The Ultimate Pre-Transport Checklist: Preparing Your Car for Interstate Shipping

Shipping a car interstate is one of the easiest ways to relocate a vehicle without adding thousands of kilometres to the odometer. But a smooth, stress-free experience depends on how well you prepare your car before the carrier arrives. This checklist covers everything Australian vehicle owners need to do before handover, whether you're moving from Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Brisbane, or anywhere in between.

Why Preparation Matters

Interstate transporters move dozens of vehicles a week, and a well-prepared car makes the pickup process faster, safer, and less prone to disputes. Proper preparation also protects your rights if you ever need to raise a condition claim. Taking twenty minutes to work through this list before your vehicle is loaded can save you a lot of hassle later.

1. Book Early and Choose the Right Service

Interstate car carriers get booked out quickly during peak relocation periods, such as end of financial year, school holidays, and major capital city moves. Once you know your dates, get an instant quote so you can lock in a spot and understand your options for door-to-door or depot-to-depot delivery.

Door-to-Door vs Depot-to-Depot

• Door-to-door is more convenient but may require access for a large car-carrying truck, so check your street width and any overhead obstructions.
• Depot-to-depot is often more flexible with scheduling and can suit those with tighter budgets or restricted access streets. Check our depot locations across every state to find the most convenient option.

2. Gather the Right Paperwork

Before pickup day, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Vehicle registration papers
• Photo ID matching the name on the booking
• Proof of ownership if the vehicle isn't registered in your name
• Any relevant insurance documentation
• A signed authority if someone else is dropping off or collecting the vehicle on your behalf

If you're unsure what's required for your specific situation, our FAQ page covers common documentation questions for both personal and dealer vehicle transport.

3. Clean Your Car Inside and Out

A clean vehicle makes it far easier to spot and document any existing marks, scratches, or dents before transport. Give your car a proper wash and vacuum beforehand. It also means the condition report completed at pickup will be more accurate, which protects you if any dispute arises later.

4. Photograph the Vehicle Thoroughly

Take clear, timestamped photos from multiple angles, including:

• All four sides of the exterior
• The roof and bonnet
• Close-ups of any existing scratches, chips, or dents
• The interior, dashboard, and odometer reading
• Wheels and tyres

These photos serve as your own record alongside the driver's condition report, giving both parties peace of mind.

5. Reduce Fuel to a Quarter Tank

Most interstate carriers ask that vehicles be transported with a low fuel level, generally around a quarter tank. This reduces overall weight and lowers fire risk during loading and transit. Excess fuel doesn't help the trip and simply adds unnecessary weight to the truck, which can factor into transport costs. For more detail on how weight and distance affect pricing, see our page on the fuel levy and how it applies to interstate moves.

6. Check for Fluid Leaks and Mechanical Issues

Have a quick look underneath your car for oil, coolant, or fluid leaks. Report any known mechanical issues to your transport provider in advance, especially if the vehicle:

• Doesn't start easily
• Has a handbrake or gearbox that doesn't engage properly
• Isn't able to be driven under its own power

Non-running vehicles can usually still be transported, but carriers need to know beforehand so they can arrange the correct loading equipment such as a winch.

7. Remove Personal Items and Loose Accessories

Interstate transporters generally don't cover personal belongings left inside the vehicle, and loose items can shift around and cause interior damage during transit. Before handover:

• Remove all personal belongings, electronics, and valuables
• Take off roof racks, bike racks, or aftermarket accessories that aren't securely fixed
• Remove toll tags (e-tags) to avoid unexpected charges accumulating during transit
• Empty the glovebox and console of anything you don't want lost or damaged

8. Secure or Disable Alarms

A car alarm going off repeatedly during loading or transit can be a nuisance for drivers and other vehicles being transported nearby. If possible, disable your alarm system or provide clear instructions on how to silence it, along with a spare key or fob if one is available.

9. Check Tyre Pressure and Battery Condition

Correct tyre pressure makes loading and unloading safer and easier, particularly on multi-car carriers. A healthy battery ensures your vehicle can be started and manoeuvred on and off the truck without delay. These small checks make a real difference to how efficiently your car is handled on pickup day.

10. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details

Double-check the following before the day arrives:

• Pickup and delivery addresses
• Contact numbers for both ends of the journey
• Estimated transit time, which you can review on our transit times page
• Whether someone will be available to hand over and receive the vehicle, or if you need to arrange an authorised representative

Special Considerations for Other Vehicle Types

This checklist applies broadly to cars and SUVs, but other vehicle types have their own specific requirements. If you're transporting a larger vehicle, boat, trailer, or caravan, it's worth reviewing the dedicated guidance on our trucks and vans, boats and jet skis, or trailers and caravans pages, as preparation steps like fuel levels, secured contents, and towing hitches can differ.

What Happens on Pickup Day

On the day, the driver will complete a condition report with you before loading the vehicle onto the carrier. Take the time to walk around the car together, compare it against your own photos, and sign off only once you're satisfied it accurately reflects the vehicle's condition. Keep a copy of this report until your car has been delivered and inspected at the other end.

Final Thoughts

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to interstate car transport. Cleaning your vehicle, gathering the right paperwork, adjusting fuel levels, and documenting the condition beforehand all help ensure a smooth, dispute-free experience from pickup to delivery. If you still have questions about the process, our FAQ page and About page outline how Auto Mover Australia operates across the country, or you can reach out directly via our contact page.

Ready to book your interstate move? Get an instant quote today and let Auto Mover Australia take care of the rest, from door-to-door pickup to depot delivery in every state.