How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Shipping your car can be a seamless process if you take the time to prepare it properly. From cleaning the vehicle to ensuring it’s in good working condition, a few simple steps can save you time and hassle down the road. Whether you’re shipping your car across the country or internationally, this auto transport checklist will help ensure your car is ready for transport.
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
A clean car allows for a proper inspection before shipping. Washing your vehicle ensures that any existing dents, scratches, or damage are visible, making it easier to document its condition. Don’t forget to clean the interior as well to remove personal items and prevent them from shifting during transit.
Why It Matters:
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Dirt and grime can hide pre-existing damage.
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A clean car helps you identify and document its condition accurately.
2. Document Your Car’s Condition
Take detailed photos of your car from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. This documentation serves as evidence if disputes arise about the car’s condition upon delivery.
Checklist:
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Photograph the exterior from multiple angles.
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Capture close-ups of scratches, dents, or other imperfections.
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Record the interior condition as well.
3. Remove Personal Items
Most auto transport companies prohibit shipping personal belongings inside the car. Items left in the vehicle are not covered by the carrier’s insurance and can shift during transit, causing damage.
Items to Remove:
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Electronics, chargers, and GPS devices
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Important documents
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Loose items in the glove compartment or trunk
4. Perform Basic Maintenance
Ensure your car is in good working order before transport. While it doesn’t need to be road-trip ready, basic maintenance helps prevent complications during loading, unloading, or transit.
Key Tasks:
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Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid).
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Ensure the battery is fully charged.
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Verify that the tires are properly inflated.
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Top off the fuel tank to about a quarter full—enough for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight.
5. Disable Alarms and Secure Loose Parts
A car alarm going off during transit can be a nuisance for the carrier. Disable any alarms to prevent unnecessary disruptions. Additionally, secure or remove loose parts like antennas, spoilers, or custom accessories to avoid damage.
6. Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes
Toll tags and parking passes can accrue charges during transit if left in place. Remove these items to avoid unexpected fees.
7. Prepare for Inspection
Before the carrier picks up your car, they will perform an inspection and note its condition on a Bill of Lading. Be present during this inspection and ensure the documentation matches your records.
Pro Tips:
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Keep a copy of the Bill of Lading for reference.
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Ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the inspection process.
8. Plan for Delivery
Coordinate with the transport company to ensure a smooth delivery process. Be available to inspect the car upon arrival and compare its condition to your pre-shipping documentation.
Preparing your car for shipping doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following this auto transport checklist, you can ensure your car is ready for transport, minimizing the risk of damage or delays. Whether you’re shipping your vehicle for a move, a sale, or a seasonal relocation, proper preparation is key to a hassle-free experience.
Start planning today to make your car shipping journey as smooth as possible! If your car is to be scrapped, look for a company for buying scrap cars. See some different payment options like pay per card, XRP and others.
