Shipping your car isn’t something you do every day — and it’s normal to have questions about how to prepare. Whether you’re moving, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member, a little preparation goes a long way.
Here are 5 simple but important steps to make sure your vehicle transport goes smoothly from pickup to delivery.
1️⃣ Clean Your Car Inside and Out
A clean car helps both you and the driver during the vehicle inspection.
When dirt or dust covers the paint, small scratches or dings can go unnoticed. Washing your vehicle makes it easier to identify its exact condition before pickup.
Also, remove personal items from inside the car — carriers are not allowed to ship personal belongings, and extra weight can affect transport costs.
2️⃣ Take Photos Before Pickup
Before your vehicle is loaded, take clear, time-stamped photos of all sides — front, back, both sides, wheels, mirrors, and close-ups of any existing marks.
These serve as your record of the car’s condition and provide peace of mind in case of any dispute.
Pro Tip: Store the photos in your phone’s cloud or email them to yourself for easy access later.
3️⃣ Check Fluids, Battery, and Tires
Make sure your car is ready to roll on and off the trailer.
Check for:
- Leaks under the car
- Battery charged
- Tires properly inflated
Keep your gas tank about ¼ full — just enough for loading and unloading, but not too much weight for transport.
4️⃣ Disable Alarms and Remove Toll Tags
Car alarms can drain the battery and cause headaches for the driver if they go off during transport.
Be sure to:
- Turn off any alarm systems
- Remove toll tags or parking passes — they can charge automatically when passing under toll scanners.
5️⃣ Be Ready for Pickup and Delivery
Car haulers often drive large trailers that can’t fit in tight neighborhoods.
Stay in contact with your driver and be flexible — they may ask to meet in a nearby open area such as a large parking lot or shopping center.
Keep your phone handy and have a spare key available in case of any schedule changes.
🚘 Final Tip: Work with a Trusted Company
The most important part of a smooth shipping experience is choosing the right broker or carrier.
At The Best Auto Shipping, we only work with licensed and insured drivers — no bait-and-switch quotes or fake promises.
You get honest pricing, verified carriers, and clear communication every step of the way.
👉 Get your quote today at: thebestautoshipping.com
📞 Call us: (561) 954-4673
Ship your car with confidence — The Best Auto Shipping.
🚗 5 Things to Do Before You Ship Your Vehicle
A little prep makes pickup and delivery smooth. Do these five quick steps before your driver arrives.
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1 Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
A clean surface makes the inspection accurate. Remove personal items from the cabin and trunk — carriers can’t transport household goods and extra weight can affect pricing.
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2 Take Photos Before Pickup
Snap clear, time-stamped photos of all sides, plus close-ups of wheels, bumpers, and mirrors. Save them to your cloud for easy access if needed later.
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3 Check Fluids, Battery & Tires
Make sure it’s ready to roll on/off the trailer:
- No obvious leaks under the car
- Battery charged
- Tires properly inflated
- Fuel level around ¼ tank (lighter is better)
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4 Disable Alarms & Remove Toll Tags
Turn off alarm systems to avoid battery drain or false triggers, and remove toll devices or parking passes that could auto-charge on the road.
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5 Be Ready for Pickup & Delivery
Keep your phone on and be flexible on location. Large carriers may need a nearby open area (shopping center, wide street). Have a spare key available.
We only work with licensed, insured carriers. No bait-and-switch prices or fake promises — just honest quotes and clear communication.
Tip: If your street has tight turns, low trees, or HOA restrictions, plan a nearby meeting spot in advance.