A checklist of the most important things to do before your car is picked up by a transport carrier.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Pre-Pickup Checklist
Carriers move vehicles—not household goods. A well-prepared car loads faster, inspects cleanly on the Bill of Lading, and arrives without avoidable delays. Use this checklist before your assigned driver arrives.
Exterior and Interior Cleaning
Wash the exterior so pre-existing scratches, dents, and paint chips are visible in daylight photos. Vacuum the interior only if you plan to leave the car empty; remove trash and personal items either way. A clean car protects you at delivery when comparing condition.
Document the Condition
Take dated photos from all four corners, both sides, hood, roof, trunk, bumpers, and wheels. Photograph the odometer and any existing damage close-up. Email copies to yourself and share with your broker if requested.
Remove Personal Items and Accessories
DOT rules treat auto transport as vehicle cargo, not household moving. Remove:
- GPS units, toll transponders, and garage remotes
- Aftermarket antennas or racks that could snag
- Custom stereo faceplates and loose valuables
- Child seats unless agreed in writing (usually removed)
Up to 100 pounds of soft goods in the trunk is sometimes allowed but is not insured by carrier cargo policies—confirm with dispatch before leaving anything inside.
Mechanical Readiness
- Leave roughly ¼ tank of fuel—enough to drive on/off the trailer, light enough for weight limits.
- Check for fluid leaks; carriers may refuse severely leaking vehicles.
- Ensure tires hold air and the battery starts the car (unless shipping non-running).
- Disable alarms and provide keys; inform the driver of any quirks (sticky ignition, hidden fuel door release).
Operable vs. Non-Running Vehicles
If the car does not start, steer, or brake, declare it when booking. The carrier needs a winch-equipped truck and may charge an inoperable fee. Surprises at pickup force rescheduling and extra cost.
Pickup and Delivery Access
Confirm that a large car hauler can reach your street. Low branches, tight cul-de-sacs, and steep driveways may require meeting the driver at a nearby shopping center or wide parking lot. Communicate gate codes and contact numbers for both ends.
At Pickup: The Bill of Lading Walkaround
Walk the vehicle with the driver. Mark every existing blemish on the BOL before signing. Keep a copy or photo of the signed pickup inspection. At delivery, repeat the process—new damage must be noted before you sign release.
What Not to Do
- Do not hide mechanical problems hoping the driver won’t notice.
- Do not pack boxes on the seats or floor—weight shifts and items are uninsured.
- Do not cancel your insurance until you confirm delivery and final inspection.
Preparation takes an hour and prevents days of dispute. Questions about your specific vehicle? Call dispatch before pickup day—we’ll confirm carrier equipment and access requirements for your address.