Moving a car interstate can feel like a big task, especially if you are relocating, buying a vehicle from another state, sending a car to a family member, or coordinating a vehicle for work.
The good news is that interstate car transport becomes much easier when you know what information to prepare, what requirements to check and what to expect before collection.
Autocare provides vehicle transport services across Australia for private customers, businesses, dealers, OEMs, rental providers, corporate clients and leasing companies. Its vehicle transport services cover passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles across local and interstate movements.
Quick answer: How does interstate car transport work in Australia?
Interstate car transport usually follows five main steps:
- Submit your pickup, delivery and vehicle details
- Confirm the vehicle meets minimum transport requirements
- Finalise the booking details and confirm payment
- Prepare the vehicle for collection or depot drop-off
- Track the movement and arrange collection or delivery at the destination
The exact process depends on the route, vehicle type, collection access, delivery access, transport volume and whether the vehicle needs any special handling.
Why use interstate car transport instead of driving?
Driving a car interstate may seem simple, but long-distance driving can add kilometres, fuel stops, accommodation, time away from work and extra wear on the vehicle.
Interstate vehicle transport can be a better option when you want the vehicle moved by a professional carrier instead of driving it yourself.
Common reasons people use interstate car transport include:
- Relocating for work, study or family
- Buying a vehicle from another state
- Selling a vehicle to an interstate buyer
- Moving a second family vehicle
- Sending a vehicle to a family member
- Transporting a company vehicle
- Moving dealer stock
- Repositioning rental, leasing or fleet vehicles
Autocare manages more than 500,000 vehicle movements each year and uses road, rail and sea transport for vehicle movements across Australia.
How long does interstate car transport take?
Interstate moves can take up to 3 weeks, subject to location and volume at the time of booking. Transit times are indicative only and can be affected by weather, high movement volumes and distance.
Because transport timeframes can change, avoid planning flights, holidays, vehicle handovers or work commitments around an exact delivery date unless timing has been confirmed.
What affects interstate vehicle transport timing?
Interstate vehicle transport depends on more than distance. The right plan depends on the route, access at both ends, vehicle condition, carrier availability and any special requirements.
Route and distance
A metro-to-metro movement is usually easier to plan than a regional or remote collection. Rural locations may require extra notice before collection.
Collection and delivery access
Car carriers need safe and practical access for loading and unloading. If a private or business address is not suitable, a depot, agent location or call-to-meet point may be arranged. Autocare notes that some locations may use an agent location or call-to-meet point where direct delivery is not available.
Booking volume
High vehicle movement volumes can affect timing. This is one reason transit times are indicative rather than guaranteed.
Weather and road conditions
Weather conditions can affect vehicle transport, especially on long-distance interstate routes.
Special transport requirements
Specialised services, priority movement, enclosed transport requests, modified vehicles, low-clearance vehicles or external accessories may require extra review before transport.
What vehicles can be transported?
Autocare’s vehicle transport services are available for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles, including local and interstate movements.
Before submitting a transport request, Autocare’s checklist asks customers to confirm key vehicle requirements. The vehicle must be drivable, have no modifications, have at least 15cm clearance, have no broken windows, be less than 30 years old, be valued below $150,000 and be clear of personal possessions unless declared as part of the transport service. Vehicles transported to or from Western Australia must be free of personal goods due to Quarantine reasons.
If your vehicle does not meet the standard checklist, contact Autocare before booking so the team can review your transport requirements.
Does my car need to be drivable?
Yes. Autocare states that it is not currently equipped to move non-drivable vehicles. Vehicles must be drivable, with operable steering, foot brake and hand brake.
Before collection or depot drop-off, check that:
- The vehicle starts
- The steering works
- The foot brake works
- The hand brake works
- The tyres are suitable for loading and unloading
- The battery has enough charge
- There is sufficient fuel
- The vehicle can be moved safely by the driver
Can I leave personal belongings in the car?
Personal belongings can be inside the vehicle only if they have been booked with the transport service and are securely packed into boxes or suitcases in the boot. Autocare’s Standard Terms apply to personal possessions left in the vehicle at the time of transport.
Vehicles transported to or from Western Australia must be free of personal goods.
