How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Complete step-by-step guide for successful car transport
Essential Steps for Successful Vehicle Transport
Getting ready to ship a vehicle involves more than just handing over the keys. Whether you're using open transport, enclosed transport, or specialized services like Hawaii & Alaska shipping, proper preparation is crucial for success.
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth transit, minimizes risk of extra fees or damage, and builds confidence in the shipping process. Our comprehensive auto transport services include detailed preparation guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls. Below are the essential steps to prepare your vehicle for transport.
Pro Tip: Following this preparation guide can help you avoid the common car shipping mistakes that lead to delays and extra costs.
Step 1: Clean Your Car Thoroughly
A clean car is easier to inspect and helps both you and the shipping company identify any pre-existing damage such as scratches, dents, or paint chips. Proper cleaning ensures accurate documentation before shipping.
Exterior Cleaning
- •Thoroughly wash the outside, removing all dirt, mud, and debris
- •Clean undercarriage, wheels, and fenders
- •Remove bird droppings, bugs, and tar that can damage paint
- •Optional: Apply wax for extra paint protection
Interior Cleaning
- •Vacuum all surfaces including seats, carpets, and floor mats
- •Remove all trash and unnecessary items
- •Check under seats, glove compartment, and trunk
- •Remove loose change, documents, and electronics
Why It Matters: Clean vehicles make pre-existing damage clearly visible, protecting you in case of damage claims during transit.
Step 2: Remove Personal Items and Accessories
For safety and insurance reasons, personal items should not be left inside the vehicle during transport. Items left in the car could shift during transit, potentially causing damage to the interior or becoming lost or stolen.
What to Remove:
- ✗Electronics (GPS, phone chargers, dash cams)
- ✗Personal belongings from glove box and trunk
- ✗Important documents, spare change, sunglasses
- ✗Loose accessories, air fresheners, hanging items
- ✗Toll tags and automatic payment devices
- ✗External accessories: bike racks, antennas, roof racks
What's Allowed:
- ✓Spare tire (in designated compartment)
- ✓Jack and tire iron (factory equipment)
- ✓Factory-installed equipment only
Note: Confirm with your shipping company about specific policies on emergency items.
Insurance Warning: Most auto transport companies do not insure personal belongings left inside the car. Remove everything to avoid loss or theft.
Step 3: Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues
Ensuring your vehicle is in good mechanical condition before shipping is essential for preventing delays and protecting other cars on the carrier. A leaking vehicle could cause damage during transit.
🔍 Checking for Leaks
- •Inspect under vehicle for oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks
- •Look for puddles or damp spots beneath the car
- •Top off all fluids: oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer
⚙️ Mechanical Inspections
Non-Operable Vehicles: If your vehicle has mechanical issues, inform the shipping company in advance. Non-running vehicles require special handling and may incur additional charges of $100-$300.
Step 4: Keep a Quarter Tank of Fuel
Your vehicle needs enough fuel for loading and unloading during the transport process, but a full tank adds unnecessary weight which could slightly increase shipping costs.
Empty Tank
Not enough fuel for loading/unloading operations
¼ Tank (Ideal)
Perfect balance for operations without excess weight
Full Tank
Adds unnecessary weight and fuel spill risk
Pro Tip: Shipping companies charge based on weight. While fuel weight may not significantly affect cost, keeping it low minimizes the risk of fuel spills during transport.
Step 5: Disable Alarms and Anti-Theft Devices
If your vehicle's alarm system goes off during transit, it could cause unnecessary delays and inconvenience for the driver. Disable all alarms and anti-theft devices before shipping.
Turn Off All Alarms
If your vehicle has a security system that activates with movement or vibrations, ensure it's fully disabled before transport.
Keyless Entry Systems
Disable keyless entry systems and remote start features to prevent accidental activation during transit.
Provide Instructions
If the alarm is difficult to disable, provide clear instructions to the driver on how to deactivate it if needed.
Step 6: Document Your Car's Condition
One of the most important steps in preparing your vehicle for shipping is thoroughly documenting its condition. This protects you in case of any damage claims.
Taking Photos
- •Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles
- •Include close-ups of any scratches, dents, or paint chips
- •Ensure photos are time-stamped for reference
- •Document interior condition (dashboard, seats, electronics)
- •Capture all four corners, roof, and undercarriage if possible
Vehicle Condition Report
- •Shipping company will perform inspection at pickup
- •Condition noted on Bill of Lading (BOL)
- •BOL acts as receipt for the shipment
- •Compare condition at delivery to pre-shipping photos
- •Note any discrepancies before signing delivery paperwork
Important: Keep copies of all documentation for your records and insurance purposes. Don't sign the delivery BOL until you've thoroughly inspected your vehicle.
