Open transporter
For dealership deliveries, loads of different vehicle models and individual cars where the route allows. Vehicles travel on open platforms, exposed to rain, road dust and dirt.
WEST MATTERHORN / ROAD TRANSPORT
Car transport by road
Open and enclosed car transport for dealers, importers and owners of valuable vehicles. We collect from the seller or port and deliver to your agreed destination, whether you are moving one car or a full load.
Request a transport quoteYour car is carried on a transporter, not driven to its destination
A car transporter carries vehicles on purpose-built platforms. We arrange transport across Europe and on selected routes to Central Asia, as well as collection and delivery for sea and rail shipments. We choose the transporter to suit your vehicle, access at collection and delivery, and your preferred dates.
Shared or dedicated car transport?
One or more vehicles
Where shared transport is available, departure dates depend on finding other vehicles travelling on the same route and arranging collection stops. We agree any stops and transfers to another transporter in advance.
Dedicated transporter / FTL
The transporter is reserved exclusively for your vehicles. This suits larger shipments or deliveries that need a specific time slot. You do not have to fill every platform.
Regular dealership deliveries
Tell us how many vehicles you expect to move, where they need collecting and when they will be ready. We plan around release times, terminal appointments and the receiving site opening hours.
What do we need to check before loading?
Low ground clearance and body kits
Send front and rear photos, the ground clearance measurement and instructions for any vehicle lift system. A car may fit on the platform but still catch its underside on the ramp during loading.
SUVs, vans and mixed vehicle loads
Provide the actual dimensions and weight, including any modifications. The number of vehicles a transporter can carry depends on the size and weight of the whole load.
Electric vehicles and hybrids
Tell us the battery condition, vehicle weight and whether it has a transport mode. We check how to release the parking brake and move the vehicle, following instructions from the manufacturer and carrier.
Damaged and non-running vehicles
Tell us whether the vehicle rolls, steers and brakes, and report any leaks or loose parts. We assess loading separately and check whether a winch is needed and suitable equipment is available.
Vehicle transport in practice
Photographs from our deliveries: different vehicle sizes, platform layouts and loading conditions.
How car transport works: from collection to delivery
Confirm the vehicle is ready
We check with the seller, dealer or terminal that the vehicle can be collected. We confirm contact details, access, keys and the documents needed for release.
Record condition and arrange loading
We record the vehicle condition before loading. The transporter and securing method are selected to suit the vehicle and the manufacturer instructions.
Coordinate the journey
We arrange collection and delivery times, border procedures and terminal appointments. We agree how you will receive progress updates; live tracking is not available on every journey.
Check the vehicle at delivery
Before signing the delivery documents, the recipient inspects the car and checks the VIN, keys and listed accessories against the handover record.
What determines car transport cost?
Request a transport quoteThe cost depends on more than distance. When comparing quotes, check that they cover the same addresses, loading requirements and services.
Route and access
Collection and delivery addresses, detours, border crossings, tolls and terminal appointments. Narrow streets may require an agreed nearby handover point.
Vehicle and load
Quantity, dimensions, weight, condition and loading equipment. A tall van or large SUV changes the layout of the whole load.
Transport options
Open or enclosed transport, a shared load where available or a dedicated transporter. Any agreed transfers or other handling along the way also affect the price.
Readiness and timing
A fixed delivery window, waiting for release, storage or a failed collection can change the cost. Insurance and extra services are quoted separately when requested.
Documents and information before collection
- Vehicle, sender and recipient details
- VIN, make, model, year and contact details. Proof of ownership or authorisation to release the vehicle may also be required.
- Transport order and CMR
- The order sets out the addresses, vehicle list and agreed services. Where applicable, a CMR consignment note accompanies the international shipment. It is a transport document, not an insurance policy.
- Export, transit and port release
- The documents needed depend on the countries involved, customs status and any preceding sea or rail shipment. Before sending the transporter, we check collection references and the terminal release times and deadlines.
At collection and delivery
- Photograph the vehicle and record any visible damage.
