Let’s be honest—moving across the country is stressful enough without having to figure out how to get your car from point A to point B. Whether you’re relocating from the sunny beaches of Queensland to the bustling laneways of Melbourne, or heading out west, handing your car keys over to someone else can feel incredibly nerve-wracking.
If you are diving into national vehicle transport in Australia for the very first time, take a deep breath. You aren't expected to know all the ins and outs right away. That’s exactly why we at Easy Car Transport have put together this foolproof, first-timer’s checklist.
Here is exactly what you need to do to prepare your ride for a safe, smooth, and completely stress-free journey.
Before you even touch your car, you need to know who is taking care of it. The transport industry has a lot of players, but you want a team that prioritizes safety and clear communication over everything else. Look for transparency in their process and solid customer reviews. It’s always a good idea to brush up on consumer rights when hiring a service so you know exactly what to look for in a transport contract. At Easy Car Transport, we pride ourselves on making the fine print simple and our processes crystal clear.
It might sound a bit backwards to wash your car right before it goes on a long dusty road trip, but trust us on this one. You need your car completely clean so you can accurately document its current condition.
Wash the exterior: Remove all dirt and grime.
Take photos: Walk around the car in good lighting and take high-quality photos from multiple angles.
Note any damage: Jot down any existing dings, scratches, or dents.
Having a clear visual record gives you absolute peace of mind once your vehicle arrives at its new home.
We get it—it’s super tempting to pack your backseat full of moving boxes to save space in the moving van. Unfortunately, this is a massive no-go in the transport world.
Transport carriers are strictly regulated by weight, and personal items left inside vehicles are generally not covered by transit insurance. Plus, loose items can fly around and damage your interior during transit. Take out your sunglasses, charging cables, spare change, and absolutely empty the boot. Treat it like a rental car you're returning!
Your car won’t be driven long distances, but it does need to be in safe, working condition to be loaded and unloaded from the transport trucks. You don't need a full mechanic's service, but you should run through a basic car maintenance checklist:
Check for leaks: Transport companies will refuse leaking vehicles because they pose a hazard to the trucks and other cars below them.
Battery and Tires: Ensure the battery is fully charged and the tires are properly inflated. A flat tire or dead battery will completely derail the loading process.
Fuel level: Keep your petrol tank at around a quarter full. This is enough fuel to drive onto the truck, but light enough to save on transport weight.
Imagine a car alarm blaring for 2,000 kilometers straight. Not fun for the driver! Make sure you completely disable any aftermarket alarm systems before handing over the keys.
Also, don't forget to remove your e-Toll or Linkt tags. Toll cameras are incredibly sensitive, and they can and will charge your account as your car passes through toll points on the back of the transport truck.
Organising national vehicle transport in Australia doesn’t have to be a headache. By following this simple checklist, you’re setting yourself up for a flawless transport experience.
When you’re ready to get things moving, the team at Easy Car Transport Australia is here to guide you through the rest. We handle the logistics, the heavy lifting, and the long miles, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Reach out to us today for a hassle-free chat about moving your vehicle!
