How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Shipping your car across the country is a big decision, and a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you are relocating for work, buying a vehicle from out of state, or heading south for the winter, taking the right steps before your carrier arrives will help ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Below is a comprehensive pre-shipping checklist you can follow to get your vehicle ready for transport.
1. Give Your Car a Thorough Wash
A clean car makes it much easier to spot any existing scratches, dents, or paint chips. Before the driver arrives, wash the exterior so both you and the carrier can perform an accurate inspection. This step is more important than most people realize because it directly affects your ability to document pre-existing damage.
2. Document Existing Damage with Photos
Walk around your vehicle and take detailed photos from every angle. Capture close-ups of any scratches, dings, or imperfections. Include timestamps on your photos if possible. These records serve as your proof of the car's condition before shipping and will be invaluable if you ever need to file a claim.
3. Remove All Personal Items
Carriers are licensed to transport vehicles, not household goods. Personal belongings left inside are typically not covered by the carrier's insurance policy. Remove everything from the cabin and trunk, including:
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Sunglasses and valuables
- Garage door openers
- Aftermarket GPS units
- Loose change and personal documents
Leaving items in the car also adds weight, which can create issues for the driver when balancing the load on the trailer.
4. Check Fluids and Tire Pressure
Make sure your vehicle's fluids are topped off and that there are no active leaks. Check the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Inflate your tires to the manufacturer-recommended PSI. Properly inflated tires make it safer and easier for the driver to load and unload your vehicle.
5. Keep the Gas Tank at a Quarter Full
You do not need a full tank of gas for shipping. In fact, a full tank adds unnecessary weight. Aim for about a quarter tank, which is enough for the driver to move the car on and off the trailer while keeping weight to a minimum.
6. Disable Your Alarm System
An alarm going off mid-transport is a headache for the carrier and for every other driver on the road. If your car has an aftermarket alarm, disable it completely. For factory alarms, leave your key fob with the driver so they can silence it if needed.
7. Remove or Secure Aftermarket Accessories
Spoilers, bike racks, antenna toppers, and other aftermarket additions can get damaged or cause damage to other vehicles on the carrier. Remove anything that sticks out or is loosely attached. If you have a retractable antenna, push it down. Fold in your side mirrors if they are the folding type.
8. Remove Toll Transponders
This is one of the most commonly forgotten steps. If you leave an E-ZPass, SunPass, or other toll transponder in your car, you could rack up toll charges as the carrier drives through toll plazas across the country. Remove it or place it in a foil-lined bag to block the signal.
9. Provide a Spare Key
Give the carrier a spare key rather than your primary set. The driver needs to be able to start and move the vehicle for loading and unloading. A spare key ensures you still have access to your car if anything unexpected happens during transit.
10. Note Any Mechanical Issues
If your vehicle has any mechanical problems, such as a dead battery, broken starter, or transmission issue, let the carrier know in advance. Non-running vehicles require special equipment like a winch to load, and the carrier needs to plan accordingly. Being upfront about your car's condition avoids surprises and delays on pickup day.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your car for shipping does not take long, but it makes a real difference. If this is your first time shipping a car, these steps are especially important. A well-prepared vehicle leads to a smoother pickup, better documentation, and peace of mind throughout the entire transport process. When you compare quotes on Car Ship Deal, you can focus on finding the best rate knowing your car is ready to go.