Getting ready to ship your car can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re moving across the country or sending a vehicle to a famil y member, proper preparation makes all the difference. The good news? You don’t need to be a car expert to get your vehicle ready for transport.
Most people think car shipping preparation is complicated. It’s actually pretty straightforward when you know what to do. Taking the right steps protects your vehicle and makes the pickup process smooth for everyone involved.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about how to prepare your car for shipping. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Why Proper Car Preparation Matters
Preparing a car for shipping isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential. Proper preparation protects your investment and prevents delays during pickup. Transport companies have specific requirements for good reasons.
First, a clean car makes inspection easier. Dirt and grime can hide existing damage, making it harder to document the vehicle’s condition before shipping. This documentation protects you if something goes wrong during transport.
Second, removing personal items prevents theft and weight issues. Auto transport trucks have weight limits, and extra items can push your vehicle over those limits. Plus, most insurance policies don’t cover personal belongings left in shipped cars.
Third, mechanical preparation prevents breakdowns during loading and unloading. A car that won’t start or has brake problems creates delays and additional costs. Simple maintenance checks beforehand save headaches later.
Essential Pre-Shipping Checklist
Before your carrier arrives, you’ll want to complete several important tasks. This checklist covers the basics of what to inspect before the shipping vehicle pickup day. It will also help you avoid some common shipping mistakes.
Exterior cleaning should be your priority. Wash and wax your car thoroughly, paying special attention to areas that might hide scratches or dents. A clean vehicle makes it much easier to spot and document any existing damage.
Fluid levels need attention next. Check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top off anything low, but don’t overfill. Some liquids can leak during transport if levels are too high.
Tire pressure should be at the manufacturer’s specifications. Properly inflated tires make loading easier and prevent damage during transport. Check your spare tire too, even though it probably won’t be needed.
Battery condition matters more than you might think. Make sure your battery is secure and fully charged. A dead battery complicates pickup and delivery, potentially causing delays.
10 Critical Steps for Car Shipping Preparation
1. Document Your Vehicle’s Current Condition
Take detailed photos of your car from every angle. Include close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, or other damage. These photos serve as proof of your vehicle’s condition before shipping.
Date and time-stamp your photos if possible. Store them in multiple places: your phone, computer, and cloud storage. You’ll want easy access to these images when your car is delivered.
Write down your odometer reading, too. This helps verify that your car wasn’t driven unnecessarily during transport.
2. Remove All Personal Items
Empty your car completely. This includes items in the glove compartment, the center console, the trunk, and any other storage areas. Even small items like phone chargers or sunglasses should come out.
Personal belongings aren’t covered by transport insurance. If something goes missing, you’ll have no recourse. Plus, loose items can slide around during transport, potentially damaging your car’s interior.
Don’t forget about aftermarket accessories like GPS units, radar detectors, or phone mounts. These items are valuable and easy to steal.
3. Disable Your Car Alarm
A car alarm going off during transport creates problems for everyone. The constant noise bothers other drivers, and the flashing lights drain your battery.
If you can’t disable the alarm completely, at least remove the fuse. Make sure you know how to reactivate it when your car is delivered. Write down the steps or keep the owner’s manual handy.
Some newer cars have alarms integrated into the engine management system. For these vehicles, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
4. Check and Maintain Fluid Levels
Your car needs enough fluids to start and move during loading and unloading, but not so much that they leak during transport. Aim for levels between the minimum and maximum marks on all dipsticks.
Pay special attention to your gas tank. Keep it between one-quarter and half full. This provides enough fuel for loading and unloading while reducing weight and fire risk.
Brake fluid deserves extra attention. Low brake fluid can make your car dangerous to handle during loading. If your brake fluid is low or dirty, address this before shipping day.
5. Inspect and Prepare Your Tires
Check all four tires for proper inflation, tread depth, and visible damage. Look for bulges, cracks, or embedded objects that could cause problems.
If you have a spare tire mounted externally, secure it properly. Loose spare tires can fall off during transport, posing safety hazards and damaging other vehicles.
Consider the age of your tires, too. Very old tires, even with good tread, can fail under the stress of loading and transport.
6. Secure or Remove Loose Parts
Walk around your car and identify anything that might come loose during transport. This includes spoilers, antennas, mirrors, and trim pieces.
If you have a convertible, make sure the top is properly secured. Follow your owner’s manual instructions for transport preparation. Most convertibles should be shipped with the top up.
Side mirrors on some cars fold in or can be adjusted to reduce width. Check if this applies to your vehicle and follow the recommended position for transport.
7. Perform Basic Mechanical Checks
Your car needs to start, stop, and steer properly for safe loading and unloading. Test your brakes, steering, and engine before the carrier arrives.
Check your parking brake too. It should hold the car securely on an incline. A faulty parking brake can cause serious problems during transport.
If you notice any mechanical issues, address them before shipping day. Transport companies may refuse to load vehicles with safety problems.
