How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: The Pre-Pickup Checklist

Most car-shipping “problems” trace back to skipped prep. Fifteen minutes before pickup protects you from condition disputes, delays, and awkward surprises when the truck arrives. Run this checklist and you’re set.

1. Wash it first

A clean car lets you (and the driver) see the real condition — small dings and scratches hide under road film. This isn’t about vanity; it’s about documentation. You want a clear before-picture.

2. Photograph every panel

This is the single most important step. After washing, take timestamped photos of all four sides, the roof, the wheels, and any existing chips, dents, or scratches up close. If a dispute ever comes up, these photos are your proof of the car’s condition at pickup. Keep them until the car is delivered and inspected.

3. Leave about a quarter tank of fuel

The car only needs to roll on and off the trailer, so a quarter tank is plenty. A full tank just adds weight (and a little risk) for no benefit.

4. Remove all personal items

Ship the car empty. Carriers are licensed to move vehicles, not household goods — belongings left inside aren’t covered by cargo insurance, can shift and damage the interior, and add weight that can bump your price. Clear out the trunk, glovebox, cupholders, and seats.

5. Disable toll tags and alarms

Pull or bag any toll transponder so you’re not billed as the car crosses gantries on the truck. Turn off or disable the car alarm so it doesn’t drain the battery or go off in transit.

6. Note any quirks

Tell your broker and driver about anything unusual: the car doesn’t start, has a slow leak, is lowered, has an aftermarket exhaust, or needs a specific trick to shift into neutral. Carriers can plan for it — a non-running car just needs a carrier with a winch, which is easy to arrange when it’s known in advance.

7. Keys, mirrors, and accessories

Hand over a working key/fob. Fold in the mirrors, retract the antenna, and remove or secure loose exterior accessories (bike racks, spoilers you’re worried about). Anything that can catch wind or snag should be tucked in.

8. Do the walk-around at pickup

When the truck arrives, walk around the car with the driver and confirm the condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL) — the inspection document you both sign. Note any pre-existing damage right there. Do the same walk-around at delivery before you sign off. This is your protection on both ends.

The 30-second recap

Wash → photograph → quarter tank → empty it out → disable tags/alarm → flag any quirks → key + mirrors → inspect and sign at pickup. That’s the whole game. Do it once and shipping your car is genuinely uneventful — which is exactly what you want. When you’re ready, get a real quote and a pickup window in about a minute.

Before pickup, read what to expect from door-to-door car shipping and compare open versus enclosed transport for your vehicle.