The Process of Car Relocation in Australia

Moving a car across the country can feel like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be, with the right transport partner, the process can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re moving interstate, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member, Car Transport Express ensures every vehicle is moved with care, professionalism, and transparency.

Here’s an in-depth look at how the car relocation process works from start to finish.

Step 1: Requesting a Car Relocation Quote

The first step in relocating your car is getting a quote. At Car Transport Express, we make this easy with our online car moving quote tool. You’ll need to enter a few details, such as:

  • Pickup and drop-off locations
  • Type of vehicle
  • Preferred delivery method (door-to-door or depot-to-depot)
  • Estimated timing

We’ll then provide a clear, obligation-free quote based on your information. This ensures no surprises or hidden fees later down the line.

Step 2: Booking and Preparing for Pickup

Once you’ve accepted the quote and confirmed your booking, we’ll provide instructions for preparing your vehicle. This includes cleaning the car (inside and out), removing any personal belongings, and ensuring the fuel tank is less than ¼ full for safety reasons.

If you’ve opted for depot-to-depot relocation, you’ll need to drop your vehicle off at one of our network depots. If you’ve selected door-to-door transport, one of our local drivers will pick up the vehicle from your home or business address. In both cases, we’ll conduct a Vehicle Condition Report at handover. This document records the current condition of your car, including any scratches, dents, or existing issues, and serves as a reference on delivery.

Our drivers will always notify you before arriving, typically 30 minutes in advance, so you’re not caught off guard.

Step 3: Vehicle Queuing and Dispatch

Once your vehicle is handed over and inspected, it is safely placed in queue for loading onto the next available carrier. Car Transport Express handles a high volume of vehicles daily, so we follow an efficient rotation system to ensure every vehicle is moved as quickly as possible. While we cannot always confirm an exact departure day in advance, we do keep you updated throughout the process.

Your vehicle will be loaded onto either an open carrier (ideal for standard vehicles) or an enclosed carrier (better for prestige or classic cars). If you need extra protection or privacy, you can request enclosed car transport services.

Step 4: In-Transit Monitoring and Coordination

Once your vehicle is on the move, we handle all logistics and coordination. Our dispatch team monitors every transport route closely, factoring in traffic, weather, and roadworks to minimise delays and ensure timely arrival.

You’ll receive progress updates as your vehicle travels to its destination. If you ever have questions or need to make changes, our customer service team is just a phone call or email away. We take pride in offering reliable, friendly support to every customer, no matter the size of the move.

Step 5: Delivery and Final Inspection

When your car arrives at its destination depot, we’ll notify you immediately. You’ll have at least two business days to collect it from the depot, giving you flexibility to plan around work or travel. If you’ve booked door delivery, our local team will arrange to deliver it to your specified address.

Before handing the vehicle back to you, our driver will complete a second Vehicle Condition Report to ensure everything matches the original documentation. This final check provides peace of mind and ensures any disputes are easily resolved.

If everything checks out, and it usually does, the process is complete, and you can drive away knowing your car was relocated safely and professionally.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Relocation

To ensure the smoothest possible experience, keep these tips in mind:

  • Plan ahead: Booking early gives you more flexibility, especially during peak moving seasons
  • Remove toll tags and personal items: These aren’t covered under transport insurance
  • Keep your phone handy: So you don’t miss delivery notifications or calls from the driver
  • Ask questions: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, we’re here to help

For more insights, visit our pages on interstate vehicle transport.

Move Your Car With Confidence

Car relocation doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right team by your side, it’s a straightforward process, from booking to delivery. At Car Transport Express, we’ve streamlined the entire experience to ensure peace of mind at every stage.

Our professional drivers, nationwide network, and commitment to clear communication make us a trusted choice for thousands of Australians every year.

Whether you’re sending a car across the city or across the country, we’re here to help you get it there safely, affordably, and on time. Get your car relocation quote now.

Need to speak with someone? Call us on 1300 755 969 or contact us online