Shipping your car can be a stress-free experience if you know what to expect and how to prepare. While your chosen transport company will handle the logistics, it’s essential to get your vehicle ready before the scheduled pickup. This preparation ensures a smooth shipment, helps avoid unnecessary delays, and protects your car from potential damage.
At Simple Car Shipping, we prioritize making your transport experience as easy as possible. With years of expertise, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist to ensure that your car is in the best condition for its journey.
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Why clean your car if it’s just going on a truck? The answer is simple: visibility. Cleaning your vehicle allows you (and the driver) to clearly see any existing damage, such as dents, dings, or scratches. Documenting the car’s condition before shipping is crucial for insurance claims in the unlikely event of damage during transport. A clean car ensures that all imperfections are noted upfront.
Tip: Take detailed photos from multiple angles after cleaning and before the driver arrives. Make sure these are date-stamped as proof of the car’s condition.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Auto transport companies focus on the safe delivery of your car—not the items inside it. While it might be tempting to leave things in your car for convenience, doing so could lead to complications. Transporters are not responsible for any personal items left in the vehicle, and additional weight could increase your shipping cost or cause delays.
Tip: If you’re moving, ship your personal items separately. Leaving items in the car could also make your vehicle a target for theft.
3. Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
It’s important to make sure your car is in safe, working order before transport. Check under the hood for any fluid leaks or mechanical issues. If your car is not in running condition, it’s essential to notify the transport company beforehand, as this may require special accommodations and additional costs.
Tip: Have your vehicle checked by a mechanic to ensure it’s ready for shipping. Even if your car isn’t in use, having fluids at proper levels and battery charged will make the process smoother.
4. Ensure Gas Tank is Below a Quarter Full
For safety reasons, it’s recommended that your car’s gas tank be no more than a quarter full during transport. This is because less fuel reduces the overall weight and minimizes potential hazards. The vehicle won’t need much gas while it’s on the truck, so leaving just enough to get it from the transport carrier to your final destination is the best approach.
Tip: Save yourself a trip to the gas station after delivery by ensuring you have at least a quarter tank left for when you receive the vehicle.
5. Remove or Disable Toll Tags and Parking Passes
Leaving toll tags or parking passes in your car during transport can lead to unnecessary charges as your car travels through tolls or parking areas. These charges are not the responsibility of the transport company, so it’s best to remove or disable these devices before shipment.
Tip: Remember to re-enable or reinstall them once your vehicle has been delivered.
6. Secure or Remove Loose Parts
If your car has any loose parts, such as an antenna, spoilers, or custom additions, it’s a good idea to secure or remove them to prevent damage during transport. If you have non-permanent fixtures like bike racks, luggage racks, or any removable accessories, take them off before shipping.
Tip: Don’t forget to store these items safely and reinstall them once your vehicle arrives.
7. Check Tires, Battery, and Fluids
Before shipping, ensure that your tires are inflated properly and check for any slow leaks. Additionally, confirm that your battery is charged and all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, etc.) are at appropriate levels. Properly maintaining these aspects ensures your vehicle is ready for loading and unloading and minimizes the chance of delays due to mechanical issues.
Tip: While this step might seem like basic maintenance, it can prevent significant problems once the car reaches its destination.
8. Lock the Car but Leave a Spare Key
Once your car is prepped and ready for pickup, it’s important to lock it to prevent unauthorized access during transport. However, you’ll also need to provide the transport driver with a spare key. The driver will need access to load, unload, or move the car when necessary.
Tip: Only hand over the spare key and keep your primary key set for your own peace of mind.
9. Document Everything
From the car’s condition to communication with the auto transport broker, it’s essential to document everything. This includes photos of the car, signed copies of the Bill of Lading (BOL), and any correspondence you’ve had with the broker. This documentation serves as an extra layer of protection for you in case of any disputes.
Tip: Ensure that all damage or concerns are noted on the BOL before signing it when you drop off or receive the car.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your car is properly prepared for a smooth and stress-free transport process. The more thorough your preparation, the less likely you are to encounter issues during shipping. Not only will this save you time, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your car is in the best possible condition for its journey.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Car Shipping Guide
- Link: FMCSA Auto Transport Guide
- Why use it: Provides government-backed advice on safely moving vehicles across state lines, highlighting regulations for both carriers and customers.
Department of Transportation (DOT) – Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
- Link: DOT Auto Transport Information
- Why use it: Contains general guidelines on preparing vehicles for transport, with specific notes on safety measures and regulations that apply to both carriers and drivers.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Auto Transport Tips
- Link: BBB Auto Transport Tips
- Why use it: Offers consumer-focused advice on how to choose reliable transport companies, with a focus on preparation and fraud avoidance.
Angi (formerly Angie’s List) – How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
- Link: Angi Auto Shipping Preparation
- Why use it: Provides practical tips for customers looking to ship their cars and highlights key preparation steps, including what to remove and inspect.
Author: Drew Levine Owner of Simple Car Shipping LLC