How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing your vehicle before transportation is one of the most important steps in the car shipping process.
Whether you’re using open, enclosed, or door-to-door auto transport, proper preparation can help reduce delays, support accurate inspections, and make pickup and delivery easier.
Follow this practical checklist before handing your vehicle over to a carrier.
Step 1: Wash Your Vehicle
Clean the exterior of your car before pickup.
A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections.
It also helps you and the carrier complete an accurate condition inspection.
You do not need professional detailing, but the exterior should be clean enough to examine carefully.
Step 2: Take Detailed Photographs
Before shipping, photograph your vehicle from multiple angles.
Capture the front, rear, both sides, roof where practical, wheels, and any existing damage.
Consider photographing the odometer and interior condition as well.
Keep these images with your shipping records.
Photographs can be useful if questions arise about the vehicle’s condition after delivery.
Step 3: Remove Personal Belongings
Remove loose personal items from the interior and trunk unless the carrier has specifically authorized them.
Personal belongings may shift during transportation, and carrier insurance may not cover their loss or damage.
Remove valuable electronics, cash, important documents, removable accessories, and other personal property.
Check the carrier’s policies before leaving any items inside the vehicle.
Step 4: Check Your Vehicle’s Mechanical Condition
If your vehicle is being shipped as operable, it should generally be able to start, steer, brake, and roll.
Check the battery, tire pressure, and fluid levels.
Look for leaks and notify the transportation coordinator about any mechanical issues.
If the vehicle is inoperable, disclose that information before booking because specialized loading equipment may be required.
Step 5: Maintain an Appropriate Fuel Level
A common recommendation is to leave approximately one-quarter tank of fuel in the vehicle.
This is usually sufficient for loading and unloading while avoiding unnecessary weight.
However, always follow the specific carrier’s instructions if they differ.
Step 6: Secure Exterior Accessories
Remove or secure loose accessories that could move or become damaged during transit.
These may include removable roof racks, antennas, bicycle carriers, and aftermarket attachments.
If your car has a custom spoiler, low ground clearance, or unusual body components, inform the carrier before pickup.
Step 7: Disable Alarms When Appropriate
Vehicle alarms can sometimes activate during transportation.
Review your owner’s manual and carrier instructions to determine whether any alarm settings should be adjusted.
If the vehicle requires special instructions for starting, locking, or operating, communicate them clearly.
Step 8: Prepare the Keys
The carrier will generally need access to the vehicle for loading and unloading.
Prepare the necessary key or key fob and remove unrelated keys from the key ring.
If the vehicle has a special starting procedure, explain it during pickup.
Step 9: Review the Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is an important transportation document.
It commonly records shipment details, vehicle condition, and pickup or delivery acknowledgment.
Review the condition report carefully before signing.
Make sure any existing damage is accurately documented.
Keep a copy of the completed paperwork for your records.
Step 10: Inspect Your Vehicle at Delivery
When your vehicle arrives, inspect it carefully before signing the final delivery documentation.
Compare its condition with your original photographs and pickup inspection report.
If you notice any new damage, record it on the delivery paperwork and take photographs.
Follow the carrier’s claims procedures and applicable deadlines.
Printable Car Shipping Preparation Checklist
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
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Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle properly can make the transportation process easier for both you and the carrier.
Taking photographs, removing belongings, checking mechanical condition, and reviewing documentation are simple actions that can help avoid confusion.
At Auto Simple Shipping, we aim to help customers understand each stage of the vehicle transportation process.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Whether you need open, enclosed, door-to-door, or state-to-state auto transport, Auto Simple Shipping can help you explore available options.
Request your free quote or call (302) 865-7169 today.