Cities
Shipping a car or bike between cities is routine for a professional mover, but it works differently from moving household goods — different vehicles, different paperwork, and a different checklist for you as the owner.
Vehicles travel on dedicated car carriers, not in the household goods truck. Enclosed carriers protect against weather and road debris and are worth it for new or premium vehicles; open carriers cost less and are the standard choice for most cars. Bikes are crated or securely lashed on a shared carrier. In every case, the vehicle is driven only for loading and unloading — a genuine transporter never 'drives your car to the destination'.
Cost is driven by distance, vehicle size and carrier type. As a rough 2026 orientation for common Gujarat routes: a hatchback on an open carrier between major cities typically costs in the low-to-mid five figures, sedans and SUVs more, and enclosed carriage carries a premium. Bike transport is substantially cheaper. Get the number as its own line item in your quote — vehicle transport should never be a vague add-on inside a household quote.
Before handover, do four things: wash the car (existing scratches are visible and photographable on a clean body), photograph it from all angles plus the odometer, run the fuel down to about a quarter tank (safer and lighter), and remove everything loose — accessories, documents, FASTag balance top-ups can wait, but the tag itself should be deactivated or wrapped so it doesn't get charged along the carrier's route.
A condition report should be filled in and signed by both you and the transporter at pickup — noting existing dents, scratches and the odometer reading — and checked again at delivery. This document, plus your photos, is what makes any damage claim simple instead of contested.
Paperwork that travels with the vehicle: RC, insurance and PUC. You keep the originals of everything else. If the move is permanent, remember the re-registration/NOC process at your destination RTO is separate from transport — the carrier gets your vehicle there; registering it locally is a step you own.
Transit insurance for vehicles is inexpensive relative to the asset and worth taking on any long route. Confirm whether the transporter's carrier policy covers your vehicle or whether a separate transit policy is issued for it, and get the answer in writing.
Timeline-wise, plan for the vehicle to arrive separately from your household shipment — carriers run their own routes and schedules. Between major city pairs expect a few days to a week; your transporter should give you a window at booking and a contact for status along the way.