Key takeaways
- Wash the car, photo every panel, leave 1/4 tank of fuel, remove personal items over 100 lbs.
- Pull EZ-Pass, toll tags, and aftermarket electronics before pickup.
- Disable the alarm. Take note of any existing damage and put it on the Bill of Lading.
10-point prep checklist
1. Wash the car
A clean car makes pre-trip inspection accurate. Existing scratches and dings need to be visible so they're documented on the Bill of Lading.
2. Photo every panel and the odometer
Date-stamped photos protect you if a dispute comes up. Get all four corners, both sides, hood, roof, trunk, wheels, and a shot of the odometer reading.
3. Fuel: about 1/4 tank
Enough to drive on and off the trailer. More fuel just adds weight and weight costs the carrier money.
4. Empty personal items (or keep under 100 lbs)
Carriers can legally allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk on open transport. More than that risks DOT fines and isn't covered by cargo insurance.
5. Pull EZ-Pass and toll tags
A tag will charge you for every gantry the carrier passes. Take it off and store it somewhere it can't accidentally bill you.
6. Remove aftermarket electronics
Dashcams, radar detectors, GPS units, phone mounts. They're not covered by insurance and they're easy to grab.
7. Disable the alarm
A constantly-tripping alarm during transit is a fast way to kill the battery.
8. Note existing damage
Walk the car with the driver, point out everything pre-existing, and make sure it gets noted on the Bill of Lading. This is the document that decides any future damage claim.
9. Fold mirrors and retract antennas
Anything that sticks out is something that can be knocked loose during loading.
10. Hand over one key
The driver needs one key to load and unload. Give them a copy, not your only set.
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