How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping (The Complete Checklist)

Preparing your car for shipping takes under an hour and prevents delays, disputes, and damage. Follow this complete pre-shipping checklist from Web Auto Transport.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-prepared vehicle protects you legally, speeds up the inspection process, and reduces the risk of damage or driver disputes. Most pickup issues and damage claims trace back to skipped preparation steps.

The Complete Pre-Shipping Checklist

• Wash your vehicle. A clean car reveals every existing scratch and dent clearly during the inspection. This protects you if any damage is disputed later.
• Take detailed photos. Photograph all four sides, the roof, interior, dashboard, and odometer. Use timestamps. These are your baseline if a damage claim arises.
• Remove all personal items from the interior, back seat, and truck, except up to 100 lbs of soft items in the trunk or cargo area (see Can I Pack Personal Items in My Car?).
• Remove or deactivate your toll pass (E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak). Active toll tags may charge your account as the truck passes toll plazas.
• Remove parking permits and stickers that could cause confusion or issues at destination.
• Fold in your mirrors to reduce risk of breakage during loading.
• Retract or remove antennas if removable.
• Disable your car alarm. An alarm that triggers during transport creates problems for the carrier.
• Remove external accessories: bike racks, roof boxes, spoilers that aren't factory-installed.

• Set fuel level to ¼ tank or less. Federal regulations limit fuel levels during transport. Less fuel also reduces vehicle weight.
• Check tire pressure. Properly inflated tires make loading and unloading safer.
• Verify your battery is charged and securely mounted.
• Check for active fluid leaks. Oil, coolant, brake, or transmission leaks may cause the carrier to refuse pickup or damage other vehicles on the trailer.
• Keep one set of keys ready for the driver. Keep your spare set with you.
• Leave a note on the dash describing any quirks: sensitive alarm, unusual ignition, parking brake behavior.

• Be present (or send an authorized representative). Someone 18+ must be there to complete the inspection and sign the Bill of Lading. A friend, a family member, a neighbor.
• Do the walkaround inspection with the driver. Note every scratch, dent, chip, and ding on the BOL before signing.
• Take photos during inspection alongside the driver's documentation.
• Sign the Bill of Lading only after confirming all existing damage is noted.
• Keep your copy of the BOL, you'll need it at delivery.

Special Preparation Notes

Electric Vehicles (EVs): Charge to 30-50%. Avoid full charge in hot weather. Remove the charging cable or secure it inside the vehicle.

Convertibles and Soft Tops: Ensure the top is securely fastened. Consider enclosed transport for added protection.

Lowered or Modified Vehicles: Notify us before pickup so we can assign a liftgate-equipped carrier. See Shipping a Lowered or Modified Vehicle.

Classic or Exotic Cars: Use enclosed transport. Remove any detachable performance parts. Document meticulously.

Q&A

Q: Does my car need to be running to prepare it?

It helps, but inoperable vehicles can still be shipped. Disclose the inoperable condition when booking. See Shipping an Inoperable Vehicle.

Q: What if I forget to do something before the driver arrives?

For minor items (like removing a small item from the back seat), the driver may accommodate. For anything that affects safety, weight, or insurance (like a major fluid leak), the pickup may need to be rescheduled.

Q: Can I leave the spare tire in the trunk?

Yes. Standard items like a spare tire and jack are fine.

Q: Do I need to disconnect the battery?

No. The battery should be charged and connected for loading and unloading.

Questions before pickup? Call us at (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat at webautotransport.com. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com