How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A real-world guide from the auto transport industry
Preparing your car correctly before shipping is one of the most important steps in the auto transport process. Most delays, added costs, and condition disputes do not come from the carrier or the route. They come from small but critical preparation details that are often overlooked. Based on real experience in vehicle transport, this guide explains exactly what matters and how to get your car ready the right way.
Section 1: Get the vehicle ready for inspection and loading
Before a driver arrives, your vehicle should be clean, accessible, and safe to load. This protects both you and the carrier.
Start by washing the exterior of the car. Dirt, road salt, or dust can hide scratches, dents, or cracked glass. A clean vehicle allows accurate inspection at pickup and delivery. Once clean, take clear photos in daylight from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage, wheels, windshield, and the odometer.
Remove all personal items from inside the vehicle. Most carrier insurance does not cover belongings left inside the car, and loose items can shift during transport. Take out bags, tools, electronics, documents, child seats, and anything that can move. Secure or remove phone mounts, dash cameras, and trunk organizers.
Make sure the vehicle has about one-quarter of a tank of fuel. This is enough for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight. Also, confirm the car starts, shifts into gear, brakes properly, and does not have active fluid leaks. Vehicles that leak oil, coolant, or transmission fluid may be refused at pickup.
Section 2: Secure the car and communicate special details
Once the vehicle is clean and operational, the next step is making sure nothing can be damaged during transport and that the driver has the information needed to handle your car correctly.
Disable alarms or set them to valet mode if possible. An alarm going off during transport can drain the battery and create problems on the trailer. Provide the correct ignition key and any key fob required to start the vehicle. If your vehicle has a push-start system, make sure the fob battery is strong.
Remove or secure any exterior accessories. Bike racks, roof boxes, temporary spoilers, and magnetic signs should be removed. Fold in mirrors if possible and retract antennas. Convertible tops should be fully secured.
If your vehicle has special characteristics, communicate them in advance. This includes lowered suspension, wide wheels, body kits, aftermarket exhausts, or unusual starting procedures. If the car overheats, has a weak battery, or is difficult to drive, the transporter must know ahead of time so the proper equipment and loading method can be used.
Section 3: Plan pickup, delivery, and final inspection
Even a perfectly prepared car can face delays if the pickup or delivery location is not suitable for a transport truck.
Choose pickup and delivery locations with enough space for a large carrier. Residential streets, tight parking garages, or dead ends can cause delays. When needed, select a nearby parking lot or open area that allows safe loading. Make sure the vehicle is accessible and not blocked when the driver arrives.
Be present at pickup and delivery if possible. The driver will complete a condition report called the Bill of Lading at pickup and again at delivery. Walk around the vehicle carefully and compare it to your photos. If you cannot be there, assign a trusted person who understands the process.
If you notice any new damage at delivery, note it on the paperwork before signing. Clear documentation at this stage is essential for resolving any issues quickly.
All in all, preparing your car for shipping does not take long, but it makes a major difference. Clean documentation, good communication, and basic mechanical readiness prevent most delays and disputes. When your vehicle is prepared like a professional would prepare it, the shipping process is smoother, faster, and far less stressful.
If you want, I can adapt this article for winter shipping, luxury vehicles, non-running cars, or long-distance routes to match your website content strategy.