Car Transporter – Get Quotes from Local Vehicle Transport Drivers
Moving a car without driving it yourself means finding someone with the right equipment and know-how. On Vanloop you post what you need moving, where from and to, and drivers who handle vehicle transport send you quotes directly.
What car transport involves
Car transport is the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another using a trailer, flatbed, or specialist transporter. This might be a car you have bought from a private seller that is not road-legal, a project car that does not run, or simply a vehicle you need relocated while you travel separately.
The method used depends on the vehicle and the distance. Short moves across town can be done with a trailer and tow vehicle. Longer journeys may suit a dedicated transporter lorry. Some drivers use beavertail vehicles with winches, which work well for non-running cars. When you post your job, be clear about whether the vehicle starts and drives so drivers know what equipment they need.
What to tell the driver before they quote
The more detail you give upfront, the more accurate the quotes you receive will be. Drivers need to know the make and model of the vehicle, its approximate weight, and whether it runs and drives or needs winching onto a trailer.
Also mention any modifications such as lowered suspension or body kits that affect ground clearance. If the vehicle has a flat tyre, missing wheel, or steering lock engaged, say so. These details determine whether a standard trailer will work or whether a flatbed with a winch is needed.
- Make, model, and approximate weight of the vehicle
- Does it start, run, and drive?
- Any modifications affecting clearance (lowered, body kit)?
- Flat tyres, missing wheels, or locked steering?
- Collection and delivery postcodes
- Any access restrictions at either end (narrow lanes, low bridges)?
Open vs enclosed transport
Open transport is the most common method and uses a trailer or flatbed where the vehicle is exposed to the weather. It suits everyday cars, project vehicles, and most standard moves. The vehicle is secured with straps and driven to its destination.
Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a covered trailer or transporter body, protecting it from road debris, weather, and prying eyes. This is worth considering for high-value, classic, or concours-condition cars. Not every driver offers enclosed transport, so if you need it, specify this clearly in your job posting. Drivers vary in what they can carry and the cover they provide, so ask about the type of transport and any cover arrangements when reviewing quotes.
Preparing your vehicle for transport
Before the collection date, remove all personal belongings from inside the car. Most drivers do not insure personal items left in the vehicle during transit. Check the glovebox, door pockets, and boot.
If the car runs, make sure there is enough fuel for loading and unloading but do not fill the tank completely. A quarter tank is usually plenty. Disable or disconnect the alarm if it is prone to going off, as a sounding alarm during transport is a distraction for the driver. Take photos of the vehicle from every angle before collection so you have a record of its condition.
- Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle
- Leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel if the car runs
- Disable the alarm if it is sensitive
- Photograph the vehicle from all angles before collection
- Check tyre pressures so the car rolls safely onto the trailer
- Remove or retract the aerial if it is a fixed type
Access and collection logistics
A transporter vehicle with a trailer or a flatbed lorry needs significantly more room to manoeuvre than a standard car. Think about whether the collection and delivery addresses have space for a long vehicle to pull up, load, and turn around. Narrow residential streets, cul-de-sacs, and steep driveways can all cause problems.
If the vehicle is parked in a multi-storey car park or underground garage, mention the height restriction. Most transporters cannot enter spaces with a clearance below 2.5 metres. If direct access is not possible, discuss with the driver whether the car can be moved to a nearby open area for loading.
Non-running and project vehicles
A car that does not start or drive is still transportable, but it needs a driver equipped with a winch or a flatbed that tilts. Be upfront about the vehicle's condition. A driver who arrives expecting to drive the car onto the trailer will not be able to complete the job if it does not start.
If the vehicle has been stationary for a long time, check whether the brakes are seized. A car that will not roll freely needs different handling. For barn finds or restoration projects that are particularly fragile, let drivers know about rust, loose panels, or anything that might break if the car is moved.
What affects your quote
Several factors influence what a driver quotes for vehicle transport. Distance is the most obvious, but it is not the only one. The weight and size of the vehicle matter because they determine fuel consumption and the type of equipment required. A large SUV or van weighs far more than a small hatchback.
Whether the vehicle runs and drives makes a difference because non-runners take longer to load and require specialist equipment. The accessibility of both collection and delivery points also plays a part. A rural farm track is more time-consuming than a house on a main road. Finally, timing affects availability. If you need the car moved urgently, let drivers know so they can quote accordingly.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent mistake is not disclosing that a vehicle is a non-runner. A driver who prepares for a running car will arrive without a winch, and the job cannot go ahead. Similarly, forgetting to mention a flat tyre or missing wheel creates delays and wasted journeys.
Another error is assuming any vehicle transporter can access any address. Always check the largest vehicle that can reach your property. If you are unsure, take measurements and share them with drivers when they quote. Finally, leaving personal items in the vehicle is a common oversight. Check every compartment before handing the car over.
Questions
Can a non-running car be transported?
Yes. Many drivers have winches, tilt-bed trailers, or flatbed lorries that can load a vehicle that does not start or drive. Just make sure you state clearly in your job posting that the car is a non-runner.
Do I need to be present for collection and delivery?
Most drivers prefer someone to be there at both ends to hand over the keys and confirm the vehicle's condition. If you cannot be present, you can arrange for someone you trust to stand in, but agree this with the driver beforehand.
How should the car be secured during transport?
Drivers use ratchet straps and wheel chocks to secure the vehicle. The method varies by equipment type. Ask the driver how they secure vehicles when you review their quote so you are comfortable with the approach.
Can I put belongings in the car during transport?
It is generally best not to. Personal items are not usually covered while in transit, and loose objects can shift and cause damage inside the vehicle. Remove everything before collection.
What if the car has no MOT or tax?
That is fine. Vehicles being transported do not need to be road-legal because they are carried, not driven. Just let the driver know so they are aware of the vehicle's status.
How far in advance should I book?
It depends on availability. Some drivers can take jobs at short notice, but booking a few days ahead gives you a wider choice of quotes. For long-distance moves, more notice is helpful.