Step 7: Secure Loose Parts and Accessories
Any loose or protruding parts on your vehicle could be damaged during transport or cause damage to other vehicles on the carrier. Secure or remove these parts before shipping.
Items to Secure or Remove:
Special Conditions to Communicate:
Note: Special characteristics may require special equipment or cause extra charges. Notify First Line Transport INC ahead of time to ensure proper handling.
Complete Pre-Shipping Checklist
Print or save this checklist to ensure you don't miss any important steps
📋 Before Pickup Day
✅ Final Checks
Understanding Transport Types
Choose the right transport method based on your vehicle and budget
Open Transport
Most popular and cost-effective method. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer along with other vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
Premium protection for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Transported inside a fully covered trailer.
Understanding the Bill of Lading (BOL)
The Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in the car shipping process. It serves as both a contract and a receipt for your vehicle's transportation.
What the BOL Includes:
- •Pick-up and delivery addresses
- •Vehicle condition before shipping
- •Special instructions for the driver
- •Inspection report with pre-existing damage
- •Signatures from both parties
Important BOL Tips:
- ✓Review carefully before signing
- ✓Ensure all damage is documented
- ✓Keep a copy for your records
- ✓Compare at delivery to pickup condition
- ✓Note any new damage before signing delivery BOL
Pickup & Delivery Day Preparation
Pickup Day Checklist
- 1.Be On Time: Be available at scheduled pickup or have trusted representative present
- 2.Have BOL Ready: Review with driver and ensure all damage is documented
- 3.Verify Contact Info: Confirm delivery location details and contact numbers
- 4.Hand Over Keys: Provide only necessary keys (no house keys or other items)
- 5.Take Final Photos: Document vehicle condition just before loading
Delivery Day Checklist
- 1.Be Present: If possible, be there in person for vehicle inspection
- 2.Inspect Thoroughly: Use pre-shipping photos and BOL to check for damage
- 3.Check All Areas: Look for scratches, dents, or mechanical issues
- 4.Test Vehicle: Start engine, check lights, test brakes if possible
- 5.Sign BOL: Only after confirming condition. Note any damage immediately
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Reduces Risk
Proper preparation minimizes the risk of damage and misunderstandings, leading to fewer claims and smoother operations.
Builds Trust
When you follow proper procedures, you feel safer and more confident in the shipping service and process.
Avoids Extra Costs
Cleaning, removing items, and confirming access reduces chances of complications and additional fees on loading day.
First Line Transport INC Preparation Support
We guide you through every step of the preparation process
Detailed Preparation Guide
We provide every customer with a comprehensive pre-shipping checklist and preparation guide to ensure nothing is missed.
- •Downloadable PDF checklist
- •Email reminders before pickup
- •Step-by-step video tutorials
Expert Consultation
Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions about preparing your vehicle and address any concerns you may have.
- •24/7 customer support
- •Dedicated preparation specialists
- •Pre-pickup confirmation calls
Professional Documentation
We conduct thorough inspections and provide detailed documentation at both pickup and delivery for your protection.
- •Detailed condition reports
- •Photo documentation included
- •Digital BOL copies provided
Transparent Process
Clear communication about what to expect at every stage, from preparation through delivery, with no surprises.
- •Clear timeline expectations
- •Real-time tracking updates
- •Proactive communication
Our Commitment: At First Line Transport INC, we believe proper preparation is the foundation of successful vehicle shipping. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I remove from my car before shipping?
Remove all personal items, electronics, important documents, loose accessories, toll tags, and anything not permanently attached to the vehicle. Most transport companies do not insure personal belongings left inside the car.
How much fuel should I leave in my car for shipping?
Keep your fuel tank at 1/4 full. This provides enough fuel for loading and unloading operations without adding unnecessary weight or creating spill risks during transport.
Why do I need to clean my car before shipping?
Cleaning your car makes pre-existing damage clearly visible during the inspection process. This protects you in case of damage claims and ensures accurate documentation on the Bill of Lading.
Do I need to be present during pickup and delivery?
Yes, you or an authorized representative must be present during both pickup and delivery to conduct vehicle inspections, sign the Bill of Lading, and handle keys. This ensures proper documentation and protects your interests.
What happens if my car has mechanical problems?
If your vehicle has mechanical issues or is non-operable, inform the shipping company in advance. Non-running vehicles require special handling equipment and may incur additional charges of $100-$300.
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