Shipping a vehicle across the country can save you hundreds of miles of driving, wear and tear, and endless hours behind the wheel. Whether you are relocating for a new job, heading south for the winter, or purchasing a vehicle from an out-of-state seller, handoff day can feel a bit nerve-wracking if you have never done it before. Proper preparation is the single best way to ensure a smooth transit and protect your investment.
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Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out
It might seem counterintuitive to wash a car right before it sits on an open trailer for several days, but a clean exterior is essential for a proper pre-shipment inspection. Dirt, dust, and road grime can easily hide minor scratches, dings, or chips. Wash the vehicle thoroughly so you and the driver can accurately record its condition during the initial inspection.
Don’t stop at the exterior. Take time to clear out the interior as well. Remove all personal belongings, loose items, and valuables. Transport drivers are not responsible for personal items left inside the cabin, and extra weight can cause compliance issues with highway weight limits. Leaving loose items in the car also increases the risk of damage if items shift during transit.
Document Existing Damage
Once the car is clean, conduct a detailed inspection in good lighting. Take clear, close-up photos and wide-angle shots of all sides of the vehicle, including the roof, lower bumpers, and wheels. Pay close attention to any existing scratches, stone chips, or paint wear.
When you hire a professional auto transport company, the carrier will perform a joint walkthrough before loading the vehicle onto the trailer. Having your own photographic record with time stamps gives you complete peace of mind and an objective baseline to compare against when your car reaches its destination.
Perform a Quick Mechanical Check
Even if your car is being loaded onto a carrier and will not be driven long distances, it still needs to be maneuvered on and off the truck safely. Ensure the vehicle is in basic operational condition unless you explicitly booked specialized equipment for an inoperable vehicle.
- Fuel level: Keep the gas tank at roughly one-quarter full. A full tank adds unnecessary weight, while an empty tank risks stalling during loading or unloading.
- Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged and securely mounted so the car starts easily for the driver.
- Tires: Check that all tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires make loading and securing the vehicle more difficult.
- Leaks: Inspect the undercarriage for fluid leaks. Major oil or coolant leaks can cause safety hazards or drip onto other vehicles on a multi-deck trailer.
Secure Exterior Accessories and Electronics
Loose or protruding exterior items can easily catch wind or cause obstructions during transit. Remove or secure custom accessories such as bike racks, luggage carriers, and aftermarket spoilers. Retract or unscrew fixed radio antennas if possible, and fold in side mirrors.
Additionally, remember to deactivate or remove toll tags and parking passes from the windshield. Auto transport trailers pass through automated toll booths, and overhead readers can sometimes trigger transponders inside loaded cars, resulting in unexpected toll charges.
Final Walkthrough and Sign-Off
On pickup day, walk around the car alongside the driver. Ensure that all pre-existing cosmetic marks are noted on the Bill of Lading, which serves as both your receipt and official condition report. Keep a copy of this document handy, along with one working set of keys for the driver. By taking these systematic steps ahead of time, you set the stage for a seamless, hassle-free vehicle delivery.