The Quintessential American Road Trip: A Coast-to-Coast Driving Experience

Have you ever anxiously awaited a coast-to-coast driving experience from one end of the United States to the other? Many Americans have driven across the country for various reasons, but the journey is something that only a handful actually undertake. I, for one, have only done it once.

Why Drive Coast to Coast?

The decision to cross the entire breadth of North America is a significant one. For Americans, the experience often comes with a good reason. Whether it's moving to a new state, a long-awaited road trip, or simply an adventurous spirit, driving from one coast to the other is a monumental task. The approximately 3000-mile journey can take up to 40 hours for a dedicated driver, and the experience is often harried and far from scenic.

Why Not Fly or Take a Bus?

For many, the allure of a coast-to-coast drive is the pure experience of the journey itself. That said, there are often more efficient or cost-effective means to travel the distance. Flying can get you from coast to coast in a mere six hours, a fittingly short amount of time compared to the 40-hour drive. Alternatively, a bus can be a cheaper and more leisurely option, though it may take longer.

My Personal Experience

Back in 1979, I was planning a coast-to-coast drive from the Pacific to the Atlantic. We were living in Los Angeles when my father informed us of a planned trip to Florida. I anticipated that we would end up on Florida's east coast, but to my surprise, we reached the western coast of Florida in Naples, on the Gulf of Mexico. This, I considered, was merely a step in the journey to the east coast, as we would ultimately find ourselves close to the Atlantic.

A Simultaneous Coast-to-Coast Drive

Fast-forward to 2009, and I was with Schneider National in the Port of Long Beach. We had a load that required us to travel from Long Beach to Jacksonville, Florida. The route required us to travel a considerable distance, putting me in a unique position to experience the coastal journey. Being loaded next to the Pacific Ocean and unloading near the Atlantic Ocean presented a makeshift coast-to-coast experience. In this case, I only dipped my toes in the water at the eastern end of U.S. Hwy 90 in Florida, as my feet could have easily been burned at the Port of Long Beach, a challenging and potentially hazardous endeavor.

The Rare and Memorable Experience

The coast-to-coast driving experience is a rare and memorable event. It's an achievement that many people aspire to and find intriguing, yet it is also a challenge. While I have driven extensively in North America, it's a particular journey that only a select few undertake. For many Americans, the conditioned response is to use more efficient and time-effective means of travel.

Honing Your Journey

For those who are still dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime coast-to-coast drive, there are a few things to keep in mind. Preparation, patience, and flexibility are key. Proper rest, navigation tools, and a supportive vehicle are essentials. It's also wise to embrace the journey, as the experience itself is often what makes such a trip memorable. Whether you're driving for a move or simply for the thrill of the road, the coast-to-coast journey is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the diversity of America.