Pre-Pickup Checklist for Shipping Your Car
From the days before pickup to delivery day. Print this page and tick it off.
Before pickup: wash and photograph the car, take out your belongings and toll tag, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, turn off the alarm, have your keys and ID ready, and walk the car with the driver so every existing mark is on the Bill of Lading. At delivery, inspect, note each new scratch on the Bill of Lading, then sign. Print this page and tick it off.
You deal directly with the company you booked for pickup, delivery and the paperwork. This list covers what you do on your side.
- Step 1A few days beforeGather your documents and keys, and check the car.
- Step 2Day beforeWash it, photograph it, empty it.
- Step 3At pickupWalk the car with the driver and check the Bill of Lading.
- Step 4At deliveryInspect, note any new damage, then sign.
Documents and people
A few days before- Keep your booking confirmation and the contact details of the company you booked.
- Have a valid photo ID ready for pickup and delivery. Details
- Have one key that starts and steers the car ready for the driver. Details
- You do not need the title to ship a car. Keep it at home. Details
- If someone else will be there, give them the keys, your booking details and a written note or email authorizing them. Details
- Confirm with the company you booked how and when the delivery balance is paid. Details
Fuel, alarm and the car itself
A few days before- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Details
- Check the battery is charged and the tires are inflated. Details
- Have any fluid leak fixed first, and tell the company about it if you cannot. Details
- Turn off the alarm, including any aftermarket alarm. Details
- Fold in the mirrors and retract or remove the antenna. Details
- Remove or secure loose accessories: bike racks, roof boxes, removable spoilers. Details
- Write down any quirks (hard starting, a sticky parking brake) and tell the driver.
- If the car does not run, or sits low or is modified, confirm the company knows.
Personal items
Day before- Remove everything from the glove box, console, door pockets, seats and under the seats. Details
- Anything left in the trunk is at the company’s discretion and at your own risk. Ask first, and when in doubt, take it out. Details
- Remove the toll transponder (E-ZPass or similar) so it does not charge you along the route. Details
- No people or pets ride in the car.
Clean it and photograph it
Day beforeAt pickup: the Bill of Lading
At pickup- Walk around the car with the driver, slowly, in good light. Details
- Make sure every existing scratch, dent and chip is marked on the Bill of Lading diagram. Details
- Check the odometer reading written on it. Details
- Sign only when the written condition matches what you see. Details
- Take your copy, and photograph it. Details
At delivery: inspect, note, then sign
At delivery- Inspect the car in good light against the pickup Bill of Lading and your photos before you sign. Details
- Note each new scratch, dent or chip on the Bill of Lading, then sign. Details
- Photograph anything new right away. Details
- Take any damage up directly with the company you booked. Do not repair it first. Details
- Keep both Bills of Lading and all photos for at least 90 days. Details
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Your review is about this guide from American Auto Shipping, not about the company you booked to move your vehicle.