How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: 10 Essential Tips
Preparing your vehicle before transportation can help prevent delays, simplify pickup, and make the delivery inspection easier.
Whether you choose open car transport, enclosed vehicle shipping, or state-to-state transportation, a little preparation goes a long way.
Summit Auto Transport Solutions has put together these practical tips to help customers prepare for their upcoming vehicle shipments.
1. Wash Your Vehicle
Cleaning the exterior makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, chips, and other cosmetic damage.
A clean vehicle also helps make the pickup inspection more accurate.
2. Take Photos Before Pickup
Photograph your vehicle from multiple angles before it is loaded.
Include close-up images of any existing damage, as well as pictures of the roof, bumpers, wheels, and interior where appropriate.
Keep the photographs with your transportation records.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal items such as luggage, electronics, cash, important documents, and other valuables.
Vehicle carriers may restrict personal belongings inside transported automobiles. Personal property may also be excluded from certain insurance coverage.
Confirm the carrier’s requirements before pickup.
4. Check for Fluid Leaks
Inspect the vehicle for noticeable fluid leaks or mechanical problems.
If the automobile has an existing leak, inform the transportation provider before scheduling.
Significant mechanical issues may affect loading safety or require special arrangements.
5. Check the Battery and Tires
Make sure the battery has enough charge and the tires are properly inflated.
If the vehicle does not start or cannot move under its own power, disclose this information in advance.
Non-operational vehicles may require additional equipment.
6. Keep the Fuel Level Appropriate
Carriers often request that vehicles have a relatively low fuel level, commonly around one-quarter of a tank.
However, requirements can vary, so follow the specific instructions provided for your shipment.
Avoid unnecessarily filling the tank immediately before transportation.
7. Secure Loose Accessories
Remove or secure detachable accessories such as removable roof racks, antennas, external cargo carriers, and other loose components.
If your vehicle has aftermarket modifications, tell the transportation provider about them before pickup.
8. Disable Alarms When Necessary
An alarm that repeatedly activates during transportation can create unnecessary complications.
Make sure the driver knows how to operate or disable the vehicle’s alarm system if needed.
Provide the required keys or access devices at pickup.
9. Review the Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is an important transportation document that may record vehicle details, pickup information, existing condition, and delivery acknowledgment.
Review the inspection report carefully and make sure any existing damage is documented before signing.
Keep a copy for your records.
10. Be Available for Pickup and Delivery
Make sure you or an authorized representative can be present when the vehicle is collected and delivered.
Keep your phone available so the driver can communicate about arrival times and access arrangements.
At delivery, inspect your vehicle carefully and note any newly observed damage on the paperwork before signing.
Additional Tips for Long-Distance Car Shipping
For interstate shipments, verify that the pickup and delivery addresses are correct and that the recipient has the necessary contact information.
If you are moving to another state, consider arranging your travel plans with some flexibility because transportation schedules can change.
Keep essential belongings, medication, identification, and travel documents with you rather than inside the shipped vehicle.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Proper preparation helps make the auto transportation process more organized and predictable.
Whether you need open, enclosed, door-to-door, or state-to-state auto transport, Summit Auto Transport Solutions can help you discuss your shipping arrangements.
Contact our Lake Charles team at (337) 284-9179 to request a quote.