Key takeaways
- Prep takes 30 minutes and prevents most pickup-day problems.
- Wash, remove personal items, gas at ¼ tank, disable the alarm, take photos, spare key ready.
- Personal items inside the vehicle are NOT covered by cargo insurance — empty the car.
- Walk the vehicle with the driver at pickup and note all pre-existing damage on the Bill of Lading.
Preparing your car for shipping takes 30 minutes and prevents most problems that arise during auto transport. Wash the vehicle, remove personal items, keep gas at one-quarter tank, disable the alarm, take photos, and have a spare key ready.
The prep checklist
1. Wash your vehicle
A clean car makes the condition inspection accurate. Dirt hides scratches, dings, and chips that need to be documented before transport.
2. Remove all personal items
This is the most-skipped step. Carriers are not licensed by the FMCSA to transport household goods, and their cargo insurance does not cover personal belongings. If items are stolen, lost, or damaged, you have no claim. Remove everything — clothes, electronics, chargers, sunglasses, car seats. Check the trunk, glove box, center console, and under seats.
3. Keep gas at one-quarter tank
A full tank adds 150–200 lbs of unnecessary weight and is a safety risk. Quarter tank is enough fuel for loading and unloading.
4. Disable the car alarm
A car alarm going off on a carrier in highway traffic is a serious problem. Disable it completely or provide written deactivation instructions to the driver.
5. Take your own photos
Photograph every panel, all four corners, the roof, wheels, bumpers, and any existing damage. Time-stamp the photos. This is your independent record alongside the carrier's digital inspection.
6. Provide a spare key
The driver needs to start your car to load and unload it. Provide a spare — don't hand over your only key.
7. Note existing damage on the Bill of Lading
Walk the vehicle with the driver. Point out every scratch, ding, dent, and chip. If it's not on the BOL at pickup, you can't claim it was caused during transport.
8. Check mechanical basics
- Battery charged, starts reliably
- Tires properly inflated
- No active fluid leaks (note any leaks for the driver)
- Brakes work — driver needs to load/unload under the car's own power
- Antenna retracted, convertible top secured, retractable mirrors folded
What NOT to do
Don't fill the gas tank. Quarter tank max.
Don't leave valuables in the car. No laptops, jewelry, cash, important documents.
Don't install new accessories right before shipping. Aftermarket parts not factory-secured can come loose.
Don't skip the BOL walkthrough. No documentation = no claim later.
Pickup day: what to expect
The carrier contacts you 24–48 hours ahead with a pickup window. On the day, the driver performs a digital photo inspection, walks the vehicle with you, has you sign the electronic Bill of Lading, loads the vehicle, and departs. Total pickup time: 15–30 minutes.
FAQ
Can I leave stuff in my car during shipping? No. Carriers aren't licensed to transport household goods and insurance doesn't cover personal items.
How much gas should be in my car? One-quarter tank. Enough for loading and unloading, no extra weight.
Do I need to be there for pickup? You or a designated representative should be present to walk the vehicle and sign the BOL.
What if my car doesn't start on pickup day? It's then considered inoperable and may require a winch-equipped carrier (additional $100–$250 fee). Let us know in advance.
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