How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Complete Checklist
Preparing your vehicle before transportation is an important part of the auto shipping process.
Whether you’re using open car transport, enclosed shipping, or door-to-door transportation, proper preparation helps make pickup and delivery more organized.
Follow these practical steps before handing your vehicle over to a transport carrier.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Wash the exterior of your vehicle before pickup if possible.
A clean surface makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, and other visible damage during inspection.
Cleaning the interior can also help you identify belongings that should be removed before transportation.
2. Take Photos of Your Car
Photograph your vehicle from several angles before shipping.
Include the front, rear, sides, roof where accessible, wheels, and any areas with existing damage.
Keep the photos with your shipment documentation.
These records can be helpful when comparing the vehicle’s condition at pickup and delivery.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove valuables, electronics, loose accessories, and unnecessary personal items.
Auto carriers may restrict personal belongings inside vehicles, and carrier cargo insurance may not cover them.
Ask your transportation provider about the applicable policy before leaving anything inside the vehicle.
4. Check for Mechanical Problems
Make sure your vehicle’s operating condition has been accurately disclosed.
Check for obvious fluid leaks and other mechanical issues.
If your vehicle does not start, steer, roll, or brake normally, notify the transportation provider in advance.
Non-operational vehicles may require specialized loading equipment.
5. Check Your Fuel Level
Follow the carrier’s instructions regarding the amount of fuel to leave in the vehicle.
Many carriers prefer a relatively low fuel level to reduce unnecessary weight while allowing the vehicle to be moved during loading and unloading.
Do not drain the tank unless specifically instructed.
6. Secure Loose Exterior Accessories
Remove or secure detachable accessories that could become loose during transportation.
Examples may include removable antennas, roof racks, aftermarket accessories, or other exposed components.
Tell your transport provider about unusual vehicle modifications.
7. Disable Alarms When Appropriate
An active alarm can cause inconvenience during transportation.
Follow the carrier’s instructions for disabling alarms or providing the information needed to deactivate them.
Make sure the driver can access and operate the vehicle when necessary.
8. Prepare Your Keys and Documents
Have the required keys ready for pickup.
Keep your booking confirmation, identification, and relevant shipping information accessible.
Review the vehicle condition report and bill of lading carefully before signing.
9. Confirm Pickup Arrangements
Verify the pickup date or estimated window, contact details, and meeting location.
For door-to-door transport, remember that large trucks may not be able to access every residential street.
Be prepared to coordinate a nearby accessible pickup location if necessary.
10. Inspect Your Vehicle at Delivery
When the vehicle arrives, compare its condition with the original inspection report and your photographs.
Check the exterior, visible accessories, and any previously documented damage.
If you notice new damage, record it on the delivery documentation and follow the applicable claims procedure promptly.
Keep copies of all relevant records.
Final Vehicle Shipping Checklist
Before your scheduled pickup, make sure you have:
- Cleaned the vehicle
- Taken clear condition photographs
- Removed valuables and loose belongings
- Disclosed mechanical problems
- Checked the fuel level
- Secured exterior accessories
- Prepared the keys
- Reviewed pickup arrangements
- Saved important shipping documents
- Arranged for an authorized person to attend pickup and delivery
Arrange Your Car Shipping with Vehigo
Vehigo Car Transport helps customers arrange open, enclosed, door-to-door, and state-to-state vehicle transportation.
Preparing your car in advance can help make the shipping process smoother from pickup through delivery.