How To Prepare Your Car For Transport: The Complete Checklist

Preparing your vehicle properly before the carrier arrives protects your car, speeds up the inspection process, and gives you documentation if any issues arise. Here's the complete checklist.

Before Pickup Day

• Wash your car — a clean vehicle makes it much easier to spot any pre-existing damage during the inspection
• Photograph everything — take detailed photos of all four sides, the roof, interior, odometer, and any existing scratches or dents
• Remove personal items — carriers' insurance does NOT cover personal belongings inside the vehicle
• Disable toll tags and parking passes — these may charge you during transport
• Check for leaks — notify the carrier of any known leaks before transport
• Leave 1/4 tank of fuel — enough to load/unload but not so heavy it adds unnecessary weight
• Check tire pressure — properly inflated tires make loading safer
• Retract or remove antennas — external antennas can be damaged on open carriers
• Note any mechanical issues — inform the carrier if the car doesn't start normally or has quirks

On Pickup Day

• Be present for the inspection — don't hand over keys without walking around the vehicle with the driver
• Read the Bill of Lading carefully before signing — make sure all damage is noted accurately
• Keep a copy of the signed Bill of Lading for your records
• Get the driver's contact information and confirm the delivery timeline

On Delivery Day

• Inspect the vehicle before signing the delivery Bill of Lading
• Compare the vehicle's condition to your pre-transport photos
• Note any new damage on the delivery Bill of Lading before signing
• File a damage claim within 15 days of delivery if needed