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The Complete Car Shipping Checklist: Before, During, and After

Complete car shipping checklist. Before: wash, remove items, photos. During: track GPS. After: inspect, sign BOL, document. Print-friendly guide.

Key takeaways

  • Wash the car, remove personal items, ¼ tank of gas, disable alarm.
  • At pickup: walk the car with the driver, verify every mark on the BOL, then sign.
  • In transit: watch GPS, no calls needed.
  • At delivery: inspect before signing; note any new damage on the BOL.

This checklist covers everything to do before pickup, during transit, and after delivery. Print it, save it, and check off each item for a smooth auto transport experience with zero surprises.

Before pickup

  • Wash the vehicle inside and out.
  • Remove ALL personal items from cabin, trunk, glove box, and under seats.
  • Keep gas at ¼ tank.
  • Check tire pressure and battery charge.
  • Disable the car alarm (or provide deactivation instructions).
  • Retract or remove antenna; fold in mirrors.
  • Secure or remove aftermarket accessories (roof racks, spoilers, light bars).
  • Note and photograph ALL existing damage — every scratch, ding, dent.
  • Take timestamped photos/video from all angles.
  • Have a spare key ready for the driver.
  • Note any fluid leaks for the driver.

At pickup

  • Walk the vehicle with the driver.
  • Verify every existing mark is noted on the BOL.
  • Point out anything the driver missed.
  • Don't sign until the condition report is accurate.
  • Sign the BOL; hand over the spare key.
  • Confirm GPS tracking is active.

During transit

  • Check GPS tracking periodically.
  • Watch milestone notifications.
  • Keep your phone accessible for carrier contact.

At delivery

  • Be present (or designate someone).
  • Walk the vehicle with the driver BEFORE signing.
  • Compare current condition against pickup BOL and your photos.
  • Note ANY new damage on the delivery BOL before signing.
  • Take your own photos of the delivered vehicle.
  • Sign the delivery BOL only after inspection is complete.
  • Confirm payment was processed correctly.

After delivery

  • Do a thorough daylight inspection within 24 hours.
  • If you find damage missed at delivery, contact the company immediately with photos.
  • File any damage claims in writing within 3 days.
  • Leave an honest review.

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