How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing your vehicle before transportation is an important part of a smooth auto shipping experience.
Whether you’re shipping a car from Casa Grande, Arizona, to another state or arranging local transportation, a few simple preparation steps can help prevent delays and make the pickup and delivery process easier.
Here is a practical checklist to follow before your vehicle is collected.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Wash the exterior of your car before the scheduled pickup.
A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, chips, or other visible damage during the condition inspection.
You should also remove unnecessary clutter from the interior.
2. Take Photos of Your Car
Before transportation, photograph your vehicle from multiple angles.
Capture the front, rear, both sides, wheels, and any existing cosmetic damage.
Keep the photographs with your shipping records so you can refer to them during the delivery inspection.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal items, valuables, important documents, and loose accessories before pickup.
Personal belongings may not be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, and many carriers restrict items left inside transported vehicles.
Confirm the applicable rules before shipping.
4. Check for Mechanical Problems
If your vehicle is operational, make sure it can start, steer, brake, and move as required for loading and unloading.
Check for visible fluid leaks and inform the transportation provider about any mechanical problems.
If your vehicle does not run, disclose this before booking because special equipment may be necessary.
5. Check Tires and Battery
Proper tire condition and a functioning battery can make loading and unloading easier.
If the vehicle has a weak battery, flat tire, or another issue affecting movement, notify the transportation provider in advance.
6. Maintain an Appropriate Fuel Level
Most carriers recommend keeping only a modest amount of fuel in the tank, often around one-quarter full.
This is usually sufficient for loading and unloading without carrying unnecessary additional weight.
Follow the specific instructions provided for your shipment.
7. Secure Loose Exterior Accessories
Remove or secure accessories that could become loose during transportation.
These may include removable roof racks, antennas, spoilers, or other aftermarket equipment.
If your vehicle has unusual modifications, discuss them before pickup.
8. Prepare Your Keys and Documents
Have a working vehicle key available for the carrier.
Keep your transportation confirmation and other required documents accessible.
Review the Bill of Lading and vehicle condition report carefully before signing.
9. Be Available During Pickup
Make arrangements for yourself or an authorized representative to be present when the carrier arrives.
The vehicle should be inspected before loading, and its condition should be documented.
Confirm the expected pickup window and an appropriate meeting location.
10. Inspect Your Vehicle at Delivery
When your vehicle arrives, inspect it before completing the delivery paperwork.
Compare its condition with the original inspection report and your photographs.
If you notice a discrepancy, document it promptly and follow the carrier’s claim-reporting procedure.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle for shipping doesn’t have to be difficult.
Cleaning your car, documenting its condition, removing belongings, and confirming transportation details can make the experience easier.
Vehicle Matrix Transport helps customers arrange open, enclosed, door-to-door, and interstate auto shipping services.
Planning to ship your car? Contact Vehicle Matrix Transport at (520) 463-3983 to request a quote.