Shipping your car across the country is a big step—and while auto transport companies handle the bulk of the work, there are still several important things you’ll need to do before your vehicle is picked up. Preparing your car properly can help ensure a smooth, damage-free shipping process and give you peace of mind from pickup to delivery.
Whether you’re relocating, selling a car, buying one out of state, or heading to college, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your vehicle for cross-country transport.
Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out
It might sound counterintuitive to wash your car before shipping it, but it’s actually a crucial first step. A clean car makes it easier to identify any existing dents, scratches, or paint chips before transport. You and the carrier will conduct an inspection when the vehicle is picked up, and a clean surface ensures nothing gets missed.
Don’t forget to clean the interior, too. Remove personal items like chargers, sunglasses, paperwork, and anything that’s not permanently installed. Items left in the car can shift during transport, potentially causing damage.
Inspect and Document the Car’s Condition
Once your car is clean, take the time to inspect it thoroughly. Look for scratches, dings, or paint imperfections. Then, take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any damage and shots of the odometer and VIN number. This will serve as proof of your car’s condition before shipping.
When the driver arrives to pick up your vehicle, they’ll conduct an official inspection and fill out a Bill of Lading, which includes a condition report. Make sure the report accurately reflects your car’s state and that you receive a copy for your records.
Check for Leaks, Mechanical Issues, and Maintenance Needs
While your car won’t be driven long distances during shipping, it does need to be in operable condition—unless you’ve made special arrangements for non-running vehicle transport.
Check for fluid leaks, ensure the battery is fully charged, and make sure the tires are properly inflated. If your car has mechanical issues that prevent it from starting, rolling, or braking, be sure to inform the transport company in advance so they can plan accordingly.
It’s also wise to top off all fluids (especially antifreeze in colder months) and make sure there’s no excessive leaking that could drip onto other vehicles in a multi-car carrier.
Disable or Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes
If your vehicle has an active toll tag, remove or deactivate it before shipping. Otherwise, it may accumulate charges as it passes through toll sensors on the carrier truck. You should also remove parking permits or passes from the windshield or dashboard—especially if they’re valuable or linked to a specific location.
Don’t Fill the Gas Tank
One common mistake people make is filling up the tank before shipment. In reality, your car only needs about a quarter tank of gas. A full tank adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle, which increases fuel costs and may violate safety regulations for transport trucks.
Keeping your tank at a low level also reduces the risk of leaks and helps the carrier maintain accurate weight distribution.
Secure or Remove Loose Parts and Accessories
Fold in the side mirrors, retract the antenna if possible, and remove or secure any custom accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or roof cargo boxes. Anything that sticks out from the body of the car could be damaged or cause damage to nearby vehicles in transit.
If you’re shipping a convertible, make sure the top is properly secured and that there are no tears or weaknesses that could expose the interior to weather during transport.
Disable the Alarm System
For the driver’s sake, disable your car alarm before pickup. If your alarm goes off during transport and the driver isn’t able to shut it off, it could lead to delays or complications. If disabling the alarm completely isn’t possible, leave detailed instructions for the driver on how to turn it off if needed.
Double-Check Delivery Details and Contact Info
Make sure your auto transport company has the correct pickup and delivery addresses, as well as your best contact number. If someone else is receiving the car on your behalf at the destination, inform the company ahead of time and provide their contact information.
Clear communication helps avoid confusion and ensures that the delivery process goes as smoothly as the pickup.
Remove Personal Belongings
Auto transport companies are not licensed to carry personal items inside vehicles, and most contracts prohibit it. Personal belongings in your car are not covered by insurance, and leaving them inside can increase the risk of theft or damage.
In some cases, companies may allow a few light items in the trunk (under 100 pounds), but always ask first and follow the guidelines closely.
Know What to Expect at Pickup and Delivery
On the day of pickup, you’ll meet with the carrier for a final inspection and hand off the keys. The same process will happen at the delivery location. Be prepared to meet the driver or send a trusted representative to accept the car and sign off on the condition report.
Keep in mind that delivery may not be exact to your front door if you’re located in a tight or restricted area. In such cases, the carrier may arrange a nearby drop-off location that’s accessible for the truck.
Final Thoughts
Properly preparing your car for cross-country shipping is the key to a smooth, hassle-free experience. By following these steps, you’re not only helping the transport company do their job more efficiently, but you’re also protecting your investment.
Shipping a vehicle might feel overwhelming at first, but with a little prep work, it can be a stress-free part of your move or purchase. And once everything’s in place, you’ll be able to relax, knowing your car is in good hands—heading safely to its destination.