When it’s time to ship your car, preparation is everything. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending one to family, these simple steps will help you avoid delays, protect your vehicle, and make the entire process smooth and stress-free.

At The Best Auto Shipping, we’ve helped thousands of customers prepare their cars for safe, reliable transport. Here’s everything you need to know before your driver arrives.

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🚗 1. Wash and Inspect Your Vehicle

A clean car is easier to inspect. Wash the exterior and remove any dirt or debris that might hide scratches or dents.
Before pickup:

• Take clear photos of all sides of your car in daylight.
• Note any existing damage (scratches, dents, paint chips).
• Keep a copy for your records — it helps if you ever need to compare after delivery.

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🧳 2. Remove Personal Items (with a Few Exceptions)

Auto transport carriers are insured to move vehicles — not household goods.
However, most drivers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items, preferably stored in the trunk.

If you must use the back seat, make sure everything sits below window level so the driver can see clearly out the rear.

If you plan to include more than 100 pounds, it can often be arranged — but we’ll need to negotiate directly with the driver first. They must consider total vehicle weight and size before accepting the load, and sometimes an extra fee applies.

Avoid:

• Heavy boxes or fragile items
• Electronics, valuables, or liquids (they aren’t covered by insurance)

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🧰 3. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues

Your vehicle must be in safe operating condition for loading and unloading.
Before shipping:

• Inspect for oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks.
• Ensure your battery is charged and tires are inflated.
• Note any modifications like lift kits, spoilers, or low ground clearance — these affect loading angles.
  If your car doesn’t start or has special conditions, let us know so we can assign the right carrier and equipment.

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⛽ 4. Leave Only a Quarter Tank of Fuel

Your car only needs enough fuel for loading and unloading — about ¼ tank is ideal.
A full tank adds unnecessary weight and poses a safety risk during transport.

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🔕 5. Disable Alarms and Remove Toll Tags

Turn off any car alarms and remove electronic toll tags or parking passes. Otherwise, they could:

• Drain your battery
• Cause noise during transport
• Trigger automatic toll charges as the carrier passes through toll plazas

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🔩 6. Secure or Remove Loose Parts

Fold in side mirrors, retract antennas, and remove external accessories such as:

• Roof racks
• Bike carriers
• Spoilers or decorative parts
  These steps reduce the chance of scratches or damage during loading and transit.

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🧾 7. Review and Sign the Bill of Lading

At pickup, you and the driver will complete a Bill of Lading inspection report — this is your official shipping document.
✅ Verify all pre-existing damages are noted.
✅ Keep your copy for delivery.
At drop-off, you’ll review the same form again to confirm your vehicle’s condition.

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📞 8. Stay in Touch During Transport

Once your car is on the road, stay connected. Most drivers provide updates during transit and will call before delivery to schedule a convenient time and place.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship personal items inside my car?

Yes, up to 100 pounds (preferably in the trunk). Heavier loads may be accepted if arranged with your driver in advance.

Can I ship my car if it’s not running?

Absolutely. Non-running vehicles can be shipped using special equipment. Just let us know in advance so we can assign the right carrier.

Do I need to be present for pickup or delivery?

It’s best if you are, but you can authorize someone else to sign the Bill of Lading on your behalf.

How far in advance should I prepare my vehicle?

At least 24 hours before pickup — that gives you time to clean, remove items, and inspect for leaks.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

A little preparation goes a long way toward a safe, smooth vehicle shipment.
At The Best Auto Shipping, we take care of the hard part — matching your vehicle with a trusted, insured carrier who treats your car like their own.

👉 Get a free quote today or call (561) 954-4673 to speak with a transport specialist.

For a broader look at what to expect, see this auto transport guide by ConsumerAffairs .