Originally Posted by Proximity

Something to consider if you can be without your car for a week or two after training...

You can usually ship a car for cheaper then your time to drive it and the true cost of operating the vehicle. In my scenario, it's 1100 mile drive, but about $750 to ship the car. If I drove it, the true cost would would be maybe 25cents per mile (and I drive a hybrid), plus a hotel and gas station food. I'd rather go home and later using those two days pick up a premium worth $3500 (senior FO rates).

Downside, you need a place where you can leave the car and someone to hand the keys. Also you need some flexibility, to keep the cost down. A scheduled pickup is much more expensive.

I plan to do this during Captain upgrade, or possibly buy a car in Dallas (the land of rust free cars) and ship it home at the end of the course. Being in Dallas for a long time without a car is really trying.