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How Do I Prepare a Car for Shipping?

Before your carrier arrives

Vehicle Transport Checklist Before Pickup

Vehicle transport checklist steps help you make sure the car, paperwork, keys, pickup location and contact information are ready before the auto carrier arrives.

Use this car shipping checklist during the final day or two before pickup. It can help you catch small issues before they create unnecessary delays.

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Enter your route, contact information and first available pickup date.

Step 1 of 3

Please provide your contact information
Pickup Zip Code(Required)
Pickup City
Pickup State
Destination Zip(Required)
Destination City
Destination State
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Phone 1(Required)
Destination and Pickup Information
First Available Date(Required)

Vehicle Information
How many vehicles are you shipping?(Required)
Year(Required)
Make(Required)
If other, please enter Vehicle Make?(Required)
Model(Required)
Vehicle Type(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat.
Please give a brief description?(Required)
Height?(Required)
Length?(Required)
Width?(Required)
Does this vehicle run?(Required)
Year Vehicle 2(Required)
Make Vehicle 2(Required)
Model Vehicle 2(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 2(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 2.
Please give a brief description of vehicle 2?(Required)
Length of vehicle 2?(Required)
Height of vehicle 2?(Required)
Width of Vehicle 2?(Required)
Does vehicle 2 run?(Required)
Year Vehicle 3(Required)
Make Vehicle 3(Required)
Model Vehicle 3(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 3(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 3?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 3?(Required)
Length of vehicle 3?(Required)
Height of vehicle 3?(Required)
Width?(Required)
Does this vehicle 3 run?(Required)
Vehicle 4
Enter the details for vehicle 4.
Year Vehicle 4(Required)
Make Vehicle 4(Required)
Model Vehicle 4(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 4(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 4?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 4?(Required)
Height of vehicle 4?(Required)
Length of vehicle 4?(Required)
Width of vehicle 4?(Required)
Does vehicle 4 run?(Required)
Vehicle 5
Enter the details for vehicle 5.
Year Vehicle 5(Required)
Make Vehicle 5(Required)
Model Vehicle 5(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 5(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 5?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 5?(Required)
Height of vehicle 5?(Required)
Length of vehicle 5?(Required)
Width of vehicle 5?(Required)
Does vehicle 5 run?(Required)
Vehicle 6
Enter the details for vehicle 6.
Year Vehicle 6(Required)
Make Vehicle 6(Required)
Model Vehicle 6(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 6(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 6?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 6?(Required)
Height of vehicle 6?(Required)
Length of vehicle 6?(Required)
Width of vehicle 6?(Required)
Does vehicle 6 run?(Required)
Vehicle 7
Enter the details for vehicle 7.
Year Vehicle 7(Required)
Make Vehicle 7(Required)
Model Vehicle 7(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 7(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 7?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 7?(Required)
Height of vehicle 7?(Required)
Length of vehicle 7?(Required)
Width of vehicle 7?(Required)
Does vehicle 7 run?(Required)
Vehicle 8
Enter the details for vehicle 8.
Year Vehicle 8(Required)
Make Vehicle 8(Required)
Model Vehicle 8(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 8(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 8?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 8?(Required)
Height of vehicle 8?(Required)
Length of vehicle 8?(Required)
Width of vehicle 8?(Required)
Does vehicle 8 run?(Required)
Vehicle 9
Enter the details for vehicle 9.
Year Vehicle 9(Required)
Make Vehicle 9(Required)
Model Vehicle 9(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 9(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 9?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 9?(Required)
Height of vehicle 9?(Required)
Length of vehicle 9?(Required)
Width of vehicle 9?(Required)
Does vehicle 9 run?(Required)
Vehicle 10
Enter the details for vehicle 10.
Year Vehicle 10(Required)
Make Vehicle 10(Required)
Model Vehicle 10(Required)
Vehicle Type Vehicle 10(Required)
We love boats! Tell us what kind of boat is vehicle 10?
Please give a brief description of vehicle 10?(Required)
Height of vehicle 10?(Required)
Length of vehicle 10?(Required)
Width of vehicle 10?(Required)
Does vehicle 10 run?(Required)
Comments
Tell us about any modifications, oversized tires, low clearance, special pickup or delivery conditions or anything else that we should know about your vehicle or move.

