Want to ship your car without any headaches?
Preparing your vehicle for shipping isn’t just about handing over the keys and hoping for the best. With the auto transport industry generating over $10 billion in revenue by 2024, there’s a lot at stake when it comes to getting your car safely from point A to point B.
The good news?
Most transport nightmares can be avoided with proper preparation. When you know what to do before your car gets loaded onto that carrier, you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Vehicle Preparation Matters More Than You Think
- Essential Pre-Shipping Steps Every Car Owner Should Follow
- How to Protect Your Investment During Transit
- What to Do on Pickup and Delivery Day
- Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
Why Vehicle Preparation Matters More Than You Think
Here’s something that might surprise you…
Proper vehicle preparation can mean the difference between a smooth shipping experience and a costly disaster. With 85 million damaged packages arriving on doorsteps in the last 12 months alone, you don’t want to leave anything to chance.
But here’s the kicker: Most transport damage is completely preventable with the right preparation.
Think about it this way. Your car is about to go on a journey where it’ll be loaded, unloaded, and secured alongside other vehicles. Without proper prep, you’re basically asking for trouble.
The transport industry has come a long way. Professional auto transport services like A1 Auto Transport have streamlined the process to make vehicle shipping safer and more reliable than ever before. But even the best carriers can’t protect a vehicle that wasn’t properly prepared.
Essential Pre-Shipping Steps Every Car Owner Should Follow
Ready to prep your car like a pro? Here’s exactly what you need to do before that carrier shows up.
Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out
This isn’t just about making your car look pretty. A clean vehicle serves several important purposes:
- Damage detection: You’ll spot existing scratches, dents, or issues more easily
- Documentation: Photos of a clean car show damage much clearly
- Inspection: Carriers can perform thorough condition checks
Spend some time washing and detailing your vehicle. Remove all the dirt, grime, and clutter. You want to see every inch of your car’s surface.
Remove All Personal Items
This is where most people mess up. You might think leaving a few items in your car is no big deal, but it can actually cause major problems.
Here’s why personal items are a no-go:
- Weight restrictions: Extra weight can increase shipping costs
- Damage risk: Loose items can damage your car’s interior during transport
- Liability issues: Transport companies don’t insure personal belongings
Clear out everything. That includes the glove compartment, trunk, door pockets, and any aftermarket accessories.
Check and Adjust Fluid Levels
Your car needs to be in decent running condition for transport. Most carriers require vehicles to start and drive onto their trailers.
Focus on these key fluids:
- Gas tank: Keep it at about ¼ full (not empty, not full)
- Oil: Check levels and top off if needed
The quarter-tank rule is important. Too little gas and your car might not start for loading. Too much gas adds unnecessary weight and potential safety risks.
Disable Alarms and Document Everything
Nothing’s worse than your car alarm going off repeatedly during a 1,000-mile journey. Turn off car alarms, remove toll transponders, and disconnect non-essential aftermarket electronics.
This is your insurance policy. With the average cost of shipping a car being $0.96 per mile for open transport, you’re making a significant investment.
Take photos of all four sides of your vehicle, close-ups of existing damage, interior condition, and odometer reading. Use your phone to timestamp these photos and email them to yourself for backup. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a damage claim later.
How to Protect Your Investment During Transit
Smart preparation goes beyond just cleaning your car. Here’s how to add extra protection.
Choose the Right Transport Type
You’ve got options when it comes to how your car travels. The choice can significantly impact both cost and protection.
Open transport handles about 85% of auto transports and costs less, but your car is exposed to weather and road debris.
Enclosed transport costs more but provides complete protection from the elements. It’s worth considering for high-value vehicles, brand-new cars, or long-distance shipments.
Secure Loose Parts
Walk around your car and check for anything that could come loose during transport. Retract or remove your antenna, ensure spoilers are properly secured, and fold in power-adjustable side mirrors.
What to Do on Pickup and Delivery Day
The day your car gets picked up is crucial. Here’s how to handle it like a pro.
Be Present and Prepared
Don’t just hand over the keys and walk away. You need to be actively involved in the pickup process.
Have ready your vehicle registration and insurance information, your photo documentation from the preparation phase, and any special instructions for the driver.
The driver will conduct their own inspection. This is your chance to point out any existing damage and ensure it’s properly documented.
Review the Bill of Lading Carefully
This document is your legal protection. It outlines the condition of your vehicle when it was picked up.
Make sure the Bill of Lading includes accurate damage notes for any existing issues, correct vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN), and pickup and delivery locations. Don’t sign anything until you’ve reviewed it thoroughly.
Delivery Day Protocol
When your car arrives at its destination, don’t just grab the keys and drive off. The delivery inspection is just as important as the pickup.
Compare the current condition to your original photos and check for any new damage that occurred during transit. If you find damage, document it immediately and get the driver to acknowledge it in writing. You typically have a short window to report transport damage, so don’t delay.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
Even experienced car owners make these costly errors. Learn from their mistakes.
Not Reading the Fine Print
Transport companies have specific terms and conditions. Not understanding them can cost you.
Common oversights include damage claim deadlines (often just 3-9 days), insurance coverage limits and deductibles, and weight restrictions for personal items.
Always read your contract thoroughly. If something isn’t clear, ask questions before signing.
Choosing Price Over Quality
With over 7,800 active businesses in the auto transport market, it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option.
But here’s the reality: The cheapest quote often comes with hidden costs, poor service, or inadequate insurance coverage.
Do your homework. Check reviews, verify insurance, and confirm the company’s DOT number.
Poor Communication
The transport industry faces challenges, including a projected driver shortage of over 100,000 in 2025. This means delays and scheduling changes are common.
Stay proactive. Confirm pickup times 24 hours in advance, keep your phone charged and available, and respond quickly to carrier communications.
Bringing It All Together
Preparing your vehicle for shipping doesn’t have to be complicated. With proper planning and attention to detail, you can ensure your car arrives safely and in the same condition it left.
The key is preparation. Clean your car, remove personal items, document everything, and choose a reputable carrier. These simple steps can save you time, money, and stress.
Remember, with industry revenues expected to exceed $11.5 billion by 2025, auto transport is a mature, professional industry. When you work with established companies and follow proper procedures, vehicle shipping is safe and reliable.
Ready to ship your vehicle? Start with proper preparation, choose a reputable carrier, and follow these guidelines. Your car will thank you for it.
