How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping | Advantage Auto Movers

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping: Complete 15-Step Checklist

Advantage Auto Movers recommends that every customer complete the following vehicle preparation steps prior to the scheduled carrier pickup. Thorough preparation protects your investment, ensures compliance with carrier requirements, and facilitates an efficient loading process.

The 15-Step Vehicle Preparation Checklist

Step 1: Wash Your Vehicle Thoroughly

A clean car makes it easy to spot existing damage during the pre-pickup inspection. The carrier driver will walk around the vehicle and document every scratch, dent, and ding on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Dirt and grime can hide damage, making it harder to prove whether something happened during transit or existed before.

Step 2: Document Existing Damage with Photos

Take at least 30 photographs of your vehicle from every angle. Include the front, rear, both sides, roof, hood, trunk, all four wheels, and close-ups of any existing scratches, chips, or dents. Make sure photos are timestamped (your phone does this automatically). Store copies in the cloud so you have them regardless of what happens to your phone.

Step 3: Remove All Personal Belongings

Carrier insurance does not cover personal items left in the vehicle. Remove everything from the cabin, trunk, glove box, and door pockets: electronics, chargers, sunglasses, documents, garage door openers, toll transponders, and anything else that is not permanently attached to the car. Federal regulations prohibit carriers from transporting household goods in vehicles on auto carriers.

Step 4: Keep the Fuel Tank at 1/8 to 1/4 Full

A full gas tank adds 100-200 pounds of unnecessary weight and increases shipping costs. Most carriers require the tank to be no more than a quarter full. Enough fuel to drive the car on and off the trailer is all that is needed.

Step 5: Check Tire Pressure

Properly inflated tires make it easier and safer to load and unload your vehicle on the carrier. Check that all four tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found on the driver’s side door jamb sticker). Under-inflated tires can cause handling issues during loading.

Step 6: Disable or Deactivate the Alarm System

Car alarms that trigger on a moving trailer are a problem for every other vehicle on the truck and for the driver. Disable your aftermarket alarm system completely. For factory alarms, leave the key fob with the driver so they can deactivate it if needed. If your alarm cannot be disabled, inform the carrier in advance.

Step 7: Leave Only One Set of Keys

Provide one set of keys (including any necessary fobs or valet keys) to the driver at pickup. Keep a spare set for yourself. The driver needs keys to start the vehicle for loading and unloading. Make sure the keys you provide start the car and open all locks.

Step 8: Secure or Remove Loose Exterior Parts

Retract the antenna (if not automatic). Remove bike racks, cargo boxes, spoilers, or any aftermarket accessories that are not permanently bolted on. Fold in side mirrors if they are the folding type. Anything that sticks out or can catch wind at highway speed is at risk of damage.

Step 9: Check for Fluid Leaks

Inspect under your car for any active fluid leaks (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid). Significant leaks can damage other vehicles on the carrier below yours. If your car has a known leak, inform the carrier before pickup so they can position the vehicle appropriately.

Step 10: Ensure the Battery Is Charged

The carrier needs to start your car to load and unload it. If the battery is weak or dead, the driver may not be able to move the vehicle, which can delay the entire shipment. If the car has been sitting for a while, start it and let it run for 15-20 minutes before the scheduled pickup.

Step 11: Note Any Mechanical Issues

If your vehicle has any mechanical problems (does not start, does not roll, has brake issues, steering problems, or transmission concerns), inform the carrier when booking. Non-running vehicles require a winch to load and typically cost $100-$200 extra. Do not surprise the driver with a car that will not start.

Step 12: Remove Toll Transponders and Parking Passes

Electronic toll devices (E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, etc.) will charge your account every time the carrier passes through a toll station. Remove them from the windshield and take them with you. Same goes for parking garage passes and any RFID-enabled devices.

Step 13: Check License, Registration, and Insurance

Make sure the vehicle has current registration and that license plates are properly attached. Some states require proof of insurance to be in the vehicle at all times. Leave a copy of your registration in the glove box but take the original with you.

Step 14: Retract Custom or Extended Accessories

If your vehicle has running boards, tonneau covers, convertible tops, or retractable features, secure them in their closed or retracted position. Convertible tops should be up and latched. Tonneau covers should be locked down or removed entirely.

Step 15: Do a Final Walk-Around with the Driver

When the carrier arrives, walk around the vehicle with the driver to complete the inspection report on the Bill of Lading. Point out any existing damage and make sure it is documented. This is your proof of the vehicle’s condition at pickup. Take your own photos during this walk-around as an additional record.

Printable Tip: Save or print this page so you can check off each step before your carrier arrives. Going through this list takes about 30-45 minutes and gives you complete peace of mind that your vehicle is ready for transport.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking the car: Carriers can refuse vehicles loaded with personal items. Some charge extra weight fees.
• Leaving a full tank: Unnecessary weight costs you money and creates a safety concern.
• Forgetting the alarm: A blaring alarm on a moving truck annoys the driver and can drain your battery.
• Skipping photos: Without before photos, proving a damage claim becomes a “your word vs. theirs” situation.
• Not disclosing mechanical issues: Surprising the driver with a non-running car can delay the entire truck’s schedule.

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