How to save money on car transportation

Getting the car of your dreams is always an exciting time, but getting it home to your garage is usually much less so, especially if it has to come from a long distance away. If the car is unregistered and/or cannot be driven, or is located interstate, the hassle ramps up, along with the cost. But there is a solution out there that gives you access to Australia’s best vehicle transporters at the best price. 

Upmove is a booking platform that makes the experience of utilising a towing company or vehicle transporter a positive one by providing choice, convenience and cost savings. In addition to specialists in car transport, Upmove has motorcycle and boat transportation companies across their network, as well as general removalists.

Upmove has already proven extremely popular in the field of motorcycle transportation, with hundreds of positive reviews. The same platform allows access to a range of professionals - at the best price - in the car transport space.

More Choice = Best Price

The Upmove platform operates in a similar way to health fund or energy provider comparison websites, presenting you with multiple options so can choose a transporter that best suits your needs and budget. With dozens of car transportation specialists on the platform, you’re assured of choice. And as they’re all competing for your business, you’re assured of the best price, too.

Importantly, all transport companies on the platform are vetted by Upmove, eliminating shonky operators.

The other boon with Upmove is that the quoted price is the final price, with no additional fees or follow-up charges. Simply enter the vehicle information via the platform, along with the pickup and delivery points, plus any other details that may impact the price. The more information you provide regarding your transportation needs, the more accurate the quotes you’ll receive.

Depending on the type of vehicle, distance travelled and a few other factors, the cost to transport a car within Australia varies – from less than $200 to around $1,000 or more – but Upmove ensures you’ll get the best price, as multiple providers are pitching for your business.

Buying, Selling . . . or just Moving

While Upmove is obviously a boon for individual buyers and sellers who need interstate car transport (like those buying and selling with JUST CARS!), that’s not where the applications start and finish. Upmove can be used to source providers for short haul moves, too, from the next town or even the next suburb, making it an option when you need to transport a vehicle for repair, restoration or servicing that can’t be driven.

The platform can also be used when you need to transport a vehicle as part of a family relocation, new job interstate or business expansion, to name just a few of the other applications.

Regardless of the reason you need vehicle transportation, the main benefit of Upmove is that, regardless of whether you’re booking a pickup or delivery, you’ll know the final cost, as you’re in charge of the moving process. If booking is left in the hands of the sender/receiver, there’s the potential for them to overcharge and leave you more out of pocket than you should be. 

A Simple Process

Booking car transportation through Upmove can be broken down into five basic steps, with the platform making the process as easy as possible. Here’s how it works.

1. Enter your transport request.
   On the Upmove website, enter the car details, starting with the vehicle type (sedan, SUV, hatchback, convertible, etc.), then specifics (make, model, year), along with the vehicle’s length, width, height and weight (if known). Next, enter the pickup and delivery points, contact details for each end and any special requirements, like covered transport only, or if spare parts need be sent as well.
   Most car transporters will assume the vehicle is running and drivable, so if it isn’t, provide that information, too. The more details you provide, the more accurate your quote will be.
   Finally, if the car is unusual in terms of dimensions or certain features, providing photos with your request can help transporters get a better idea of what they’re dealing with.
   Once your request is lodged, Upmove will reach out to movers that best suit your requirements.
2. Compare quotes
   After the request has been lodged, you’ll receive quotes from transport companies pitching for the job. The number of quotes will vary and transporters may ask for additional information, which is why it’s important to be as detailed as possible when lodging your request.
   The quote ultimately provided by the mover/s will be the FINAL PRICE, inclusive of GST and with no additional charges.
   You can then choose your mover based on lowest price, quantity of reviews (indicating a lot of experience) or quality of reviews (indicating high customer satisfaction), depending on which is more important to you.
3. Confirm collection and delivery
   Once you’ve selected your mover, confirm date and time for vehicle pickup, along with delivery date and time (this can be open-ended, if mutually agreeable). Confirm receiver’s contact information with the transporter (or the sender’s, if you’re receiving the vehicle), along with any other details specific to the job, like access issues at either end that may impact pickup and delivery (steep driveways, narrow roads, etc.).  
4. Prepare your car
   With the move booked, make the car ready for transport. This may involve cleaning, adding fuel (around a ¼ tank is recommended) and fluids if the vehicle’s running, removing or adding accessories and so on. If the vehicle has been stationary for a long period, simple things, like pumping up the tyres and freeing up wheels and brakes, lubricating door hinges and the like all make it easier for the moving company to load the vehicle.
   Vehicle damage during transportation is unlikely, but if sending, take some photos beforehand, so you have evidence of its “as sent” condition. If you’re receiving a vehicle, you may already have some photos of it, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for more.
   With the car prepared, meet your transporter on the pickup day and finalise payment (if not done prior). Obviously, if you’re receiving a vehicle, you’ll meet the transporter at the end of the job.
5. Take it Easy!
   Once the car is on its way, you can relax, knowing it’s in the hands of a transporter you’ve selected and trusted.

Find our More

For additional details on Upmove car transportation, including FAQs, other removal services available through the network, customer reviews and some handy informative articles, visit the upmove website