Write down the two exact endpoints.
Name the put-in and takeout, identify which are public, private or unverified, and confirm current permission and parking. A map pin proves neither access nor a safe place to leave a vehicle.
Move the finish vehicle first.
Drive both vehicles and the full group to the takeout. Leave one vehicle there with dry clothes, water and recovery supplies. Everyone then rides back to the put-in with the boats and the launch vehicle.
Put the correct keys on the water.
The paddling group must carry the takeout-vehicle keys. Use a waterproof closure secured inside a second dry bag or attachment point. Do not leave the only useful key in the upstream vehicle.
Count seats, boats and people twice.
Before launch, confirm who rides in which vehicle, how many legal seats are available, whether every boat and paddle can be transported securely and who will return for the upstream vehicle. Never transport a person in a boat trailer or dump trailer.
Treat paid retrieval as a separate service decision.
A friend moving vehicles and a business transporting passengers for compensation are not the same arrangement. Before relying on a paid driver, confirm the operator, vehicle, insurance, commercial authority, written scope, pickup location and weather cancellation terms.