What is car transport and when do you need it?
Car transport is the professional movement of vehicles from A to B without driving them yourself. It is carried out by experienced, certified drivers who usually work for specialised car transport carriers. Fast and reliable car transport is most often required when buying a vehicle abroad, redistributing trade stock between branches, covering long distances where self-driving is impractical, or moving exclusive and classic cars where unnecessary kilometres should be avoided.
The advantages of professional international transport
Outsourcing car transport offers measurable advantages over driving the vehicles yourself. Speed and reliability matter most: average loading time is three to five working days, with regular status updates and clear, personal communication throughout. Damage cover runs up to €70,000 per vehicle, with transport carried out by certified carriers. You also save on cost, because you are not paying for unnecessary demurrage days and your team's time can be deployed more effectively.
Open versus enclosed transport
Car transport sometimes allows a choice between open and enclosed transport, each with its own benefits. Open transport is the most common and most cost-effective method. It saves 30–50% compared with enclosed transport and is suitable for standard passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It is fully insured and carried out by experienced drivers. Enclosed transport offers extra protection against weather and road conditions, which makes it the right choice for luxury, sports and classic cars, as well as a more discreet option for high-value vehicles. TransConnect does not offer enclosed transport.
Different automotive businesses, different needs
Different types of automotive businesses bring different transport needs. Car dealers and dealer groups use car transport for import, export and inter-branch moves; transport to private end customers is not part of our fast service. Rental companies redistribute their fleet between locations. Leasing companies need efficient distribution of vehicles. OEMs move vehicles from production sites to dealers, and online car trading platforms facilitate B2B vehicle trade online. Our service is built around these distinct needs with fast, flexible solutions, and integrates with DMS and TMS providers as well as fleet owners.
The business case for our car transport
Companies choose us because the booking is simple and fast, the price is instant, and the platform is available 24/7. We cover a wide range of routes across roughly 25 European countries and work exclusively with certified carriers. Our experienced logistics team is available with a dedicated point of contact and offers different sustainability options. Planning is flexible and adapts to your needs, and our API integration connects directly into your existing systems.
The car transport process in three steps
Our process is transparent and straightforward. Once your account is set up, you start with an instant price calculation by entering pickup address, delivery location, vehicle details and any specifics. You then place the transport order and receive a fixed price together with an indication of the delivery window. After confirmation, the order is scheduled and carried out by experienced drivers. You receive regular status updates throughout the transport. On delivery, a joint inspection takes place, including signing of the transport document (CMR).
Cost of car transport and pricing factors
Car transport prices are dynamic. They are shaped by fuel costs, supply and demand, available capacity and broader market dynamics. Standard rates for domestic car transport in the Netherlands typically fall between €0.80 and €1.20 per kilometre for standard cars, with a starting rate of €70–€100 for short distances. International transport is usually more cost-efficient per kilometre, depending on distance. The final price depends on several factors: distance, vehicle type (SUVs and vans are 10–20% higher), condition (a winch is needed for non-running vehicles), transport method (enclosed transport is 30–50% more expensive), season (5–10% higher towards year-end), volume (more vehicles, better rates), and location (remote areas are more expensive). For higher monthly volumes, sharper rates are available.
| Factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Distance | Basis of calculation |
| Vehicle type | SUV / van 10–20% higher |
| Condition | Winch required for non-running vehicles |
| Transport method | Enclosed 30–50% more expensive (on request) |
| Season | Year-end 5–10% higher |
| Volume | Higher order volume, better rates |
| Location | Remote areas are more expensive |
Insurance and certainty in car transport
Certainty and control sit at the centre of our process. The standard CMR insurance covers damage up to €8.33 per kilogram of vehicle weight, with additional cover up to €70,000 per vehicle and a maximum of three vehicles. Photographs are taken at pickup and delivery to document the vehicle's condition before and after transport. Any damage is handled directly by our logistics team. Our certified transport partners hold the relevant licences and transport certifications, and vehicles and equipment are inspected on a regular basis. We are reachable for questions or emergencies, and drivers are trained to handle every type of vehicle with care, from compact cars to high-value sports cars.
Transport of non-running vehicles
For vehicles that no longer drive — engine failure, flat battery, empty fuel tank, accident damage — we offer specialised solutions. Most transport vehicles are equipped with an electric winch to allow safe loading.
What TransConnect does not offer
While we cover a broad range of car transport services, we do not offer 24/7 breakdown assistance, towing services, or transport of specialty vehicles such as motorhomes, caravans and trucks.
International car transport across Europe
Our network spans the European Union, which means we can arrange transport to virtually any destination. Popular destinations include Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the Balkans. We work with reliable transport partners in 25 European countries. The average delivery time for international car transport is between five and ten working days, depending on distance and capacity. Our team also takes care of the paperwork — including CMR and Power of Attorney — so you do not have to.
Frequently asked questions about car transport
Average loading time within the Netherlands is two to five working days, while international transport typically takes five to ten working days. We recommend being present at delivery for the inspection and key handover. Damage during transport is covered up to €70,000 per vehicle, with a maximum of three vehicles per order. Through our online platform, you can track the status of your transport at any time and see where your vehicles are. Costs vary by route, distance, number of cars and vehicle type — you can calculate a price yourself via the platform. We transport almost every vehicle type, from compact cars to high-value vehicles; for special vehicles, we review the specifications carefully first.
Reliable versus cheap car transport
Reliable car transport matters for businesses and individuals alike. Choosing the right transport partner is therefore decisive for a successful experience. Look for valid transport licences, demonstrable experience and references, transparent pricing without hidden costs, strong reachability, and broad damage cover — including, for example, hail damage.
Why choose TransConnect?
As a reliable car transport partner, we draw on more than twelve years of experience in moving vehicles across Europe. We offer personal contact, flexible service and bespoke solutions where standard offerings fall short. Our way of working is transparent, with clear communication and clear pricing. Our European coverage is active across large parts of the continent, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Sweden. We hold ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and we are committed to sustainability, with CO₂ reduction options through biofuel swap and CO₂ offsetting.
Most car transport companies have some form of online platform for managing transport and status updates. TransConnect runs one of the most advanced and user-friendly platforms in Europe, on both desktop and mobile, and is able to calculate prices instantly across the largest network of routes. See how it works.
We are recognised for delivery speed, ease of use and reliability — and have established ourselves as a leading European car transport platform.
Need transport soon and curious how we can help? Get in touch via sales@transconnect.com or register on the platform through the simple form. You can also reach us by phone. The website lets you calculate a price for your transport quickly. Our experienced logistics team is ready to support you with professional car transport you can rely on. Prefer to meet in person? You will find us at Hanzelaan 351 in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Or just contact us.
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