Shipping a vehicle can make moving, buying a car from another state, or arranging a long-distance relocation much easier. However, preparing your vehicle properly is an important part of the process. A few simple steps can help you document your car’s condition, avoid unnecessary delays, and make pickup and delivery more convenient.
FleetRoute Auto Transport helps customers explore vehicle transportation options, including open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state shipping.
1. Clean Your Vehicle Before Pickup
Wash your car before the scheduled pickup whenever practical. Cleaning the exterior makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, paint damage, and other visible imperfections during the vehicle inspection.
You do not need to make the car look brand-new. The goal is to make its condition easy to assess and document before transportation begins.
2. Take Photos of Your Car
Photograph your vehicle from the front, rear, both sides, and all four corners. Take close-up pictures of any existing damage, including scratches, dents, cracked lights, or windshield chips.
Keep the photographs with the shipping paperwork. Clear, dated photos provide a useful record for comparing the vehicle’s condition at pickup and delivery.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove luggage, electronics, important documents, valuables, and loose items from the vehicle. Personal belongings may not be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, and additional items can create safety or compliance concerns.
Ask the transport provider whether any personal items are permitted. Never assume that leaving belongings inside the car is allowed.
4. Check Fuel and Battery Levels
For most standard vehicle shipments, a small amount of fuel is sufficient for loading and unloading. Follow the carrier’s instructions about the appropriate fuel level.
Make sure the battery is secure and the vehicle can be started if required. Inform the transport provider about battery problems, mechanical faults, or warning lights before pickup.
5. Check Tires, Brakes, and Fluid Leaks
Inspect your tires and make sure they are properly inflated. Tell the provider if your vehicle has brake problems, significant fluid leaks, steering issues, or other mechanical conditions that could affect loading.
A non-running vehicle may require special loading equipment or a different transport arrangement. Confirm these requirements in advance.
6. Remove Accessories That Could Be Damaged
Remove detachable roof racks, bike racks, antennas, toll tags, and other accessories when appropriate. Fold in the side mirrors if possible and secure any loose exterior components.
Tell the carrier about modifications such as lowered suspension, oversized tires, or aftermarket body kits because they may affect loading clearance.
7. Review Your Shipping Details
Confirm the pickup and delivery addresses, contact numbers, vehicle information, preferred dates, and transport type. If you choose enclosed transport instead of open transport, make sure that choice is reflected in your arrangement.
Discuss access restrictions in advance, especially if a large transport truck cannot safely enter a narrow street, apartment complex, or gated community.
8. Be Present for the Vehicle Inspection
Whenever possible, arrange for yourself or an authorized representative to be available at pickup and delivery. Review the vehicle inspection report and keep a copy of the relevant paperwork.
At delivery, inspect the vehicle carefully before completing the delivery documentation. Record any new visible damage and follow the carrier’s documented claim procedures if a concern arises.
9. Choose the Right Transport Option
Open car transport is a common option for standard vehicles and can be practical for everyday shipping needs. Enclosed car transport provides additional protection from weather and road debris and may suit classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles.
Door-to-door transport focuses on convenient pickup and delivery locations, subject to safe and legal truck access. State-to-state auto transport is designed for customers moving vehicles across state lines.
10. Plan Ahead for a Smoother Experience
Book as early as your schedule allows, remain reachable around pickup and delivery, and ask questions about scheduling, payment, insurance, and cancellation policies before confirming your shipment.