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Complete guide to transporting a vehicle in Queensland

Covering everything from prices, how long it takes, how to find the best transport provider and much more about moving vehicles in QLD and interstate.
By · April 22, 2024
Complete guide to transporting a vehicle in Queensland

Need to transport a car in QLD?

Find and compare the best transport providers in Australia, helping you get an unbeatable price and a schedule that suits you.
9.7 · 1,460 reviews
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Given the sheer size of the state and a coastline just shy of 7,000 km, it’s no surprise that opting to use a transport service to relocate a vehicle will save you heaps of time and is often the most cost effective option.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to car transport in QLD, covering everything from what it should cost to the transport options available to you and much more.

How much does it cost for car transport in Queensland?

The cost to transport a car in QLD is $240 to $2,188. Given the size of the state, the price greatly depends on the distance and locations of the move.

Below are some of the most popular routes with a price guide for each:

  • Brisbane to Gold Coast - $280 to $510
  • Brisbane to Toowoomba - $240 to $470
  • Cairns to Brisbane - $1,180 to $1,940
  • Mackay to Brisbane - $640 to $1,120
  • Townsville to Gold Coast - $740 to $1,350

There are five other factors affect the price, these are:

  • Method of transport (more detail below)
  • The car type and size
  • If the car is operational vs non-operational
  • If belongings will be in the car during transit
  • How quickly you need the car transported

How long does it take?

The move's duration also largely depends on the distance; for inner city or metro moves this can be done on the same day. For longer or regional moves this takes from 2 to 6 working days.

If you need a vehicle moved quickly, you can opt for an 'express' service. This generally comes at a higher cost, but it means your vehicle will skip the queue and be on the next available carrier to its destination.

Choosing the best transport method

There are two main options when it comes to transport methods: the first is the most convenient and attracts a higher price, and the second needs a bit more effort from you but could save you between $350 and $720. Let's jump into the options.

Door-to-door

As the name suggests, this option means your vehicle is picked up directly from address A and dropped off at address B. It's the most convenient and stress-free method to transport a car. If you're not ready to receive the vehicle when it arrives, the transport provider can store it in the short term and then deliver it when you're ready.

Depot-to-depot

This method requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle from the car carriers' depots. The depots are often located in industrial areas on the outskirts of each city or town, usually a 20 to 30-minute drive from metro areas. The depot-to-depot option does involve more effort; however, it's a great way to save on costs and can save you up to $720.

Not to complicate matters, but you can also choose door-to-depot or depot-to-door if you're able to drop off or pick up the vehicle at either side of its journey. This method can save you between $200 and $420, so if you're relatively close to a depot location, this can be a great cost-saving option.

Can I put belongings in the car?

If you're relocating within Queensland or moving more than just a vehicle, you should consider utilising the space in the car; this is known as 'goods in transit'. The good news is that most car carriers offer this option. However, many will charge a fee for doing so, which ranges from $200 to $350.

If you plan to fill your car with belongings, there are a few restricts to be aware of:

  • Goods cannot go above the bottom of the window height
  • Nothing can be put behind the driver's seat
  • Items should be packed or fixed down, nothing that can easily move around

Non-runners or non-operation vehicles

If the vehicle has broken down or it's part of a restoration project, you may need to transport it to a garage. Most car transport services can accommodate non-operational vehicles; however, special arrangements may need to be made.

It's important to notify the transport company about the vehicle's condition when requesting a quote so that they can provide the appropriate equipment, such as a tow truck or a trailer with a winch. This ensures the safe loading and unloading of your non-functional vehicle, preventing any additional damage.

Getting the best price from expert car transport companies

To ensure you're getting the best price, it's advised to obtain multiple quotes from different car transport providers that service Queensland.

The easiest way to do this is to use the car transport booking website Upmove. You'll only need to submit one delivery request specifying your vehicle's details and when you need it moved, and from there you'll receive quotes from multiple trusted and verified car transport companies.

Interstate Car Transport

If you need to transport a vehicle to or from QLD, there are several factors to be aware of. While no additional documents are required for the transporting process, changing the vehicle's registration to the new state is legally required. For more details, see our comprehensive guide on registering your car interstate.

The cost to move a vehicle around Australia depends on where it's being transported from and to. City-to-city moves will be significantly cheaper than dropping to regional destinations.

Assess reviews from previous customers to ensure your vehicle is in safe hands. If the vehicle is of high value, you can look for 'enclosed' vehicle transport providers for extra protection.

Conclusion

By now you'll have a good understanding of what's involved in transporting a car around Queensland. We've covered everything from the price you can expect to pay to the transport methods available and everything in between.

When you're ready to move a vehicle, use Upmove to get multiple quotes from trusted and verified companies. You can check their rating and read reviews from previous customers to ensure peace of mind.

Need to transport a car in QLD?

Find and compare the best transport providers in Australia, helping you get an unbeatable price and a schedule that suits you.
9.7 · 1,460 reviews
Nine News Yahoo! Finder

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Upmove to learn stories from our customers
$165
Maleny, QLD
The Gap, QLD
10
Adam
Reviewed 6 hours ago
Bike Express Motorcycle Carriers Qld were very prompt to quote on request. When I was ready to go, Wade arranged next day pick up from Sunshine Coast and following morning delivery in Brisbane. Great communicator, efficient, on time and reliable. More than happy to recommend Wade and BEMCQ.
$350
Tawonga South, VIC
Wodonga, VIC
10
Graeme
Reviewed 19 hours ago
Great service, Thanks Cam😀
$985
Eagle Farm, QLD
Heathridge, WA
10
Daniel
Reviewed 23 hours ago
Great job to Jamie for organising the shipment without my presence. Made the process easy with a good degree of trust.
$880
Mazda Rx7
Newport, NSW
Pascoe Vale, VIC
9.5
Nicholas
Reviewed 1 day ago
These guys are fantastic. Picked up Monday in NSW, delivered next day into VIC. No hassles, cared for an immaculate RX7 from start to finish. Other carriers were over double the price with 2-3 times longer transit. I would use south coast again without hesitation. Thank you again for looking after my dream car.
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