If you have booked vehicle transport in the UK, there are a few simple things you can do before the driver arrives to make collection easier, faster and safer.

This guide explains how to prepare your car, van or motorbike for collection by a transport company.

Remove personal belongings

Before collection, remove personal items from the vehicle, especially:

• Wallets, bags and electronics
• Loose tools and work equipment
• Documents you do not want to leave inside
• Fragile accessories and valuables

This keeps the inside of the vehicle tidy and reduces the risk of damage or confusion during transport.

Have keys and documents ready

Collection is much quicker when you already have everything prepared, including:

• Main keys
• Spare keys if agreed
• Any alarm fobs
• Documents that need to travel with the vehicle

If the driver has to wait while you search for keys, the whole schedule can slip.

Check access around the vehicle

The transport truck needs space to load safely. Before collection, try to:

• Move other vehicles if they block access
• Clear bins, boxes or objects near the car
• Open gates if the vehicle is in a driveway or yard

This helps the vehicle transport company work quickly and reduces the chance of delays.

Be honest about the vehicle condition

If the vehicle has any problems, tell the company in advance and remind the driver on the day. For example:

• The car does not start
• The brakes are weak
• The steering is not working properly
• The tyres are flat or damaged

Accurate information helps the driver bring the right tools for the job.

Take your own photos before loading

It is always a good idea to take clear photos of the vehicle before it is loaded. Try to capture:

• Front and rear
• Both sides
• Any existing damage or marks

The driver may also take photos, but having your own record is a smart habit.

Make sure the battery is not completely flat if possible

If the vehicle is meant to be a runner, a dead battery can create unnecessary delay. If possible, check basic battery charge and make sure the car can be started on the day.

If it cannot, simply let the vehicle transporter know in advance.

Prepare motorbikes and vans properly too

The same principles apply to bikes and vans:

• Remove loose accessories from motorbikes
• Empty the van of tools or cargo if not meant to travel with it
• Make sure mirrors, doors and panels are secure

Simple preparation reduces the chance of damage during loading and transport.

Be available at the agreed time

On collection day, keep your phone on and be ready when the driver arrives. If you cannot be there yourself, make sure a trusted person is present with keys and instructions.

Good preparation makes the whole vehicle transport process easier for you and for the driver. A few minutes of work before collection can save a lot of time and stress on the day.