New traveler--many questions! Shipping car to LA?

Specialties Travel

Published

Hi!

I am about to enter the world of travel nursing (hope to arrive in CA).

Any ideas about car rental or shipping a car from the east coast to CA?

Any other general advice is always welcome.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey there!

I' did my first travel assignment last year in Texas but I drove. I considered shipping my car but my agency wouldn't cover the whole tab and its very expensive to ship a car. So I just drove from Maryland all the way there. My agency reimbursed me for travel. I looked into shipping my car and it was anywhere from $600-1000 so I just decided to save the money and pocket the travel reimbursement they gave me. Most travelers drive to their assignments b/c alot of agencies won't pay you for your car rental. Thats your responsibility. But driving there was not as bad as I thought it would be. I stopped once and stayed in a hotel. Good luck. Hope that helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry I couldn't directly reply to your message because I don't have enough posts. I did take that position at Kaiser WLA. They handle a LOT of travelers, and they are fairly travel friendly. I was in the NICU and did have to float to mother/baby and Peds, but you don't have to float outside your specialty if you haven't passed competency tests with your agency (i.e. I didn't have to take care of Moms on the mother/baby unit). But if you are on the ICU or Medical floors you do float a lot. Most of the staff is really nice toward travelers, and pretty used to them. The biggest problem at first was that it took forever to get a login code from Computer support to get on the computer charting, so if you have been with Kaiser before, that will be a big plus. If not, you just have to be patient. I hope that helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I drove from the east coast to CA for my first assignment & it was one of the best trips I've ever had. Seriously a beautiful drive. Go through NM & Arizona. I took my time and did it over a week. If your company will pay for it plus your flight then by all means go for it, otherwise it's pretty pricey. Most of the people I met have driven it, but I did have a friend who paid for her car to be shipped.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I shipped my car from Pennsylvania to California. It was pricey, but when I take into account what I'd pay for gas, hotels, and food on the road... plus wear & tear on the car, the stress of driving (I don't enjoy very long road trips nor does my cat), it was totally worth it for me.

I had a great experience with Angels Moving Autos company and recommend them highly if you choose to have your car shipped.

All the best!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

I would drive and may be doing so from Southern FL to Northern Cali soon. I love driving, gives me to time to think and see the sights.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment