Preparing Your Vehicle for Car Shipping

Prepare Your Vehicle for Auto Transport in Six Easy Steps

Step 1. Wash & Clean your car before auto transport

A good place to start when preparing your vehicle for its relocation would be to wash and clean your vehicle. It really helps the auto transporter assigned to your vehicle when it’s time for them to do their full 10 point inspection at the time of pickup. It is also a good idea to remove anything that may spill, break or damage your interior during transit. Fasten any child seats or similar items to avoid accidents.

Woman washing her car with a hose
Electric vehicle gets shipped in the U.S

Step 2. Maintenance before shipping

Check your vehicle to ensure it is and will remain in good running condition.

  • Battery Connectors & Charge
  • Motor Oil
  • Transmission Oil
  • Brake & Steering Fluid
  • Coolant
  • Tires Pressure and Wear
  • Electric Vehicles should have 85% Charge
  • Important! if your vehicle is low to the ground, be sure to inform your agent
Electric vehicle gets shipped in the U.S

Step 3. Remove All Valuables from Your Vehicle

Remove anything of value or importance such as but not limited to:

  • Important Documents
  • Jewelry
  • Medication
  • Electronic Devices
  • Easy Pass or Toll permits (Devices that automatically charge your account when crossing tolls).
Personal items
Removing a bike from a car bike rack

Step 4. Remove Outdoor Accessories

Please remove any exterior accessories such as:

  • Roof Storage Racks

  • Bike Racks

  • Rear Storage Racks

  • Non-Retractable Antennas (Un-Screw and store in the trunk). Etc

 

Removing a bike from a car bike rack

Step 5. Document & Keep A Record

It’s always a good idea to know the condition and details of your vehicle. Go around your vehicle with a camera or pen and pad, look for and document any scratches, dents, chips in the paint etc and also note the miles on your odometer. Also, anything that doesn’t function such as door latches, locks, seat adjustment latches or switches, emergency brake etc, should be brought to the attention of your transporter upon pickup. 

Taking photos of a vehicle with damage.
Person writing a check

Step 6. Have Payment Ready

Once your vehicle is ready to go you should have final payment prepared and ready. These trucks have other vehicles to pick-up and deliver so having the driver wait while you run to the bank can slow down their daily progress. Acceptable forms of payment are; Money Order, Certified Bank Cashiers Check, or Cash. personal checks or credit card will not be accepted for final payment on delivery.   

Person writing a check
Car Shipping By State

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