Planning car transport: condition, loading and costs
A vehicle purchase, workshop visit or change of location involves more than mileage. The carrier needs to know which car is being loaded, whether it can be moved and how both collection and delivery sites can be accessed.
Can the car roll, steer and brake?
A car with an engine fault may still roll, steer and brake. Locked wheels require a different loading approach. Describe the actual condition instead of simply ‘not running’. Missing keys, collision damage and a parking brake that cannot be released must also be discussed before booking.
Make and model help with the initial assessment. Modifications, low ground clearance, high weight or unusual dimensions need further checks. An electric car does not automatically require specialist transport, but known battery damage must be disclosed in advance. The carrier confirms whether the proposed transport is feasible.
Open or enclosed transport?
On an open carrier, the car is exposed to the outside environment. An enclosed vehicle offers additional protection from weather and dirt. This may matter for delicate paintwork, valuable classics or presentation vehicles. Confirm the actual equipment: a cover is not the same as an enclosed trailer.
Having a driver deliver the car on its own wheels is a different service. It adds mileage and requires suitable road registration, insurance and roadworthiness. If you want to avoid additional driving mileage, expressly agree carriage on an appropriate transport vehicle.
How much does car transport cost?
Route, approach journey, vehicle size, loading and timing affect the price. For several cars, clarify whether they share collection and delivery sites. Ask for a total including empty journeys, waiting-time terms and any surcharges.
One published domestic calculator states a CHF 300 minimum for open transport. Checked in October 2026; the tax basis is unclear. This limited example is neither a Swiss market minimum nor a price for enclosed transport or difficult loading.
Compare the same route and vehicle condition. A low base rate may become less attractive if a winch, complicated loading or delivery at the agreed time is charged separately.
| Item | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Journey | Locations, approach, return or shared load |
| Loading | Rolling ability, ramp, winch and clearance |
| Timing | Flexible window or confirmed collection |
| Total | Tax, waiting, surcharges and cover |
Prepare collection and handover
Check whether the transporter can reach the car. Underground garages, narrow entrances and limited turning space may require a different handover point. Agree who supplies the keys and who signs at delivery. An accessible parked car without an available handover contact may still cause waiting time.
Photograph the vehicle at collection and record existing damage, mileage and handed-over accessories. Compare its condition at delivery. Remove loose personal possessions or expressly agree what may remain inside.
Review insurance cover against the car’s value and the agreed service. Ask about excess, exclusions and cover during loading and unloading. A general statement that transport is insured does not answer those questions.
Cross-border car transport
Transport, customs handling and subsequent registration are separate tasks. Purchase, relocation and temporary use have different implications. A transport quote alone is therefore not a complete import-cost calculation.
Agree who provides vehicle and purchase documents and handles declarations. Separate transport charges, processing fees and any public duties or taxes. Crossing a border does not mean identical taxation in every situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a car without number plates be transported?
Loading it onto a suitable carrier may be possible. Clarify ownership evidence, vehicle documents and loading arrangements. This does not authorise driving it on public roads.
What matters for a non-running car?
Say whether it rolls, steers and brakes, whether keys are available and what damage exists. The carrier can assess the need for a winch or other loading equipment.
Is a fixed delivery date always included?
No. Establish whether you are agreeing a fixed appointment, a delivery window or shared transport, and how delays affect handover and charges.
Is this request suitable for an urgent breakdown?
This page compares planned transport services. For an urgent breakdown, contact an available recovery service directly; requesting quotes is not confirmation of an emergency response.
