Checklist
Car shipping preparation checklist
Fifteen minutes of preparation makes pickup faster and protects you if a question ever comes up. Work through this list before the truck arrives.
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Before pickup
A few days ahead
- Wash the car. Existing scratches and chips are much easier to document on clean paint.
- Photograph everything. All four sides, the roof, wheels, interior and odometer, in daylight with a timestamp.
- Remove personal items. Carrier insurance does not cover belongings, and loose items can shift and cause damage.
- Take out toll tags and parking passes. They can be charged as the truck passes through toll points.
- Run the fuel down to about a quarter tank. Enough to load and unload, without the extra weight.
- Check for leaks, tire pressure and battery charge. Tell us about any leak so the vehicle is placed on the bottom rack.
- Remove or secure loose parts. Bike racks, roof boxes, removable antennas and custom spoilers.
- Disable the alarm. Or give the driver clear instructions to turn it off.
At pickup
When the truck arrives
- Have one set of keys ready for the driver, including any wheel lock key
- Walk around the vehicle with the driver and confirm every mark is noted on the bill of lading
- Tell the driver about quirks: a sticky ignition, a hidden battery cutoff, a low front lip
- Fold in the mirrors and lower or remove the antenna
- Sign the bill of lading and keep your copy
At delivery
When your vehicle arrives
- Inspect the vehicle in good light before you sign anything
- Compare it against your photos and the pickup report
- Write any new damage on the bill of lading, then take photos
- Check the odometer and that all keys and accessories are returned
- Sign, keep your copy, and call us right away if you noted anything
Shipping a vehicle that does not run
Let us know when you book. The vehicle needs to roll, steer and brake so it can be winched onto the trailer. Make sure the tires hold air and the steering is unlocked.
Convertibles, classics and modified vehicles
Close and latch soft tops and check for tears. For low or modified vehicles, tell us the ground clearance so we can send a trailer with the right ramps, and consider enclosed transport.
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