A step-by-step car prep checklist — what to do, what to remove, and what to expect at pickup and delivery.
A few minutes of preparation makes your car shipment faster, smoother, and worry-free. This step-by-step car prep guide walks you through exactly how to get your vehicle ready for pickup — what to do, what to remove, and what to expect at handoff.
Preparing your vehicle before the carrier arrives does three important things: it speeds up pickup so the driver can inspect and load quickly, it protects you by clearly documenting your car's condition, and it prevents avoidable problems like accrued toll charges or a drained battery. None of these steps are complicated, and most take just a few minutes. Work through the checklist below and your vehicle will be ready to ship.
Start by washing the exterior. A clean car makes it easy to see and document any existing scratches, dents, or chips before transport — which matters for the condition report. Dirt and grime can hide small blemishes, so a quick wash gives you and the driver an accurate baseline. There's no need to wax or detail; a basic clean is all you need.
Once your car is clean, take clear, dated photos from multiple angles — all four sides, the roof, and close-ups of any existing damage. Photograph the odometer too. These photos are your record of the vehicle's condition at pickup, and they make any conversation about transport-related damage simple and straightforward. Store them somewhere easy to find. This single step is the best protection you have, and it takes only a couple of minutes.
Clear out personal items from the interior, trunk, and cargo areas. Auto transport carriers are licensed to move vehicles, not household goods, and items left inside aren't covered by the carrier's insurance. Loose belongings can also shift during transit and cause damage. Remove electronics, documents, valuables, and clutter. If you're tempted to use the car as extra moving storage, it's best not to — keep the vehicle empty and clean.
Take out or deactivate any toll transponders, parking passes, and access devices. As your car travels, an active toll tag can rack up charges at tolls along the route. Removing it — or sealing it in a signal-blocking pouch — avoids surprise fees. The same goes for parking permits and gate remotes you don't want traveling with the vehicle.
For a gas or diesel vehicle, leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel — enough for the driver to load, maneuver, and unload the car, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight to the load. If you're shipping an electric vehicle, aim for about a 50% charge and enable transport or shipping mode if your model has it. A nearly empty tank can make loading difficult, while a full tank just adds weight, so a quarter tank is the sweet spot.
Give your car a quick once-over for fluid leaks and obvious mechanical problems, and let your transporter know about anything relevant. Leaks can affect vehicles loaded below yours on the trailer, so it's important to disclose them. If your vehicle doesn't start, doesn't roll, or doesn't steer or brake, tell us when you book — inoperable vehicles can absolutely be shipped, but they need a carrier with the right equipment, such as a winch. Accurate information up front prevents delays at pickup.
Turn off or disable any aftermarket alarm systems so the alarm doesn't trigger during loading or transit. If your alarm can't be fully disabled, give the driver clear instructions on how to turn it off. A car alarm going off on the trailer is a headache for everyone, so handle this before pickup.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under- or over-inflated tires can complicate loading and unloading on ramps and liftgates. Inspect for any obvious tire damage as well. Properly inflated tires roll on and off the trailer smoothly and help protect the vehicle during the process.
Fold in your mirrors if possible, retract or remove the antenna, and secure or remove any loose, fragile, or aftermarket accessories — spoilers, low splitters, bike racks, roof boxes, and similar add-ons. Specialty and low-clearance vehicles may need extra attention, so note any custom features when you book. Removing or securing these parts protects them and helps the driver load your vehicle safely. Also retract convertible tops and close all windows.
Hand the driver one working set of keys that operates the ignition, doors, trunk, and any wheel locks or security features. Keep your spare set with you. If your vehicle has a special starting procedure, a battery cutoff, or a transport mode, share those instructions at pickup so the driver can move the vehicle on and off the trailer without trouble.
When the carrier arrives, the driver will perform a walk-around inspection with you and record the vehicle's condition on the Bill of Lading — the shipping contract and official condition report for your car. Review it, compare it against your own photos, and keep your copy. Make sure you or an authorized adult is present, and that the carrier has clear, safe access to the vehicle. If your street is narrow or has low-hanging obstacles, arrange a nearby meeting point with room for a full-size transporter, such as a large parking lot.
At delivery, you or your designated person meets the driver and repeats the inspection, comparing the vehicle's condition against the Bill of Lading from pickup and your photos. Check the exterior, and confirm everything is as it should be before you sign. Once you're satisfied, you sign off, pay any remaining balance, and take your keys. Most deliveries take less than 30 minutes from arrival to handoff.
Shipping a car that doesn't run takes a little extra coordination, but it's routine. The most important step is to tell us the vehicle is inoperable when you book, along with whether it rolls, steers, and brakes — this determines the equipment the carrier needs, such as a winch or special ramps. Make sure the tires hold air if possible, since flat tires complicate loading even with a winch. Have the keys available, clear a straight path for loading, and let the driver know about any quirks, like a vehicle that won't shift out of park or has a disconnected battery. Accurate details up front mean the right carrier shows up the first time, with no surprises or delays.
High-value and specialty vehicles deserve a few additional steps. For classics, exotics, and low-clearance cars, note the ground clearance and any fragile features — splitters, spoilers, or custom bodywork — so the carrier can plan gentle loading, ideally with a liftgate. Many owners of these vehicles choose enclosed transport for full protection from weather and debris. Photograph the vehicle in extra detail, including the wheels and undercarriage if relevant, and share any special starting or driving instructions. If your car has a battery cutoff, transport mode, or a specific procedure for moving it short distances, write it down for the driver.
If you're shipping in winter, check that your battery is healthy, your antifreeze is topped off, and your tires are properly inflated, since cold temperatures affect all three. In hot weather, make sure cooling systems are in good shape. These small checks help your vehicle start and load easily at both pickup and delivery, whatever the season.
Ship Guy is a licensed, bonded, FMCSA-registered auto transport broker that makes shipping your vehicle simple from quote to delivery — with transparent pricing, no upfront deposit, a vetted carrier network, real-time tracking, and 24/7 U.S.-based support. Once your car is prepped, you're ready to go.
Get your free quote in about 60 seconds, or call (866) 280-3481 to talk to a specialist. You can also review car shipping costs, read about cross-country car shipping, or learn how the whole process works.
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