A smooth auto shipment starts before the carrier arrives. Knowing how to prepare car for transport helps protect your vehicle, keeps pickup on schedule, and gives you a clear record of its condition before it begins the trip. Most preparation takes less than an hour, but a missed detail – such as a dead battery, an overloaded trunk, or an undisclosed modification – can create unnecessary delays.
Whether you are moving across the country, buying a vehicle out of state, or heading to a seasonal home, the goal is the same: make the vehicle safe to load, easy to inspect, and ready to travel. Use the steps below to prepare with confidence.
How to Prepare Car for Transport: Start With a Clean Inspection
Wash the exterior before pickup, including the bumpers, wheels, roof, and lower panels. This is not about making the car look perfect. A clean vehicle makes it much easier to identify existing scratches, chips, dents, and other cosmetic wear during the pickup inspection.
After washing, walk around the vehicle in good daylight and take clear, date-stamped photos from every angle. Photograph close-ups of any existing damage, along with the odometer, windshield, roof, and each wheel. If possible, record a short video as you walk around the car. Keep these images until after delivery and final inspection.
At pickup, the driver will complete a vehicle condition report, often called a bill of lading. Review the report carefully before signing it. Make sure existing damage is accurately marked and ask questions if an area is unclear. The same document will be used at delivery, so accuracy at the beginning matters.
Remove Personal Belongings and Loose Accessories
Your vehicle should be treated as a vehicle, not a moving container. Personal belongings can shift during loading and transit, add unplanned weight, and may not be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. Federal and carrier rules can also limit what may be transported inside a vehicle.
Remove valuables, electronics, documents, toll tags, parking passes, garage remotes, spare cash, and anything sentimental or irreplaceable. Empty the trunk, cargo area, center console, door pockets, and under-seat storage. Do not forget sunglasses, charging cables, child seats, and detachable phone mounts.
It is also wise to remove or secure exterior accessories. Bike racks, roof boxes, luggage carriers, spoilers that are not firmly mounted, and loose custom parts can complicate loading. Tell your transport advisor about aftermarket modifications, oversized tires, lowered suspension, or unusually wide mirrors before booking. These details can affect the right trailer choice and loading plan.
What can stay in the car?
Factory-installed equipment, a spare tire, emergency tools, and permanently attached accessories can remain. If your carrier allows a small number of personal items, get the policy and weight limit in writing before pickup. Never assume a full trunk is acceptable simply because the car has room for it.
Check That the Vehicle Can Be Safely Loaded
Most standard vehicles are shipped on open carriers and must be able to roll, steer, brake, and start for loading. Test these basics a day or two before pickup rather than discovering a problem when the truck arrives.
Make sure the battery is charged and securely mounted. Confirm the tires are properly inflated, the parking brake releases, and the steering wheel moves normally. Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle. Small maintenance issues do not always prevent transport, but an active leak, weak battery, flat tire, or brake concern should be reported in advance.
If your vehicle does not run, say so when requesting a quote. Non-running vehicles can often still be transported, but they require the proper equipment and may need a winch. Accurate information helps prevent a failed pickup or an unexpected adjustment on shipping day.
Keep the fuel tank at about one-quarter full. This gives the driver enough fuel to load and unload the vehicle without adding unnecessary weight. A full tank is not safer for transport and can make the vehicle heavier than needed.
Disable Features That May Cause Problems in Transit
Modern vehicles have conveniences that can become headaches during a long trip. Turn off or deactivate alarms, toll transponders, and automatic parking features when possible. If the alarm cannot be disabled, provide clear instructions for silencing it.
Retract or remove antennas that may be damaged by clearance limitations. Fold in mirrors if your vehicle allows it, especially if they extend beyond the normal body width. Convertible owners should make sure the top is fully closed and latched. For electric vehicles, leave a reasonable charge level and provide any necessary startup or charging instructions to the driver.
If your vehicle has special operating steps, such as a hidden battery disconnect, air suspension setting, keyless start procedure, or unusual parking brake, write them down. A short note can save time at pickup and delivery.
Prepare the Keys, Documents, and Pickup Details
Most carriers need one working set of keys. It is usually best to keep your primary set with you and provide a spare set for transport, if available. Make sure the key fob battery is strong enough to last through pickup and delivery. Remove extra keys from the ring so nothing unnecessary is misplaced.
Have your pickup and delivery contact information confirmed before the transport window begins. The person releasing the vehicle and the person receiving it may be different, especially during a move or a remote purchase. Both should be reachable by phone and authorized to review the inspection report.
You generally do not need to hand over your title, registration, or insurance card for standard domestic vehicle transport. Keep those documents with you unless your transport advisor specifically requests something different for your situation. If someone else will meet the driver, make sure they have the keys, know where the vehicle is located, and understand the inspection process.
Make Pickup Access Easy for the Carrier
A multi-car carrier is much larger than a passenger vehicle. Residential streets with low branches, narrow turns, parked cars, or strict HOA rules may not be suitable for loading. The driver may suggest meeting at a nearby wide street, shopping center, or other safe location with room to maneuver.
This is normal and often makes pickup faster and safer for everyone. Be flexible if the driver recommends an alternate meeting point. A short drive to an accessible location is usually easier than trying to bring a large transport truck into a tight neighborhood.
Before the appointment, check that the vehicle is accessible and not blocked by another car. Clear snow or heavy debris if needed, and make sure the driver can reach you. If your schedule changes, communicate as early as possible so the carrier can adjust the route.
Choose the Right Transport Protection
Open carrier transport is a practical, dependable option for most daily drivers. Your vehicle rides on an open multi-car trailer, similar to the carriers used to deliver new cars to dealerships. It is typically the most cost-effective choice for standard sedans, trucks, and SUVs.
Enclosed transport provides added protection from weather, road debris, and outside exposure. It is often a better fit for classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotics, collector vehicles, or any car with special value to you. The trade-off is a higher price, but the added protection can be worthwhile depending on the vehicle and your comfort level.
When you book with AutoPlex Transport, share the vehicle’s condition, modifications, route, timing needs, and protection preferences. Clear details allow your advisor to match the shipment with a service that fits rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all plan.
Inspect Again at Delivery
Delivery is the final step, not just a handoff. Meet the driver during daylight when possible and inspect the vehicle before signing the delivery paperwork. Compare the vehicle with your pickup photos and the original condition report. Check the exterior, windshield, wheels, mirrors, and any areas previously noted.
If you see a concern, point it out to the driver immediately and make sure it is documented on the bill of lading before you sign. Taking the time to inspect carefully protects you and helps resolve questions quickly.
A little preparation turns vehicle shipping into a straightforward process. Clean the car, document its condition, remove personal items, confirm it runs safely, and stay available for coordination. Then you can hand over the keys knowing your vehicle is ready for the road ahead – without you having to drive every mile.
