How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Vehicle Shipping
Use this practical checklist to protect your car, avoid pickup delays, and make the handoff smooth for you and the driver. Whether you’re shipping across state lines or coast to coast, these steps help you ship with confidence.
Tip: If you’re comparing options, see Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport or our guide on How Long Car Shipping Takes.
The quick prep checklist
If you only have 15 minutes, do these essentials first. You can circle back later to the full steps below.
- Remove personal items and valuables.
- Take photos/video of the vehicle’s condition.
- Remove exterior accessories (roof racks, bike racks, etc.).
- Set fuel to about 1/4 tank and check fluids for leaks.
- Disable alarms, provide any special instructions, and keep keys ready.
Why prep matters
A little preparation prevents the most common pickup-day issues: last-minute unloading, accessory damage risk, and unclear condition notes. The goal is simple—make the vehicle safe to load and easy to verify.
- Fewer delays at pickup
- Cleaner condition documentation
- Lower chance of accessory or loose-item damage
Step-by-step: prepare your vehicle like a pro
Follow these steps in order. Each one is designed to help your vehicle load safely and arrive in the same condition it was picked up.
1) Wash your vehicle and do a quick walkaround
A clean car makes it easier to see (and document) small scratches, chips, and dents. After washing, do a slow walkaround in good light and note anything you want to remember—especially on bumpers, door edges, and wheels.
Pro tip: If it’s winter or muddy where you are, a quick rinse is still worth it—condition details are harder to see on dirty paint.
2) Remove exterior accessories
Take off items like bike racks, roof racks/boxes, cargo baskets, hitch carriers, detachable spoilers, and custom antennas. Anything that changes the vehicle’s height or sticks out can interfere with safe loading or get damaged in transit.
If an accessory cannot be removed, tell your coordinator ahead of time so the carrier can plan the safest loading position.
3) Remove valuables and loose items from the cabin and trunk
Clear out personal items like electronics, documents, sunglasses, tools, child seats you’re not shipping, and anything that can shift or rattle. Carriers generally do not cover personal belongings, and loose items can break or scratch interior surfaces.
If you must leave something behind, keep it minimal and secure it so it can’t move.
4) Record the vehicle’s condition (photos + video)
Take clear photos from all four corners, both sides, the roof (if possible), and close-ups of any existing damage. Then record a short video walking around the vehicle. Don’t forget wheels, lower bumpers, mirrors, and windshield.
At pickup, you’ll review the vehicle condition report (Bill of Lading) with the driver. Your photos help you confirm details and keep everyone aligned.
5) Plan payment and pickup-day details (including C.O.D.)
If your order uses a balance due on pickup or delivery (often called C.O.D. or “cash on delivery”), confirm accepted payment types ahead of time. Many drivers prefer certified funds or specific payment methods—your coordinator can clarify what to expect.
Also confirm: the best contact number for pickup, gate codes, parking rules, and whether a larger truck can access your street.
Extra prep that prevents pickup delays
These are the “small things” that save time on pickup day—and help your vehicle load quickly and safely.
Fuel, fluids, battery, tires
- Fuel: Keep around 1/4 tank.
- Leaks: Check for active leaks and notify us if you see anything new.
- Battery: Make sure it holds a charge (especially if the car has been sitting).
- Tires: Inflate to safe pressure; low tires can complicate loading.
Shipping an inoperable vehicle? Tell us during booking so we can schedule equipment for safe loading.
Alarms, keys, toll tags
- Disable alarms or provide clear instructions to prevent disruptions.
- Keys: Have at least one working key available. Keep a spare if you can.
- Toll tags: Remove or store them to avoid accidental charges.
- Aftermarket electronics: Secure or remove detachable units.
If your vehicle has special starting steps (push-to-start quirks, hidden kill switch), write it down for the driver.
Pickup day: what to expect
The driver will inspect the vehicle with you and note condition on the Bill of Lading. This is your moment to confirm everything matches what you see—then you’ll sign and the vehicle will be loaded.
- Plan for 15–30 minutes for inspection and loading
- Be reachable by phone (or assign a trusted representative)
- Have a safe meeting spot if your street is tight or restricted
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions customers ask most before shipping day.
Should I put personal items in my car during transport?
It’s best to remove valuables and personal items. Most carriers do not cover personal belongings, and extra weight can affect loading and safety. If you must leave something, keep it minimal and secured so it can’t move.
How much fuel should be in the tank?
About 1/4 tank is ideal—enough to load and unload, while keeping weight down.
Do I need to wash my car before shipping?
Yes. Cleaning the exterior helps you spot and document existing scratches and dents before pickup.
What documents or items should I have ready at pickup?
Have your contact details, pickup/delivery addresses, a working key, and be ready to review and sign the condition report (Bill of Lading). If someone else is meeting the driver, make sure they have the same information.
Can I ship a car with a roof rack or bike rack installed?
When possible, remove external accessories like bike racks, roof boxes, and cargo baskets. They can get damaged or interfere with safe loading. If something cannot be removed, tell us during booking so we can plan accordingly.
More helpful guides
- How Long Does Car Shipping Take?
- Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
- Auto Transport Insurance Explained
- What Is Auto Transport?
If you want a quick estimate first, use the quote form at the top of the page (or scroll up) to compare options.
Ready when you are
Preparing your vehicle doesn’t need to be complicated. If you follow the steps above—clean it, clear it out, document condition, remove accessories, and plan pickup-day details—you’re set up for a smooth transport experience.
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Note: Guidelines may vary slightly by vehicle type (classic cars, EVs, lifted trucks, inoperable vehicles). If you have special circumstances, tell us during booking so we can plan the safest transport.