Congratulations! You’ve scheduled your vehicle transport and are ready for the next step. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, proper preparation of your vehicle is crucial. A little bit of work now can prevent delays, potential damage, and headaches down the road.

This comprehensive checklist will walk you through everything you need to do before the transport driver arrives.

Step 1: Clean Your Car and Document its Condition

This is the single most important step in preparing your vehicle. A clean car is essential for a proper pre-shipment inspection.

• Wash the Exterior: Give your car a thorough wash to remove all dirt, dust, and grime. This allows you to easily spot any existing scratches, dents, or paint chips that could be hidden under a layer of dirt.
• Clean the Interior: Vacuum and clear out the inside of your car. This makes it easier to document the vehicle’s interior condition and ensures you don’t accidentally leave anything behind.
• Take Photos and Videos: Once the car is clean, take high-quality, dated photos and a video of the entire vehicle. Document every angle, paying close attention to any pre-existing damage. This visual evidence serves as a critical record of your vehicle’s condition before transport and is your primary protection in the event of new damage.

Step 2: Remove All Personal Items and Valuables

For both safety and insurance reasons, auto transport companies are legally prohibited from shipping personal items. This is a non-negotiable step.

• Clear the Interior and Trunk: Remove all personal belongings, including electronics, charging cables, documents, clothing, and any loose items that could shift during transit. Check under the seats, in the glove box, and in the trunk.
• Remove External Accessories: Detachable accessories like bike racks, ski racks, or custom spoilers should be removed to prevent damage. Retract antennas and fold in side-view mirrors.
• Disable Alarms and Remove Toll Tags: Make sure any alarm systems are turned off to prevent them from accidentally going off during the journey. Remove all toll transponders and parking passes to avoid unnecessary charges.

Step 3: Perform a Basic Mechanical Check

While your car won’t be driven on the road, it does need to be operational for loading and unloading.

• Check Fluid Levels and Leaks: Top off fluids like engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Check for any visible leaks. If your vehicle has a leak, it may be denied service to protect other vehicles on the carrier.
• Check Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated. This helps with the loading and unloading process and prevents damage to the tires.
• Fuel Level: The gas tank should be no more than a quarter-full. A full tank adds unnecessary weight, which can affect the carrier’s efficiency and cause potential safety issues. A quarter-tank is enough to get the vehicle on and off the transport truck.
• Check the Battery: Make sure your battery is fully charged. An inoperable vehicle may incur extra fees for winching.

Step 4: Prepare the Necessary Paperwork and Keys

This final step ensures a smooth handover to the driver.

• Have Keys Ready: You must provide the transport driver with a single set of keys for your vehicle.
• Be Present for the Bill of Lading (BOL): The driver will arrive with a Bill of Lading, which is the official inspection report and contract. You must be present to walk around the vehicle with the driver, confirm the notes on the report, and sign the document. Your pre-shipment photos will be your reference during this inspection.

By following this simple checklist, you ensure your vehicle is ready for a safe and efficient journey, giving you complete peace of mind.