How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

You have got to relocate to your car, but you want to avoid the hassle of planning and driving for days, even weeks, on the road, so hire a car shipping company. They will take the stress off your shoulders by handling everything with years of experience. These companies have professional auto transport experts and offer a range of transport options tailored to your budget and requirements. Once you find a reliable shipping partner and schedule a mutually agreed-upon pickup time for your vehicle, there are a few steps you must take on your end to ensure a safe, smooth, and complaint journey. These steps include choosing your transport options wisely,  preparing your car thoroughly, keeping the relevant documents ready at hand for legal compliance, and ensuring proper communication. We’ll guide you through these small but significant steps in detail to help make your car transport experience remarkable. 

1. Prepare Required Documentation

A professional auto transport company will typically require specific documentation before shipping, such as:

• Vehicle registration
• Proof of ownership
• Insurance details
• Driver’s license
  

Having everything ready ahead of pickup prevents last-minute stress and keeps the process smooth. These documents work as legal evidence that the car being shipped is registered and authorized to be on the road. 

2. Choose the Right Shipping Type

Before shipping day, you should have already decided which type of transport fits your needs. In general, you have to choose between open and enclosed transport. Open-air shipping is the most common and affordable option with a medium level of protection, whereas enclosed car transport is a premium treatment for your high-end vehicles. It will be shipped in a fully covered trailer,  offering enhanced and multi-layered protection against any unexpected damage, theft, or loss.

3.Clean your vehicle thoroughly

It is a major step before handing your vehicle to a shipping company. Clean your vehicle thoroughly to help you spot any existing dents and damage, and compare its condition upon arrival. Start by washing the exterior to remove dirt, grime, and road debris accumulated from your travels, especially areas such as the wheels, wheel wells, and undercarriage. Cleaning the interior is equally important, as it ensures a clutter-free space and allows for a proper inspection of your vehicle’s condition before transit.

4.Remove personal and valuable belongings

Auto shipping companies take full responsibility for the safety of your vehicle; however, they do not take responsibility for personal or valuable items in the car. As you will not have access to your vehicle during transit, there is no point in leaving valuable or personal belongings in it that you cannot risk losing.

5.Secure or Remove Loose Parts

Loose parts can shift during transit, causing damage to your vehicle or to others nearby. To prevent damage to objects, your vehicle, or other shipments, make sure that:

1. Antennas are removed or retracted, side mirrors are folded in, and roof racks or spoilers are securely fastened or removed if possible. 
2. Additionally, exterior parts such as off-road lights and racks pose a risk during transportation and can increase the cost of the shipment due to their modified height. 
3. If your car is a convertible, make sure the top is securely in place to prevent damage from the elements or road debris. 
4. Also, remove loose items in the trunk, glove compartment, and storage areas.

6.Document the existing damage

Carefully inspect for any existing damage. You may consider:

• Clicking clear photos from every angle and every part.
• Recording the time-lapse videos.

While damage during transit is infrequent, this inspection will help you track any issues that may arise. In the event of any new damage to your vehicle, this will serve as evidence for claims.

7.Disabling alarms and GPS

It is essential to disable car alarms and GPS tracking devices when shipping a vehicle to prevent accidental alarm activation during transit, potential disruptions, and to maintain privacy. Disabling these systems also allows for smoother loading and unloading, avoids unnecessary battery drain, and prevents potential issues with the shipping company.

8.Perform a maintenance check: It includes:

• Check the vehicle fuel level: Keep your car light by keeping your gas tank at 1/4 full, just enough to drive your car on and off their trailer. A full tank of gas adds significant weight, which can affect the shipment’s safety and efficiency.
• Battery charging in EVs: For EVs, make sure your battery is between 45-65% charged and that you include the charging cables. Manufacturers recommend keeping lithium batteries at 50% charge or less for safe shipping and handling.
• Operability of vehicle: Your vehicle must be able to roll, brake, and steer under its own power. Make sure to communicate regarding any specific issues with your car to the service provider before pick-up.
• Inspect Tires and Brakes: Tires should not be either flat or overinflated to avoid potential risks during transit. Likewise, emergency brakes should also be working. 
• Address fluid leaks in your vehicle: Ensure all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) are at appropriate levels, and check for any leaks under the car. Leaks can cause complications during transit and may result in your vehicle being denied shipment.
• Remove Toll Tags: If you have an electronic toll collection device, such as E-ZPass, it should be removed before shipping to avoid incurring charges as your car passes through tolls on the transport truck.

8. Provide a spare set of keys: As due diligence, provide a spare set of keys to your shipping company in case you risk losing the original one.  
9. Communicate Openly:

Communication is the key to effective coordination. If any specs are essential for the transporter to be aware of, please ensure you convey them clearly and on time. For instance, if your car is inoperable, tell the company they should come equipped with the right tools to handle it.

PREPARING A VEHICLE FOR SHIPPING: QUICK REVIEW

Preparing a car before pickup is not only essential but also non-negotiable. A few comprehensive steps, and by following them, your vehicle will be ready for a seamless, stress-free journey to its destination. For a quick review: start by searching for the right shipping partner, choose your transport option wisely, keep the documents handy, clean your vehicle’s interior and exterior thoroughly, remove personal belongings, spot and document the existing damage, disable the alarms and GPS trackers, go for a final maintenance check, including fuel, battery in case of EVs, tires and brakes etc. Also, have a spare set of keys in case you risk losing one! Finally, make sure to communicate openly with your carrier for a better experience.