Prepare a car for shipping by cleaning the vehicle, removing unnecessary belongings, photographing its condition, checking the battery and tires, leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, securing loose accessories, and having working keys ready for the carrier.
Good car shipping preparation can make the inspection and loading process easier and help prevent avoidable delays at pickup.
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Quick Checklist to Prepare a Car for Shipping
- Wash the exterior and clean out the interior.
- Take clear photos of all sides of the vehicle.
- Remove valuables and unnecessary personal belongings.
- Check the battery, tires and visible fluid leaks.
- Tell us in advance if the vehicle does not run.
- Secure or remove loose aftermarket accessories.
- Leave about one-quarter tank of fuel unless told otherwise.
- Disable alarms and check toll transponders.
- Have a working set of vehicle keys ready.
- Make sure pickup access works for a large carrier.
How to Prepare a Car for Shipping Step by Step
Clean the Vehicle Before Car Shipping
As part of preparing a car for shipping, clean the exterior well enough to see the paint, glass, wheels and body panels clearly. A clean vehicle makes existing scratches, dents or other cosmetic damage easier to identify during the pickup inspection.
Also clean the interior and trunk. Remove valuables, important documents, medications, electronics and other items you do not want left inside during transportation.
Document Vehicle Condition Before Shipping
Before vehicle shipping, take clear photos of the front, rear, both sides, wheels and any existing damage. You may also want a photo of the odometer for your own records.
At pickup, review the driver’s inspection and bill of lading before signing, then keep your photos until delivery is complete. This documentation is an important part of preparing a car for shipping.
Check Mechanical Condition Before Vehicle Shipping
Car shipping preparation should include checking that the tires are properly inflated, the battery is secure and charged, and there are no major fluid leaks that could affect loading or another vehicle on the carrier.
If the car does not run, tell Webster Hauling before transportation is arranged. Also explain whether it rolls, steers and brakes. Accurate vehicle information is another key part of car shipping preparation.
Secure Loose Parts Before Car Transport
When you prepare a car for transport, secure or remove items that could become loose during highway travel, such as removable antennas, spoilers, roof racks, bike racks and custom accessories.
If the vehicle is lowered, modified, oversized or has unusual ground clearance, tell us when requesting your quote.
Fuel Level for Car Shipping Preparation
For most car shipping preparation, about one-quarter tank of fuel is enough for loading and unloading while avoiding unnecessary weight. Follow the assigned carrier’s instructions if they request a different amount.
Disable Alarms and Prepare Keys for Shipping
Before vehicle shipping, disable alarms that could activate during transit. In addition, remove or deactivate toll transponders when appropriate.
Have a working vehicle key or key fob ready for the driver, along with any special key needed to operate or access the vehicle. That helps complete your vehicle shipping preparation before pickup.
Documents to Have Ready When Preparing a Car for Shipping
When preparing a car for shipping, remember that document requirements can vary depending on the shipment and carrier. Therefore, do not assume every shipment requires the same paperwork.
Keep your vehicle registration, insurance information and identification available for your own records, and ask if anything specific is required before pickup.
The most important transport document at pickup is usually the vehicle inspection and bill of lading. Review it carefully because it records the vehicle’s condition and shipment details. You can also use the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance lookup to review federal motor carrier information.
Prepare the Pickup Location for Vehicle Shipping
Vehicle shipping preparation also includes making sure the pickup location can accommodate a large auto transport truck. Narrow streets, low tree branches, gated communities, steep driveways, local restrictions or heavy traffic can prevent a carrier from reaching the exact address.
As a result, you and the driver may need to meet at a nearby parking lot or another safe, legal and accessible location.
Keep your phone available around pickup and delivery so the driver can coordinate with you.
Open or Enclosed Transport When You Prepare a Car for Shipping
Open Car Transport
When you prepare a car for shipping, most everyday cars, SUVs and pickup trucks can be transported on an open carrier. Open transport is widely used and generally provides greater carrier availability.
Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed transport provides an additional barrier from direct weather and normal road exposure. It may be considered for classic, collector, exotic, luxury, restored or other vehicles where added protection is a priority.
FAQs About How to Prepare a Car for Shipping
Do I need to be present when the car is picked up?
You or an authorized representative should normally be available for the pickup inspection, paperwork and key handoff. If you cannot be there, arrange a responsible contact before pickup.
How far in advance should I prepare my car?
Mechanical problems or special vehicle requirements should be reported as early as possible. Final cleaning, photographs and removal of personal belongings can usually be completed shortly before pickup.
Can I ship personal items inside my vehicle?
Carrier policies vary. Therefore, ask before placing anything inside the vehicle. Valuables, important documents, medications and irreplaceable items should travel with you rather than inside the car.
Can a non-running vehicle be shipped?
Often, yes. However, a non-running vehicle may require special loading equipment. Tell us whether it starts, rolls, steers and brakes when requesting your quote so the correct carrier can be considered.
Will the vehicle be inspected before transport?
Yes. The driver normally performs a condition inspection at pickup and records it on the bill of lading or inspection report. Review the vehicle again at delivery before signing the final paperwork.
Should I remove my toll pass?
It is a good idea to remove or deactivate toll transponders when possible. Otherwise, a toll reader could potentially register the device while the vehicle is being transported.
Ready to Prepare Your Car for Shipping?
Good car shipping preparation makes pickup easier for you and the carrier. When you prepare a car for shipping carefully, the inspection and loading process is usually much smoother. Clean the vehicle, document its condition, remove unnecessary belongings, disclose mechanical issues and keep your pickup contact information current.
Webster Hauling has more than 25 years of auto transport experience and maintains an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