- Check the VIN, keys and agreed list of accessories.
- Tell us in advance about items inside the car. Carrying them requires separate agreement.
- Note any damage or discrepancies in the delivery documents and contact your coordinator promptly.
Carrier liability is not the same as cargo insurance
The applicable transport contract, rules and policy terms determine responsibility and cover. For valuable vehicles, discuss separate cargo insurance before dispatch, including insured value, exclusions and deductible. Insurance is not automatically included.
How long our completed road deliveries took
Munich → Sofia
3 days on the road + 1 day awaiting loadingFTL delivery
Hamburg suburb → Istanbul
5 daysOpen car transporter delivery
Several points in Germany → Port of Trieste
2 daysConsolidated delivery
Hamburg + Munich → Almaty
26 daysFTL delivery
Dubai → Saudi Arabia → Jordan → Syria → Turkey → Rustavi
13 days from collection to handoverRoad transport of a classic car
These are actual times from individual deliveries, not guarantees for new bookings. Transporter availability, vehicle readiness, driving schedules, border procedures and receiving hours all affect delivery times. Multimodal case studies show the total journey time, not just the road leg.
Road transport on its own or as part of a longer journey
Europe
Collection from sellers, transfers between storage sites and delivery to dealerships or another agreed address, subject to access.
Central Asia
Transport on selected international routes. For each booking, we check the vehicle, documents, transit countries and applicable restrictions.
Port and rail connections
Delivery to the departure port or rail terminal, or onward transport after arrival. We schedule collection once the terminal confirms the vehicle is ready for release.
In practice
Real West Matterhorn projects
These are actual times from individual deliveries, not guarantees for new bookings. Transporter availability, vehicle readiness, driving schedules, border procedures and receiving hours all affect delivery times. Multimodal case studies show the total journey time, not just the road leg.
Five Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLC SUVs, 2025
- Route
- Munich → Sofia
- Method
- FTL delivery
- Timing
- 3 days on the road + 1 day awaiting loading
Cadillac Eldorado
- Route
- Hamburg suburb → Istanbul
- Method
- Open car transporter delivery
- Timing
- 5 days
Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and Bentley Continental
- Route
- Several points in Germany → Port of Trieste
- Method
- Consolidated delivery
- Timing
- 2 days
Car transport questions
Can you transport just one car?
Yes, we transport single cars as well as multiple vehicles. You can book a dedicated transporter or share a load with other cars where the route allows. Prices and schedules differ between these options.
Is enclosed transport always necessary for an expensive car?
Not necessarily. It depends on the protection you need, the vehicle ground clearance and dimensions, and the equipment available. We compare open and enclosed options for your route.
How many cars fit on one transporter?
We need the vehicle list to give an accurate answer. Capacity depends on vehicle length, height and weight, the platform layout and the loading order.
Can you load a sports car with low ground clearance?
We first check ground clearance, front and rear overhangs, ramp angles and any vehicle lift system. We need photographs and actual dimensions. An enclosed transporter alone does not guarantee that the car can clear the loading ramp safely.
Can you transport damaged or non-running cars?
We assess them individually. Tell us whether the vehicle rolls, steers and brakes and provide photos of damage. Equipment and a safe loading plan must be confirmed before acceptance, especially for battery damage.
Will the transporter come directly to my address?
When access permits. Confirm road width, turning space, overhead clearance and loading restrictions. If a large transporter cannot safely access the address, an alternative handover arrangement is agreed in advance.
Does CMR mean the full value of my car is insured?
No. A CMR consignment note is not a cargo insurance policy. Carrier liability and separate cargo cover are different; confirm cover, value and terms before dispatch.
What is needed for an accurate quote?
Collection and delivery locations, make, model, year, quantity, condition and preferred dates. Add dimensions for modified vehicles, vans or large SUVs and tell us whether enclosed or dedicated transport is required.
Preparation and transport documents
We confirm the loading requirements and paperwork for your vehicle and route before collection.
Content updated:
More about shipping by origin
Vehicle collection, documents and route options. Each shipment is confirmed individually.