The Complete Car Shipping Checklist: 10 Things Before Pickup

You have booked your auto transport and the carrier is on the way. Now what? Proper preparation ensures your vehicle is loaded safely, arrives on time, and reaches its destination in the same condition it left. Follow this complete car shipping checklist to make pickup day stress-free.

1. Remove All Personal Items

Carriers are licensed to transport vehicles, not household goods. Personal items inside your car are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. If items shift during transit, they can also damage the vehicle's interior. Remove everything from the cabin, trunk, glove box, and door pockets.

Common items people forget to remove:

• Phone chargers and cables
• Sunglasses and garage remotes
• Toll transponders (EZ-Pass, SunPass) to avoid phantom charges
• Child car seats
• GPS mounts and dashcams

Exception: Many carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk only. Confirm with your broker before loading anything. Even when permitted, keep items minimal and pack them in a single bag that will not shift.

2. Set Fuel Level to 1/4 Tank

Your vehicle needs just enough fuel to drive on and off the carrier at pickup and delivery. A full tank adds unnecessary weight (a full tank of gas weighs 100-150 lbs), which increases the carrier's total load and can affect pricing. Aim for about one-quarter tank, which is enough for short drives at both ends.

3. Disable the Alarm System

An alarm triggered during transport is a headache for the driver and everyone else on the carrier. If your car has an aftermarket alarm, disable it completely or leave the remote with the driver. For factory alarms, ensure the key fob is provided so the driver can silence it if needed.

If your vehicle has a sophisticated security system that requires a specific sequence to disarm, write clear instructions and tape them to the dashboard or hand them to the driver at pickup.

4. Document Existing Damage (Thoroughly)

Before the carrier arrives, do a full walk-around inspection of your vehicle. Take photos and video from every angle, including:

• All four corners
• Each side panel and door
• The hood, roof, and trunk
• Wheels and tires (note any curb rash)
• The interior (dashboard, seats, screens)

Compare your photos against the Bill of Lading (BOL) that the driver fills out at pickup. The BOL is a legal document that records the vehicle's condition. Make sure every existing scratch, dent, or ding is noted on the BOL before you sign it. At delivery, you will do another inspection against the BOL to verify nothing changed during transit.

5. Provide the Keys (and Spares)

The driver needs at least one working key to start and move your vehicle on and off the carrier. We recommend providing a spare key as well, in case one is misplaced during the handoff. Place the keys in a labeled envelope or bag and hand them directly to the driver.

If your car uses a push-button start with a proximity key fob, make sure the fob battery is charged and the car starts reliably without issues.

6. Check Tire Pressure and Battery

Your vehicle needs to drive onto and off the carrier under its own power (unless it is an inoperable shipment). Before pickup:

• Inflate tires to the recommended PSI. Under-inflated tires can cause problems during loading.
• Check the battery. If your car has been sitting, make sure it starts reliably. A dead battery at pickup can cause delays and may result in inoperable fees ($100-$300).
• Top off fluids (coolant, oil) if levels are low. Leaking fluids can damage other vehicles on the carrier and may result in declined loading.

7. Retract or Remove External Accessories

Anything that protrudes from the vehicle's standard profile should be removed or secured:

• Antennas: retract power antennas or unscrew removable ones.
• Spoilers: aftermarket spoilers that are loosely mounted should be removed.
• Roof racks, bike racks, cargo boxes: remove them. They increase the vehicle's height clearance and can be damaged or cause damage.
• Convertible tops: raise and secure them. A flapping soft top at highway speed will be destroyed.
• Mirrors: fold in powered mirrors if your car has that feature.

8. Wash Your Vehicle

A clean car makes it much easier to identify existing damage during the pre-pickup inspection. Dirt and grime can hide scratches, dings, and paint chips. Take your car through a wash a day or two before pickup so the inspection is thorough and accurate.

This step also benefits you at delivery: if the car arrives with new damage, it is unmistakable on a clean surface.

9. Verify Your Insurance Coverage

While all licensed carriers carry cargo insurance, it is wise to understand the coverage details:

• Carrier cargo insurance: typically covers $100,000 - $1,000,000 per incident. Ask your broker for the specific carrier's coverage amount and deductible.
• Your personal auto insurance: contact your insurance company to confirm whether your policy covers damage during third-party transport. Some policies do, some do not.
• Supplemental gap coverage: if you are shipping a high-value vehicle and want additional peace of mind, ask about supplemental transport insurance through your broker.

10. Be Present (or Arrange a Representative)

Someone must be present at both pickup and delivery to:

• Hand over and receive the keys
• Sign the Bill of Lading at each end
• Conduct the condition inspection
• Pay any remaining balance (if applicable)

If you cannot be there, you can designate an authorized representative, such as a friend, family member, or building manager. Just provide your broker with their name and phone number in advance.

Bonus: Quick-Reference Checklist

• Remove all personal items
• Set fuel to 1/4 tank
• Disable alarm or provide fob/instructions
• Photograph and video all existing damage
• Provide working key(s) to driver
• Check tire pressure and battery
• Retract antenna, remove roof rack, fold mirrors
• Wash the vehicle
• Verify insurance coverage
• Be present or arrange a representative

Ready to Ship?

Now that your car is prepped and ready, all you need is a quote. Use our free instant quote tool to get your price in seconds, or call 1-833-848-4600 to speak with a coordinator who will walk you through the entire process from booking to delivery.