8. Handle Special Circumstances
Some vehicles need extra preparation steps. Classic cars, luxury vehicles, and modified cars often have unique requirements.
For classic cars, consider draining fluids completely if they’ll be stored for extended periods. Old fuel can gum up fuel systems, and old coolant can corrode engine parts.
Luxury vehicles might have special transport modes. Check your owner’s manual for shipping or towing instructions. Some cars have specific procedures to prevent damage to advanced suspension systems.
9. Gather Important Documents
Collect all necessary paperwork before pickup day. This includes your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information.
Make copies of important documents and keep them separate from the originals. If something gets lost during transport, you’ll still have the information you need.
If someone else will be present for pickup or delivery, prepare a signed authorization letter. Include your contact information and specific instructions for the person handling the transfer.
10. Plan for Pickup Day Logistics
Be prepared for the actual pickup process. Carriers typically provide a window of time rather than an exact arrival time. Plan to be available during the entire window.
Clear the pickup area of obstacles. The transport truck needs room to maneuver, and the loading process goes faster with adequate space.
Have a backup plan if you can’t be present for pickup. Designate someone trustworthy to handle the process and brief them on what to expect.
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
Many car owners make the same mistakes when preparing for shipping. Learning from others’ experiences can save you time and money.
Overpacking is probably the most common error. Some people think they can hide small items throughout the car. Transport companies inspect vehicles before loading, and they’ll remove anything they find.
Skipping the wash seems like a minor issue, but it causes major problems during inspection. Dirty cars make it impossible to assess the condition accurately, leading to disputes later.
Ignoring mechanical issues creates delays and additional costs. If your car won’t start or has brake problems, the transport company may refuse to load it or charge extra fees for special handling.
Poor documentation leaves you vulnerable if damage occurs during transport. Take the time to photograph everything and keep detailed records.
Inspection Timeline and Checklist
Timing your preparation correctly ensures nothing gets forgotten. Start your preparation about a week before pickup day.
| Timeline | Task | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week Before | Schedule maintenance | Address any mechanical issues |
| 3-4 Days Before | Deep clean vehicle | Wash, wax, and detail thoroughly |
| 2 Days Before | Remove personal items | Clear out all belongings and accessories |
| 1 Day Before | Final inspection | Check fluids, tire pressure, and battery |
| Pickup Day | Document condition | Take photos and complete paperwork |
This timeline gives you enough time to handle unexpected issues without rushing. If you discover a problem during your preparation, you’ll have time to fix it before the carrier arrives.
Start with mechanical issues first. These often take the longest to resolve and may require professional help. Once mechanical problems are handled, move on to cleaning and final preparation steps.
What Happens During Vehicle Inspection
Understanding the inspection process helps you prepare more effectively. The carrier will conduct a thorough examination of your vehicle before loading it onto the transport truck.
The driver will walk around your car with you, noting any existing damage on a condition report. This document becomes the official record of your vehicle’s condition at pickup.
Both you and the driver will sign this report. Make sure you agree with everything written down before signing. If you notice damage that isn’t documented, point it out immediately.
Take your own photos during this inspection. Having your own documentation provides additional protection if disputes arise later.
The driver will also check that your car is properly prepared according to company requirements. If something isn’t right, they may ask you to fix it before loading.
Final Preparation Day Tips
On pickup day, arrive early and be patient. Transport trucks are large and may need time to position correctly for loading.
Keep your phone charged and have the transport company’s contact information readily available. Communication is key if any issues arise.
Review the condition report carefully before signing. Don’t feel pressured to sign quickly – take the time you need to verify accuracy.
Ask questions if anything seems unclear. Professional transport companies want you to understand the process and feel comfortable with the service.
Preparing for Different Transport Types
The type of transport you choose determines how much preparation is needed. Be sure to consider these preparation requirements when deciding between open and enclosed transport.
For example, open transport, the most common option, leaves your car exposed to the weather and road debris. Enclosed transport provides more protection but costs more.
For open transport, consider additional protection for convertible tops and special paint. Some owners use car covers, though this should be discussed with your transport company first.
Enclosed transport allows for more delicate vehicles, but preparation requirements remain largely the same. You’ll still need to clean the car, remove personal items, and handle mechanical preparation.
Expedited shipping doesn’t change preparation requirements, but it does compress your timeline. If you need fast shipping, start your preparation immediately after booking.
Conclusion
Getting your car ready for shipping doesn’t have to be stressful when you follow these preparation steps. The key is to start early and be thorough with each task. Proper preparation protects your vehicle and ensures a smooth transport experience from start to finish.
Remember that professional car shipping companies want your transport to go smoothly, too. They provide guidelines and requirements to protect both your vehicle and their business. Following their instructions and the steps outlined in this guide sets everyone up for success. If you have questions about preparing a car for shipping or need professional transport services, contact Dispatch Dudes. Our expert team provides personalized guidance and dependable auto transport solutions.