Prefer to speak with us? Call 888-333-6343.

Final pre-pickup review

10-Point Vehicle Transport Checklist

1. Confirm Your Pickup Contact

Make sure the person meeting the driver has a working phone and knows the approximate pickup window.

2. Clean Out the Vehicle

Remove valuables, important documents, medications and unnecessary personal belongings before transportation.

3. Take Condition Photos

Photograph the front, rear, both sides, wheels and any existing scratches, dents or other visible damage.

4. Check Tires and Battery

Make sure tires are properly inflated and the battery is secure enough for normal loading and unloading.

5. Check for Fluid Leaks

Tell us about significant leaks or mechanical problems before the carrier arrives so the driver is not surprised at pickup.

6. Leave About 1/4 Tank of Fuel

That is generally enough fuel for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight. Follow carrier instructions if different.

7. Secure Loose Accessories

Remove or secure removable antennas, roof accessories, bike racks and other items that could become loose during transport.

8. Disable Alarms

Deactivate alarms that could sound while the vehicle is on the truck and consider removing or disabling toll transponders.

9. Have Keys Ready

Provide the working key or key fob needed to start, steer and access the vehicle during loading and unloading.

10. Review Pickup Access

Large carriers need room to turn and load safely. Be ready to meet the driver at a nearby accessible location if necessary.

Vehicle condition

Vehicle Transport Checklist: Check Mechanical Details

Your vehicle does not have to be mechanically perfect, but the carrier needs accurate information. As part of your vehicle transport checklist, tell us whether a non-running car rolls, steers and brakes.

In addition, your car shipping checklist should include low ground clearance, oversized tires, lift kits, modifications or other features that could affect loading.

For a complete preparation guide, read how to prepare a car for shipping.

Pickup documentation

Car Shipping Checklist: Review the Inspection and Bill of Lading

At pickup, the driver normally inspects the vehicle and records its visible condition. Compare that inspection with your own photos before you sign.

Then keep your bill of lading and condition photos until delivery. Review the vehicle again before you sign the final paperwork.

Carrier access

Auto Transport Pickup Checklist: Confirm Carrier Access

Your auto transport pickup checklist should include carrier access. Large transport trucks need room to turn, load and unload safely.

Narrow streets, low branches, gated communities, steep driveways and local restrictions may prevent the driver from reaching the exact address.

Therefore, choose an alternate nearby location if needed. A large parking lot or another safe, legal area may give the truck enough room to maneuver.

Transport choice

Vehicle Shipping Checklist: Confirm Open or Enclosed Transport

Your vehicle shipping checklist should also confirm the equipment type. Open car transport commonly moves everyday cars, SUVs and pickup trucks.

Enclosed car transport adds protection from direct weather and normal road exposure. Owners of some classic, luxury, collector or specialty vehicles may prefer this option.

Do not wait until the truck arrives to disclose a problem. If the vehicle stops running, your pickup address changes or your schedule changes, contact Webster Hauling as soon as possible so the carrier arrangements can be reviewed.

Last-minute questions

Vehicle Transport Checklist FAQs

When should I complete the vehicle transport checklist?

Review most final checklist items during the day or two before pickup. Report mechanical or scheduling issues earlier whenever possible.

Can someone else meet the carrier for me?

Usually, yes. Choose an authorized adult who can meet the driver, review the inspection, sign the paperwork and provide the keys.

What if my street is too small for the carrier?

You and the driver can normally choose a nearby accessible meeting point where the truck can safely and legally load the vehicle.

Should I take pictures before shipping?

Yes. Take clear condition photos before loading. Then compare those photos with the delivery inspection.

Where can I check federal carrier information?

You can review federal carrier and broker information using the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance lookup.

Veteran-owned and operated

Complete Your Vehicle Transport Checklist Before Pickup

Use this vehicle transport checklist before pickup. Keep your phone available for the driver.

If the vehicle, address or schedule changes, contact Webster Hauling as soon as possible.

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