Shipping a car is not something most people do every day. And when you have never done it before, it is easy to overlook a few critical steps that could save you from headaches later.
The good news? Preparing your vehicle for transport is not complicated. These car shipping tips will walk you through everything you need to do before your car leaves your driveway, all the way to when it arrives at its destination.
Let us break this down, step by step.
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out Before the Pickup
This might sound like a strange first step, but washing your vehicle before transport is actually one of the most important car shipping preparation tips you will hear. A clean vehicle makes it significantly easier to spot pre-existing scratches, dents, and paint damage during the inspection process. If your car is covered in road grime or dust, small imperfections are easy to miss on the Bill of Lading, which can cause disputes later. Clean the interior too. Remove loose items, vacuum the floor mats, and make sure there is no debris that could shift during transit and cause interior damage.
If you are unsure what can safely stay inside the vehicle, check our guide on can you ship a car with personal items.
2. Document Your Vehicle’s Condition With Photos and Notes
Before handing over your keys, do a thorough walkthrough of your vehicle and photograph every panel, window, bumper, and wheel from multiple angles. Include close-up shots of any existing damage. This documentation protects you if any dispute arises about new damage after delivery. Time-stamp your photos and store them in cloud storage or email them to yourself. When the driver arrives for pickup, review the vehicle inspection report carefully. Make sure all pre-existing damage is clearly noted before you sign anything.
3. Remove All Personal Belongings and Custom Accessories
Auto transport carriers are not licensed to move household goods or personal items. Leaving belongings inside your vehicle during shipping can violate Department of Transportation regulations and may void your carrier's liability coverage. Remove everything from the glove compartment, trunk, back seat, and center console. This includes:
- Items to Remove Before Vehicle Pickup
- EZPass, toll tags, and parking passes
- Phone holders, dash mounts, and chargers
- Car seats and booster seats
- Valuables, documents, and electronics
- Aftermarket antennas and spoilers that are loosely attached
- Custom roof racks or bike carriers
Retractable antennas should be lowered. Any aftermarket accessories that stick out or are loosely mounted should be removed to prevent wind or movement damage during transit.
4. Check Fluids, Tire Pressure, and Battery Before Transport
Your vehicle needs to be in operational condition for loading and unloading from the carrier. A dead battery or flat tire on pickup day can delay your shipment and may even result in additional fees. Before shipping day, confirm the following are in good shape:
- Battery charge is adequate and holds a charge.
- Tire pressure is at the manufacturer's recommended PSI.
- No major fluid leaks under the vehicle
- Brakes are functioning properly.
Carriers are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during loading or unloading if the vehicle was not roadworthy at pickup. A quick pre-shipping vehicle check can save you time and money.
5. Disable Alarms and Leave Only a Quarter Tank of Gas
This is one of the most overlooked auto transport preparation tips. If your car alarm is activated during transit or loading, it creates problems for the driver and can drain your battery. Either disable the alarm entirely before pickup, or provide the deactivation code to the driver. Check your vehicle manual if you are unsure how to do this. As for fuel, you only need about a quarter tank of gas. A full tank adds unnecessary weight to the carrier. Fuel is only needed to load and unload the vehicle, not to drive it during transport.
6. Understand Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport Options
One of the most important car shipping decisions you will make is choosing between open and enclosed transport. Open transport is the most widely used method. Your vehicle travels on an open-air carrier alongside other vehicles. It is the standard choice for most everyday cars and is widely available across the country. Enclosed auto transport provides a covered, fully protected environment for your vehicle. It is ideal for classic cars, luxury vehicles, sports cars, or any car with low ground clearance. Your vehicle is shielded from road debris and weather during the entire journey. If you own a high-value or exotic vehicle, the additional protection of enclosed shipping is worth considering. Ship a Car Direct connects you with vetted carriers offering both options, with full transparency on carrier ratings and verified reviews.
7. What to Expect on the Day of Vehicle Pickup
Knowing what happens on pickup day reduces anxiety significantly. Here is what typically takes place during a standard door-to-door vehicle pickup:
- Carrier Arrival and Inspection: The driver will arrive within the scheduled window and perform a joint vehicle inspection with you. Both parties walk around the car and note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading before loading.
- Key Handoff and Final Check: After signing the inspection report, you hand over one set of keys. Keep a spare. Confirm the driver has your contact information and expected delivery window.
- Stay Reachable During Transit: Keep your phone accessible throughout the shipping period. The driver may contact you with delivery updates or to coordinate a suitable drop-off location if access is limited on the destination end.
Once your car arrives, complete a final walkthrough inspection immediately. Compare the car's condition against your pre-shipping photos. If any new damage is present, note it on the delivery Bill of Lading and photograph it before the carrier leaves.
FAQ
How far in advance should I schedule my car shipment?
Most customers schedule their shipment between one and two weeks before their desired pickup date. This gives the carrier network time to match you with an available and well-rated driver in your area. Flexibility on pickup dates often improves your options and carrier availability.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. All legitimate auto transport carriers are required by federal law to carry cargo insurance. Before shipping, ask your carrier for a copy of their certificate of insurance. You should also check with your personal auto insurance provider to understand what additional coverage, if any, applies during transit.
Can I put personal items in my car during shipping?
It is strongly recommended that you remove all personal belongings before shipping. Most carriers do not allow personal items due to DOT regulations. Any items left inside are typically not covered under the carrier's cargo insurance and travel at your own risk.
What happens if my car is not running or has mechanical issues?
Non-operational vehicles, also called inoperable cars, can still be shipped. However, they require specialized equipment such as a winch for loading. You must inform your carrier in advance if your vehicle is non-operational so the right equipment is dispatched. Additional fees may apply.
How long does vehicle transport typically take?
Transit time depends on the distance between the origin and destination. Short-distance routes within the same region may take one to three days. Longer hauls from one coast to the other can take seven to ten business days. Your carrier will provide an estimated delivery window at the time of booking.
Conclusion
Following these car shipping tips is one of the smartest things you can do before your vehicle ever gets on a carrier. A properly prepared car is easier to inspect, safer to transport, and far less likely to be involved in any post-delivery disputes. Clean your car, document its condition, remove personal items, check the basics, and choose the right transport type for your vehicle. These are not complicated steps, but they make a real difference in the overall experience.
If you are ready to move forward, request a free car shipping quote today and see why thousands of customers trust Ship a Car Direct for safe, transparent, and reliable vehicle transport. Have questions before you commit? Reach out to our team and get the answers you need from people who ship cars every day. Your vehicle deserves the best care during transit. Take five minutes to prepare it right, and enjoy total peace of mind from pickup to delivery.
