Should I prep my car before shipping it?
Direct Answer
Yes, your car’s condition before shipping genuinely affects how smoothly the process goes and whether you’ll have any trouble filing a claim if something goes wrong. Carriers are required to document existing damage on a Bill of Lading before loading your vehicle, and anything that wasn’t noted beforehand becomes much harder to dispute later. A quick pre-ship prep routine protects you from headaches at delivery.
What the Carrier Actually Checks Before Loading
When a driver shows up to pick up your car, they walk around it and fill out a vehicle inspection report, which is part of the Bill of Lading. This document records every scratch, dent, and ding that exists before the car goes on the truck. You sign it. The driver signs it. That piece of paper is your evidence if something new appears by the time your vehicle rolls off the carrier.
Why You Should Do Your Own Pre-Inspection First
Don’t wait for the driver to find damage you didn’t know about. Walk around the car yourself the day before pickup. Take time-stamped photos from every angle, including close-ups of any existing chips or scrapes. Store those photos somewhere you can access them easily, like your email or cloud storage, because they’re your backup if there’s ever a discrepancy between what the driver noted and what you remember.
Check that all four tires are properly inflated. A flat or low tire makes loading onto the transport ramps harder and could technically count against a smooth handoff. Also check for any fluid leaks under the car. Most carriers won’t load a vehicle that’s actively leaking oil or coolant.
What to Remove and What to Leave
Personal belongings left inside the car are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. Federal regulations actually limit personal items in shipped vehicles to 100 lbs or less in most cases, and even then, it’s at your own risk. Take out toll passes, garage door openers, dashcams, and anything valuable. Leave the car with about a quarter tank of fuel. Enough to drive it on and off the truck, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
Fold in your side mirrors if possible. Remove or retract any custom antennas. If you have a low-clearance vehicle, let the carrier know ahead of time so they can bring the right equipment for loading.
Does Vehicle Prep Change Anything for Enclosed Transport?
If you’re shipping a luxury car, a classic, or anything with a paint job worth protecting, prep matters even more. Enclosed auto transport keeps your car away from road debris and weather, but that doesn’t mean you skip the documentation step. In fact, carriers who specialize in higher-value vehicles tend to do more thorough inspections because the stakes are higher for everyone involved.
A good rule: the more the car is worth, the more detailed your photo documentation should be. Some owners even do a FMCSA lookup on their carrier’s operating authority before handing over the keys, which is always a smart move regardless of vehicle type.
Disable Alarms and Keep a Spare Key Ready
Car alarms that trigger during transport are a real problem. They can drain your battery over a multi-day haul, and drivers have limited ways to deal with them mid-route. Disable the alarm or set it so it won’t go off from vibration. Some transport companies also ask for a spare key in case the car needs to be repositioned on the trailer, though most experienced carriers handle this with a single set.
For routes running through multiple states, like a cross-country move, a cross-country car shipping specialist can walk you through what their specific prep checklist looks like before anything gets scheduled.
Related Questions
Will a dirty car cause problems at pickup?
A heavily dirty car isn’t a dealbreaker, but it can make the pre-inspection harder. If the car is caked in mud or grime, existing scratches are easier to miss, which could work against you when documenting the vehicle’s condition. A basic wash before pickup helps make sure the inspection report is accurate.
Can I ship a car that isn't running?
Yes, but you need to tell the carrier before booking. Non-operational vehicles require special loading equipment like a winch, and not all carriers have it on hand. Shipping a non-running car also typically costs more because of the extra labor involved. Be upfront about the vehicle’s condition when you get your quote so there are no surprises on pickup day. You can also review your options on the how to ship a car guide for a full breakdown of what to expect.