How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Preparation time: 1 hour•7 simple steps

Properly preparing your vehicle for shipping ensures safe transport and prevents delays. Follow this comprehensive checklist to get your car ready for pickup.

Quick Preparation Checklist

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1

Clean Your Vehicle

A clean vehicle makes the inspection process easier and helps you identify any existing damage. Wash the exterior thoroughly and vacuum the interior.

Why this matters:

  • • Easier to spot and document existing damage
  • • Shows professionalism to the carrier
  • • Prevents dirt from hiding scratches or dents
2

Document Existing Damage

Take comprehensive photos of your vehicle from all angles. Document any existing damage, no matter how minor.

Photos to take:

  • • All four corners
  • • Front and rear
  • • Roof and undercarriage
  • • Interior dashboard

Document:

  • • Current mileage
  • • Existing damage
  • • Special features
  • • Date and time

Pro tip: Email these photos to yourself with the date for easy reference.

3

Remove Personal Items

Remove ALL personal belongings from your vehicle. Carriers are not responsible for items left inside, and extra weight can cause issues.

Items that MUST be removed:

  • • Electronics (GPS, chargers, adapters)
  • • Toll tags and parking passes
  • • Garage door openers
  • • Valuable items and documents
  • • Aftermarket accessories
4

Check Fluids and Battery

Ensure your vehicle is in good running condition. Check all fluids and make sure there are no leaks.

Check these fluids:

  • ✓ Engine oil
  • ✓ Brake fluid
  • ✓ Coolant
  • ✓ Power steering fluid

Also verify:

  • ✓ Battery is charged
  • ✓ Tires properly inflated
  • ✓ No fluid leaks
  • ✓ Emergency brake works
5

Reduce Fuel Level

Keep your fuel tank between 1/8 and 1/4 full. This provides enough fuel for loading/unloading while reducing weight and safety risks.

Why 1/4 tank?

  • • Reduces vehicle weight (saves money)
  • • Safer for transport
  • • Enough fuel for loading/unloading
  • • Required by most carriers
6

Disable Alarms

Turn off any alarms or anti-theft devices. These can drain the battery and cause issues during transport.

Remember to disable:

  • • Car alarm systems
  • • Aftermarket security devices
  • • Steering wheel locks
  • • GPS tracking alerts
7

Prepare Documents

Have all necessary documents ready for the driver at pickup.

Documents needed:

  • • Vehicle keys (provide all sets)
  • • Registration copy
  • • Insurance information
  • • Photo documentation you took
  • • Bill of Lading (provided by driver)

Special Circumstances

Non-Running Vehicles

  • • Inform carrier in advance
  • • May require winch (extra $150-200)
  • • Ensure steering works
  • • Brakes must be functional

Modified Vehicles

  • • Measure exact height
  • • Note ground clearance
  • • Remove loose spoilers
  • • Secure any modifications

Classic Cars

  • • Consider enclosed transport
  • • Extra documentation
  • • Note special handling needs
  • • Inform about value

Convertibles

  • • Secure convertible top
  • • Check for leaks
  • • Consider enclosed transport
  • • Remove loose items

Final Tips for Success

Do:

  • ✓ Be present during pickup
  • ✓ Get driver's contact info
  • ✓ Review Bill of Lading carefully
  • ✓ Keep copies of all documents

Don't:

  • ✗ Leave valuables in car
  • ✗ Pack the trunk
  • ✗ Disconnect battery
  • ✗ Sign blank documents

More Helpful Resources

Car Shipping Cost Guide

Detailed pricing breakdown and factors affecting cost

State Shipping Regulations

Requirements for title transfers and vehicle registration

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