What is the best way to transport a banana tree in the car?

We are giving our banana tree to a friend tomorrow, but we are going to keep the pot its in now so our friend is going to bring his own ceramic pot. He has an SUV, and is going to fold down the seats and lay it across the back. His house is only 10 miles from us. To minimize shock to the tree, would it be better to wrap it in a tarp for the car ride and then have him put it in a pot when he gets to his house, or transplant it here so the roots are not left exposed for any period of time?