How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: 10 Essential Tips
Preparing your vehicle before transportation can help reduce delays and make pickup and delivery more efficient.
Whether you’re using open, enclosed, door-to-door, or interstate auto transport, a few simple preparation steps can improve your overall shipping experience.
Auto Integrity Way Transport recommends reviewing the following checklist before your scheduled pickup.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Wash your vehicle before transportation.
A clean exterior makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, and other visible conditions during the pickup inspection.
Cleaning also helps ensure that photographs accurately document the vehicle’s appearance.
2. Document Existing Damage
Take clear photographs of your vehicle from multiple angles.
Include the front, rear, sides, wheels, and any existing damage.
Keep these photographs for your records.
Vehicle condition documentation is important because the car will normally be inspected at both pickup and delivery.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal items, valuables, and loose objects from your vehicle.
Many carriers restrict personal belongings inside transported vehicles.
Items left inside may not be covered under the carrier’s cargo insurance.
Review the applicable transportation agreement for specific restrictions.
4. Check Your Vehicle’s Tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
Underinflated or damaged tires may complicate loading and unloading.
If the vehicle has tire-related problems, notify the transportation coordinator before pickup.
5. Inspect for Fluid Leaks
Check for visible fluid leaks.
Significant leaks may create transportation or safety concerns.
Inform the carrier about known mechanical issues so appropriate arrangements can be considered.
6. Maintain an Appropriate Fuel Level
A vehicle usually needs some fuel for loading and unloading.
However, a full tank is generally unnecessary.
Many carriers recommend approximately one-quarter of a tank, but customers should follow the instructions provided for their specific shipment.
7. Disable Vehicle Alarms
Vehicle alarms can activate during transportation.
If possible, disable automatic alarm functions before pickup.
Provide the driver with any necessary instructions for operating the vehicle.
8. Remove Loose Exterior Accessories
Remove detachable accessories that could become damaged or interfere with transportation.
These may include removable roof racks, antennas, or other external equipment.
If your vehicle has permanent modifications, notify the transportation provider in advance.
9. Prepare Your Vehicle Keys
The driver generally needs access to the vehicle for loading and unloading.
Make sure the appropriate keys are available during pickup.
If the vehicle uses a specialized starting procedure, provide clear instructions.
10. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details
Before the scheduled pickup, verify your contact information, vehicle details, and transportation addresses.
Make sure someone is available to complete the pickup inspection and sign the required documents.
If you cannot attend personally, arrange for an authorized representative.
At delivery, inspect your vehicle carefully and document any concerns before completing the final paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle properly can make the transportation process more organized and convenient.
Cleaning the vehicle, documenting its condition, removing personal belongings, and confirming pickup arrangements are all important steps.
Auto Integrity Way Transport helps customers plan vehicle shipping arrangements in Burbank, California, and for transportation involving other locations.
Ready to arrange your shipment? Call (747) 281-3616.