfitters, vehicle manufacturers, and fleet management companies by providing fast and safe door-to-door relocation solutions. Their service model focuses on logistical precision and transparency to ensure that every vehicle reaches its destination in a cost-effective and timely manner. The company maintains a fierce commitment to safety and regulatory compliance across its extensive network. Drivers who join the team become part of a dedicated and growing company that values professional relationships and accountability.

The organization offers a comprehensive suite of services, including single vehicle transport, heavy-duty truck relocation, and on-demand driver services. Staffed locations provide secure storage facilities close to major industrial hubs, upfitters, and customer operations. Their culture emphasizes open communication and accessible leadership to support a collaborative work environment. By leveraging a professional network of vetted drivers, the firm delivers reliable results for diverse transportation needs. Modern logistics experts are available at each facility to manage complex moves and provide real-time updates to clients throughout the transport process.

Current Leadership:

  • Rodney Ruth: President and CEO
  • Mark Barthelt: Controller

Contact Information:

Recruiter Contact Information:

Historical Overview

The company was founded in 1952 to address the growing need for professional vehicle relocation across the United States. Early operations focused on connecting independent drivers with corporate clients requiring point-to-point delivery of passenger vehicles. This business model evolved over decades of shifts in the automotive industry and deregulation of logistics. Today, the organization stands as a leader in the driveaway sector by integrating advanced technology with a traditional commitment to driver excellence.

  • 1952: Establishment of the company to provide nationwide vehicle relocation services.
  • 1980: Transition of operational strategies following the Motor Carrier Act to enhance service flexibility.
  • 2014: Acquisition of Truck Transport to significantly expand capabilities in the Class 8 vehicle relocation market.
  • 2017: Implementation of expanded storage and upfitting logistics services at key regional hubs.
  • 2021: Introduction of a comprehensive digital portal for real-time tracking and client management.
  • 2024: Success in reaching a milestone of 40 staffed terminal locations throughout the North American network.

The current headquarters remains a central hub for coordinating large-scale fleet movements across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This facility manages the synchronization of thousands of relocations annually through a sophisticated dispatching system. Nationwide coverage is maintained through a combination of corporate-owned offices and strategic terminal locations in high-volume markets like Elkhart, Indiana.

Company Metrics

Logistical scale is defined by a massive operational footprint that spans the entire North American continent. The company utilizes a hybrid model of employee drivers and independent contractors to meet fluctuating market demands. Precision in timing and safety metrics allows the firm to maintain long-term contracts with the world’s largest fleet management organizations. Efficient routing and asset management are central to their ability to move hundreds of vehicles daily.

  • Number of Terminals: 40+
  • Global Presence: United States and Puerto Rico
  • Contractor Pool: 308+
  • Pay Rates: $0.65 to $1.25+ per mile
  • Client Types: Corporate Fleets, Manufacturers, and Dealerships
  • Notable Partners: Wheels, Emkay, and Donlen
  • USDOT Number: 1335807
  • MC Number: 125985

Company Terminal Locations

Staffed facilities are strategically positioned near major automotive manufacturing centers and upfitter locations to minimize transit times. These terminals serve as secure storage yards and orientation centers for local and regional driver pools.

  • Elkhart, IN
  • Lombard, IL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Hayward, CA
  • Dallas, TX
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Detroit, MI
  • Houston, TX

Company Orientation

Orientation takes place over 1 business day and requires no upfront registration fee from the contractor. Participants must complete a DOT-regulated urine drug test and a comprehensive background check before being cleared for service. The company mandates a $500 damage deposit, typically funded by a 10% deduction from settlement checks until the balance is met. Drivers must provide a current DOT medical card, a valid driver’s license, and a 10-year verified work history. Successful completion of a road test is mandatory for any individual operating Class 8 equipment or large commercial vehicles.

Transportation Strategies

  • Driveaway Division: Professional drivers operate the client’s vehicle directly from the origin to the destination without a trailer. This method reduces overhead costs and allows for flexible delivery windows in urban and rural environments.
  • Truck Transport Division: Specialized teams manage the relocation of heavy-duty equipment, including Class 8 tractors and vocational trucks. Decking and piggyback solutions are frequently employed to move multiple power units simultaneously for maximum efficiency.
  • Digital Dispatching: Proprietary software systems automate the assignment of loads to the most qualified and available drivers in the region. Clients gain access to real-time status updates and electronic delivery receipts through a secure online portal.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Internal auditors monitor every move to ensure strict adherence to FMCSA guidelines and state-specific transportation laws. Maintaining high safety scores protects the client’s assets and the carrier’s reputation.

Growth Profile

Regional expansion continues to focus on the Elkhart market, given the high density of truck and RV manufacturing. New facilities are being established to provide additional storage capacity for finished goods awaiting final delivery to dealerships. This scaling strategy ensures that the company remains the primary choice for manufacturers requiring immediate logistics support.

Technology integration drives the next phase of operational efficiency through data analytics and automated routing. Modern algorithms predict seasonal demand spikes to ensure that driver capacity is positioned correctly before orders arrive. Investment in mobile application development has improved the speed of paperwork submission and settlement processing for the entire contractor fleet.

Driver retention is supported through competitive per-mile pay and a flexible scheduling model that appeals to experienced professionals. The future market outlook remains positive as corporate fleet sizes increase and demand for electric-vehicle relocation grows. Management expects to further diversify service offerings to include specialized charging logistics for battery-powered commercial fleets.

Fleet Examples

  • Class 8 Tractors: These heavy-duty power units are moved by manufacturers and large logistics companies across long distances.
  • Box Trucks: Medium-duty vehicles are relocated frequently for final-mile delivery services and rental agencies.
  • Delivery Vans: High volumes of cargo vans are transported from upfitters to corporate clients for immediate deployment.
  • Passenger Vehicles: Corporate sedans and SUVs are moved between employee locations or to auction sites for fleet liquidation.

Learn More

This section provides access to the organization’s official digital resources and professional networking profiles. You can find detailed service descriptions and current job openings through the following verified links.