Common Mistakes People Make When Transporting Their Vehicles — And How to Avoid Them
Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Shifting Your Car or Bike
If you’re planning to transport your car or bike across India, it’s important to know the common mistakes people make when relocating vehicles — especially if you’re only moving a single item and not your entire home. Whether you’re sending your two-wheeler to another city for college or relocating a car for work, vehicle transport in India can be tricky if you’re unprepared.
From not inspecting the vehicle before handover to choosing the wrong type of carrier, small oversights can lead to delays, damage, or unnecessary costs. This guide will walk you through the top 5 pitfalls people often fall into when using a car or bike shifting service, and how to avoid them.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do to ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely — without stress or surprises.
From not inspecting the vehicle before handover to choosing the wrong type of carrier, small oversights can lead to delays, damage, or unnecessary costs. This guide will walk you through the top 5 pitfalls people often fall into when using a car or bike shifting service, and how to avoid them.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do to ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely — without stress or surprises.
Mistake 1: Not Inspecting or Documenting the Vehicle Before Handover
Memory fades. Photos don’t.
Many skip the most basic step: documenting their vehicle’s condition before it hits the road.
Many skip the most basic step: documenting their vehicle’s condition before it hits the road.
Here’s what you should photograph:
| 📸 Area | ✅ Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Front, back, both sides | Shows existing dents or scratches |
| Tyres | Notes wear and tear |
| Dashboard | Odometer + fuel reading |
| Close-ups | Any pre-existing damage |
💡 Pro Tip: Use a timestamped photo app for added credibility.
Avoid it by:
Making a simple pre-move checklist
Asking for a written condition report from your transporter
Mistake 2: Skipping the Research on the Transport Provider
Looks legit. Sounds convincing. Isn’t.
The market is flooded with middlemen and fake listings. They promise low prices. They deliver high regret.
The market is flooded with middlemen and fake listings. They promise low prices. They deliver high regret.
Red Flags to Watch:
No GST number or business license
Vague answers about insurance
No office address or customer support
Avoid it by:
Reading verified reviews
Checking for fleet ownership (not just brokering)
Asking for insurance proof
Relocate Xpress offers documented inspections and a verified fleet network — always worth checking before committing.
Mistake 3: Leaving Loose Items in the Vehicle
It’s tempting. You’re moving anyway. Why not stuff a few boxes in the trunk?
Because those boxes may:
Because those boxes may:
Shift during transport
Crack windshields
Or worse — go missing
And here’s the kicker: Transport insurance rarely covers personal items.
Avoid it by:
Emptying glove boxes and boot space
Removing gadgets, chargers, and accessories
Treating the vehicle like a suitcase on a flight: nothing loose
Mistake 4: Misunderstanding Open vs Enclosed Carrier Options
Would you drive your Bentley through a dust storm?
Yet many owners unknowingly opt for open carriers, exposing their car or bike to:
Yet many owners unknowingly opt for open carriers, exposing their car or bike to:
-
- Rain
- Dust
- Stone chips
- Highway grime
Carrier Comparison:
| Type | Protection | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Low | Budget-friendly | Standard bikes, compact cars |
| Enclosed | High | Premium | Luxury cars, vintage bikes, long-distance moves |
Avoid it by:
Asking about carrier types
Choosing based on weather, value, and road distance
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Importance of Proper Packaging
Imagine your bike being loaded next to another — mirror to mirror, without protection. Now hit a speed bump.
Damage isn’t always from bad driving. It’s often from bad packaging.
Key Vulnerable Parts:
Side mirrors
Handlebars
Antennas
Headlights
Tailpipes
Packaging That Works:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bubble Wrap | Cushions fragile edges |
| Corrugated Cardboard | Shields contact points |
| Stretch Film | Seals against dust & rain |
Relocate Xpress uses industrial-grade wrapping and precision loading tools — reducing in-transit damage to near zero.
Avoid it by:
Confirming the materials used
Asking how parts are secured and padded
Bonus Mistake: Not Asking for Tracking or Status Updates
“Where is my car?” shouldn’t be a question you have to ask.
Silence breeds anxiety. Especially when your car or bike is invisible somewhere on a highway.
Silence breeds anxiety. Especially when your car or bike is invisible somewhere on a highway.
Avoid it by:
Choosing services that offer real-time GPS tracking
Getting a point of contact for regular updates
Setting clear delivery expectations upfront
Quick Recap: The 5 Mistakes to Avoid
| ❌ Mistake | ✅ Solution |
|---|---|
| Skipping inspection | Photo & checklist |
| Choosing shady transporters | Do your research |
| Leaving items inside | Empty everything |
| Picking the wrong carrier | Know your needs |
| Ignoring packaging | Ask about materials |
The Road is Long. Don’t Let it Be Risky.
Relocating a vehicle doesn’t have to be a gamble. The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make.
And if you want a partner who checks all the boxes — transparent, secure, and nationwide — Relocate Xpress is ready when you are.
And if you want a partner who checks all the boxes — transparent, secure, and nationwide — Relocate Xpress is ready when you are.
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