How do I prepare my car for shipping?

Preparing your car for shipping takes about 30 minutes and helps ensure a smooth pickup and delivery. Start by washing your vehicle thoroughly — a clean car makes it much easier to document existing scratches, dents, and dings during the pre-pickup inspection. Then remove all personal belongings from the interior, including items in the glove box, center console, trunk, and door pockets. Carriers are not licensed to transport personal property, and items left inside are not covered by the carrier's insurance.

Next, check your vehicle's mechanical condition. Make sure the battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and the vehicle starts and moves under its own power. If your car has any fluid leaks, get them addressed before shipping — leaking fluids can damage other vehicles on the carrier. Disable or deactivate any aftermarket alarm systems to prevent them from going off during transport. Retract or remove any antennas, fold in side mirrors, and secure or remove any loose exterior accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or custom trim pieces.

Finally, leave your gas tank at about a quarter full — enough to drive the vehicle on and off the carrier but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Take photos of every panel, the roof, wheels, bumpers, and interior before the carrier arrives. Email these photos to yourself so they have a verifiable timestamp. This documentation is your insurance if any damage occurs during transport.