How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

When shipping your vehicle, there are many steps that you need to take to make sure your vehicle is properly ready for shipment. A lot can happen with your shipment, so it is important that you get your car ready to be safely and securely shipped. Either way, when you put your car in our hands, it will be shipped in the safest hands around! We also provide shipping insurance, so if anything were to happen, your car would be well protected! Nonetheless, there are some things that you can do to your car to allow your car shipping to go quickly and smoothly.

Remove All Valuables From Your Vehicle

You do not want to leave any valuables in your car, generally speaking, but especially not when shipping it. These valuables would be anything such as custom stereos, DVD players, front and rear cameras, dash cameras, etc. This will lower your risk of theft and/or damage being done.

Wash Your Vehicle

Washing your car before shipping may sound silly, it is still very important to do! This will help you inspect your vehicle beforehand to know and see what damage and scratches may already be present on your car. Doing a prior inspection of your car will allow you to then have an idea of what it looked like before, so you can tell if any damage occurred while it was in shipment.

Inspect Your Vehicle For Any Damage

If you see anything be sure to take a photo and mark it on the Bill of Lading (BOL).

Remove or Secure Loose Parts

For example, if you are a car radio listener and have an antenna, you will need to remove your antenna and put it in the trunk or keep it with you. Additionally, you need to fold in the vehicle’s mirrors.

Check Your Car’s Maintenance

Now, there is no need to worry, we will ship your vehicle whether it is running or non-running. In any case, we ask that you report to us about the vehicle’s functionality (mileage and existing damage). If there are any mechanical issues (leakage, under-charged battery), it may slow down the shipping process.

Shipping Options for Your Vehicle

When preparing your car for transport, it’s important to understand the available shipping options to choose the one that best fits your needs. Vehicles can be shipped via:

1. Open carriers, which is the most common and cost-effective method, or
2. Enclosed trailers, which provide extra protection for classic, luxury, or high-value cars.

Flatbed or lowboy trailers are used for oversized or non-running vehicles. Selecting the right shipping method ensures your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Proper preparation and choosing the right shipping method are key to a smooth vehicle transport experience. Whether you’re shipping a daily driver, a luxury car, or a classic collectible, understanding your options and taking the necessary precautions ensures your vehicle arrives safely and on time. With careful planning and professional transport services, you can have peace of mind knowing your car is in good hands.