How to Prepare a Car for Shipping

Preparation means the car at the curb matches the quote. Remove personal belongings, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, photograph the car in daylight, and say so now if a gate, garage, or low bridge will stop a full-size carrier.

Before the driver arrives

Empty the cabin and the trunk. Cargo coverage is for the vehicle, not luggage, documents, or electronics. Take out toll tags that can bill while the truck is moving. Silence an alarm that will rearm every time the car is nudged. Have the key, and have a person who can walk the car with the driver.

A running car needs enough fuel to load and unload. A full tank is not required. If the car does not run, select inoperable on the quote so the search includes winch-capable equipment. A lowered car, a lift, or oversized tires belong in the quote too. They change whether a normal ramp works.

At pickup and delivery

Door-to-door means as close as the truck can legally and safely get. Apartment garages and tight downtown streets often use a nearby lot. Agree on that lot before the driver is on the way. Note existing scratches on the bill of lading before the car is loaded, and compare the car again before you sign at delivery.

The longer checklist is in how to prepare a vehicle. Access rules are on door-to-door car shipping.

Read next: car shipping, inoperable vehicles, Houston.

Questions

How should I prepare my car?

Remove personal items, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, photograph existing damage in daylight, and make sure the vehicle can be reached at the pickup window. Tell Bigfella about gates, garages, and a car that does not run before the truck is assigned.