You’d likely be looking to move a car from one state to another for two reasons: moving house or buying a car online. If you fall into one of these categories, good news, you’re in the right place. In this article, we break down your interstate car transport options, the common pitfalls people make, and how to save money in the process.
What are your options?
When moving interstate or over a long distance, as a general rule, you’ll be better off using a car transport service than driving yourself. It may initially feel expensive, but once you calculate fuel cost, drive time, and the return journey, you’ll soon realise it’s pretty good value.
But you have a few options that can make a significant price difference; these options are:
- Depot to Depot
This is the budget-friendly choice for those with a more flexible schedule. Cars are dropped off and picked up at the transport company’s depots. This method is cost-effective but requires personal involvement in moving the vehicle to and from the depots.
- Door to Door
This is the convenient option; the provider will pick up the vehicle from a chosen location and deliver it directly to the destination. This service is ideal for those looking for an effortless solution, though it’s pricier than depot to depot.
- Enclosed Box
Enclosed box transport is best for luxury or valuable cars, offering maximum protection against the elements and road damage. It’s the most expensive option but provides the highest security for transporting high-end vehicles.
Common pitfalls, what to avoid
Needing the car moved urgently. Most car transport companies have a fixed schedule of when and where they drive; you’ll get a much better price if you can fit in with this. Outside their regular routine, you’ll be paying a ‘rush fee’ or require an additional car carrier on their side.
Filling your car with belongings. If you’re moving house, you might be planning to fill your car to the brim with belongings. You need to check this with your provider as this may exceed weight limits and can even void insurance.
Not checking and preparing your vehicle. Before your car is picked up, you need to do a few things. Firstly, ensure the tyres are at the correct PSI and fluid levels are topped up. It’s also a good idea to take images of the car from each side and document any pre-existing damage. This way, if anything happens during transportation you have everything documented.
How to save money
Don’t just go for the cheapest option; you need to feel confident in your chosen provider. Services like Upmove allow you to get quotes from multiple car transport providers in one request. You can then view their previous jobs and check reviews. All transport providers have been checked and verified before they can quote for your move.