Preparing Your Car for Interstate Transport

Use this checklist before handover, together with the instructions supplied for your booked carrier and service. Tell us about anything that differs from the vehicle details in your quote before collection.

Fuel, EV charge and vehicle condition

Prepare a petrol or diesel vehicle with a quarter of a tank of fuel. Have your EV charged for handover and follow any charge-level requirements supplied by the carrier. Do not leave the vehicle with an empty tank or depleted battery.

For a standard drivable service, check that the vehicle starts, the brakes work and the tyres are inflated. Tell us about leaks, faults, damage or unusual starting instructions in advance.

If the vehicle cannot start, roll, steer or brake, use our non-running vehicle service for specialist assessment. Do not present it for a standard drivable booking unless the appropriate arrangement has been confirmed.

Keys, alarms and handover contacts

Have the keys needed to start the vehicle and access its doors, boot and any locked compartments ready. Keep spare copies with you. Supply clear instructions for unusual controls, alarms or immobilisers and follow the carrier’s directions for preparing them.

Make sure the person handing over the vehicle can be contacted and has any required release documents. Keep the receiving contact’s details current too.

Belongings and vehicle equipment

Every available quote offers a Goods in Car option. Select and book it if you intend to transport belongings, then follow the selected service’s allowance and packing rules. Otherwise, remove personal belongings. See transporting cars with items inside.

Remove valuables and loose accessories. Check the carrier’s instructions for spare tyres, tools and fitted child seats. Do not pack dangerous goods, spare fuel containers, gas cylinders, perishables or plants.

Accessories, dimensions and toll tags

Tell us about roof racks, bullbars, towballs, lowered suspension and other modifications that affect the vehicle’s dimensions or handling. Measure to the furthest points, including fitted equipment.

Secure or remove removable accessories as instructed. Fold mirrors or retract aerials only where designed to do so. Do not dismantle fixed lights or other fitted equipment unless specifically agreed with the carrier. Check before leaving a car cover fitted, and ensure a convertible roof is secure.

Remove or deactivate toll tags so the vehicle is not charged while being carried through toll points.

Clean the vehicle and record its condition

Clean the vehicle so its condition can be inspected. Take clear photos of each side and any existing scratches, dents or other damage before handover, and keep the condition report supplied by the carrier.

For journeys into WA or Tasmania, also check the underside, wheel arches, mats and cargo areas for contamination. Read our vehicle quarantine guide for the state-specific checks and official information.

Check before collection

Keep your booking reference, confirmed handover details and carrier instructions together. If instructions are missing or unclear, contact Moving Cars with your quote or booking reference before handover.

Get a car transport quote.