By 
Buying a used car or relocating a vehicle interstate has become far more common in Australia, thanks to online marketplaces and nationwide transport services. Whether you’ve purchased a car from another state, are relocating for work, or need to move a family vehicle across the country, preparing it properly before collection can make the entire process smoother.
While professional vehicle carriers are experienced in transporting thousands of vehicles every year, a little preparation from the owner helps minimise delays, reduce the chance of misunderstandings, and ensure both parties have a clear record of the vehicle’s condition before transport begins.
If you’ve never arranged interstate vehicle transport before, here’s everything you should do before handing over the keys.
Start by giving the vehicle a good clean
It may seem unnecessary since the vehicle is about to travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres, but cleaning it beforehand is one of the most important steps.
A clean vehicle makes it much easier to identify any existing:
- Stone chips
- Scratches
- Dents
- Paint imperfections
- Windscreen damage
If the vehicle is covered in dirt or road grime, small marks can easily go unnoticed during the pre-transport inspection.
A quick wash also makes the condition report far more accurate.
Photograph the vehicle from every angle
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is by taking comprehensive photographs before collection.
Capture:
- Front
- Rear
- Both sides
- Roof if possible
- Wheels
- Interior
- Dashboard
- Existing scratches or dents
- Odometer reading
Using a smartphone with date and time information enabled provides an excellent record of the vehicle’s condition before transport.
Most professional transport companies also complete their own inspection report during collection, but having your own photographs provides additional peace of mind.
Remove all personal belongings
Many people forget that vehicle transport is not the same as moving house.
Most transport providers recommend removing personal items before collection because:
- Loose items can move during transport.
- They may not be covered by insurance.
- Extra weight can affect loading requirements.
- Valuable belongings should never be left unattended.
Items commonly forgotten include:
- Sunglasses
- Dash cameras
- Phone chargers
- Garage remotes
- Toll tags
- Child seats
- Sports equipment
- Tools
- Shopping bags
It’s best to empty the vehicle completely unless your transport company specifically advises otherwise.
Leave only a small amount of fuel
A full fuel tank isn’t necessary.
In fact, most transport providers recommend leaving approximately one-quarter of a tank.
This provides enough fuel for loading and unloading while avoiding unnecessary weight.
A lighter vehicle is easier to transport and helps maximise carrier efficiency.
Check for leaks
Before transport day, inspect underneath the vehicle for any obvious fluid leaks.
Look for signs of:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
Minor issues may not prevent transport, but it’s always better to advise the carrier beforehand rather than allowing them to discover unexpected leaks during collection.
Good communication helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Ensure the battery is working
Transport operators often need to start the vehicle when loading or unloading.
If the battery is completely flat, specialised equipment may be required.
If your battery has been unreliable recently, consider replacing or charging it before transport.
For non-running vehicles, advise the transport company when booking so they can arrange the appropriate loading equipment.
Check tyre pressure
Properly inflated tyres make loading much easier.
Under-inflated tyres can complicate loading and unloading, particularly when vehicles need to be positioned precisely on multi-level carriers.
A quick pressure check before collection only takes a few minutes.
Fold mirrors where possible
Side mirrors are naturally more exposed during transport.
If your mirrors fold manually or electronically, folding them before collection provides an extra layer of protection.
Similarly, retract any external antennas if possible.
These small precautions reduce the chance of accidental contact during loading.
Disable alarms if requested
Modern vehicle alarms occasionally activate during transport because of movement or vibration.
If your transport company requests that the alarm be disabled temporarily, follow their instructions before collection.
This helps avoid unnecessary interruptions during transit.
Keep important documents accessible
You generally won’t need to hand over all of your paperwork, but it’s wise to keep copies readily available.
Useful documents include:
- Purchase receipt
- Registration details
- Identification
- Transport booking confirmation
- Insurance information
If you’ve purchased the vehicle interstate, ensure ownership documentation has been completed correctly before transport begins.