Before collection, remove:
- Valuables
- Loose items
- Chargers and cables
- Toll tags
- Garage remotes
- Tools
- Food and drink
- Work equipment
- Sports gear
- Camping gear
- Personal documents
How to prepare your car for interstate transport
Use this checklist before collection or depot drop-off.
1. Remove personal items
Remove anything loose, valuable or not approved for transport. For Western Australia movements, the vehicle must be completely free of personal goods.
2. Clean the vehicle
A clean vehicle makes the pickup and delivery condition survey easier. It also helps the driver inspect the vehicle clearly.
3. Check the vehicle is drivable
Make sure the vehicle starts, steers, brakes and can be safely loaded and unloaded.
4. Check clearance
Autocare’s checklist states that vehicles should have at least 15cm clearance.
5. Check for broken windows
Autocare’s checklist states that the vehicle must have no broken windows.
6. Review modifications and external accessories
Disclose modifications before booking. In some cases, Autocare may ask for roof racks, weather shields, rear window louvres, bonnet protectors or tow bar tongues to be removed.
7. Make sure someone is available
Someone should be present when the vehicle is collected and delivered. Autocare’s drivers conduct a vehicle survey at collection and delivery, and the customer is asked to sign and agree with it. This process can take 15 to 30 minutes.
8. Keep timing flexible
Transport timeframes are estimates and may change due to location, volume, weather, high movement volumes or specialised services.
Depot-to-depot, depot-to-door or door-to-door?
Your best transport option depends on convenience, location and access.
Depot-to-depot transport can be useful when both pickup and destination depots are convenient. Door-to-door transport can be more convenient, but only where a vehicle carrier can safely and legally load or unload.
Autocare lists depot and agent locations across multiple Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Agent locations are a convenient way for Autocare to reach as many customers as possible.
What is a call-to-meet point?
A call-to-meet point may be used when direct pickup or delivery to a private or business address is not practical, or safe. Autocare explains that drivers contact customers on approach and advise where they will be located for safe loading or unloading.
This can be helpful when:
- The street is too narrow
- There are low trees or overhead obstructions
- There is limited safe stopping space
- The location is difficult for a large carrier to access
- A depot or agent location is more suitable
Can I track my vehicle?
Yes. Autocare provides a Track My Vehicle option from its website navigation.
Vehicle tracking can help customers plan collection, coordinate handover and reduce uncertainty during an interstate movement.
Interstate car transport enquiry checklist
Before starting a vehicle transport enquiry, prepare:
- Pickup suburb and destination suburb
- Vehicle make and model
- Registration status
- Whether the vehicle is drivable
- Whether the vehicle has modifications
- Whether the vehicle has low clearance
- Whether the vehicle has broken windows
- Whether personal belongings are included
- Whether the movement is to or from Western Australia
- Preferred collection timeframe
- Pickup contact details
- Delivery contact details
- Any special transport request
Having this information ready helps Autocare assess the movement and guide you through the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does interstate car transport take in Australia?
Autocare advises that interstate vehicle moves can take up to 3 weeks, subject to location and volume at the time of booking. Transit times are indicative only and may be affected by weather, high movement volumes and specialised services.
Are interstate vehicle transport timeframes guaranteed?
No. Autocare states that transit times are indicative only and are not guaranteed.
Can I leave belongings in my car during interstate transport?
Personal belongings may be allowed if booked with the transport service and securely packed into boxes or suitcases in the boot. Vehicles transported to or from Western Australia must be free of personal goods.
Does my car need to be drivable?
Yes. Autocare states that vehicles must be drivable, with operable steering, foot brake and hand brake.
Do I need to be there when my vehicle is collected?
Yes. Someone should be present at collection and delivery so the vehicle survey can be completed and signed. Autocare advises this process can take 15 to 30 minutes.
Can Autocare transport damaged vehicles?
Autocare may consider damaged vehicles depending on the damage, provided the vehicle has very little damage, all parts are intact, doors open and close, and all windows are intact. Customers should contact the Booking Team for more information.
Ready to move your vehicle interstate?
Start a vehicle transport enquiry with Autocare and prepare your vehicle using the checklist above.