Confirm your insurance
Insurance is an area many first-time buyers overlook.
Don’t assume your comprehensive insurance automatically covers interstate transport.
Instead, ask:
- When does your policy become active?
- Is transport included?
- Does the carrier provide transit cover?
- Is additional insurance recommended?
Clarifying these details before collection avoids uncertainty later.
The original buying guide also highlights the importance of understanding both your insurer’s cover and the transport provider’s liability before the vehicle begins its journey.
Notify the transport company about modifications
If your vehicle has been modified, mention this during booking.
Examples include:
- Lowered suspension
- Lift kits
- Bull bars
- Roof racks
- Oversized tyres
- Canopies
- Custom spoilers
These modifications may affect loading clearances or overall vehicle dimensions.
Providing accurate information upfront allows the transport company to allocate the most suitable carrier.
Know your collection arrangements
Collection procedures vary depending on where the vehicle is located.
Vehicles may be collected from:
- Private homes
- Dealerships
- Auctions
- Commercial yards
- Storage facilities
If someone else is handing over the vehicle on your behalf, ensure they know:
- Collection date
- Contact details
- Key handover procedure
- Any special instructions
Good communication helps prevent delays on collection day.
Understand delivery timeframes
Unlike courier parcels, vehicle transport follows scheduled routes.
Transit times depend on:
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Carrier availability
- Weather
- Regional access
- Route scheduling
Allow some flexibility when planning around delivery.
Booking well in advance generally provides more options and helps avoid peak seasonal demand.
Inspect the vehicle upon delivery
Once your vehicle arrives, inspect it before signing any final paperwork.
Compare the vehicle against:
- Your photographs
- The original condition report
- The odometer
- Any existing marks
Professional transport companies take great care when handling vehicles, but completing a thorough inspection immediately upon delivery ensures any questions can be addressed promptly.
Why preparation matters
Most interstate vehicle transport goes smoothly because both the owner and transport company know exactly what to expect.
Simple preparation helps:
- Speed up collection
- Improve inspection accuracy
- Reduce misunderstandings
- Protect valuable belongings
- Minimise delays
- Make delivery more efficient
These small steps require very little time but can significantly improve the overall transport experience.
Choosing an experienced transport provider
Preparation is only one part of the process.
Choosing an experienced transport provider is equally important.
Rather than comparing quotes on price alone, look for companies that offer:
- Australia-wide transport
- Clear communication
- Professional inspection procedures
- Flexible pickup options
- Transparent insurance information
- Positive customer reviews
- Experience transporting a wide variety of vehicles
The bottom line
Preparing your vehicle for interstate transport isn’t complicated, but it does make a noticeable difference.
Cleaning the vehicle, documenting its condition, removing personal belongings, checking basic mechanical items, and confirming your insurance all contribute to a smoother experience from pickup to delivery.
Whether you’re transporting a newly purchased car or relocating an existing vehicle across Australia, a little planning before collection helps ensure the journey is as straightforward as possible—and allows you to focus on enjoying your vehicle once it arrives at its new destination.
FAQs
1. Should I wash my car before interstate transport?
Yes. A clean vehicle makes it much easier to identify existing scratches, dents, and paint damage during the inspection process.
2. Can I leave personal belongings inside my vehicle?
Most transport companies recommend removing all personal items, as they may not be covered by insurance and can move around during transit.
3. How much fuel should be left in the vehicle?
Around one-quarter of a tank is generally recommended. This provides enough fuel for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight.
4. Do I need to photograph my vehicle before transport?
Absolutely. Taking photographs from multiple angles creates an accurate record of the vehicle’s condition before collection.
5. What happens if my vehicle doesn’t start?
Inform your transport company before booking. Non-running vehicles can usually still be transported, but specialised loading equipment may be required.
6. Should I tell the transport company about vehicle modifications?
Yes. Modifications such as lift kits, lowered suspension, roof racks, oversized tyres or bull bars may affect loading requirements and should always be disclosed before transport.
Comments