Preparing a vehicle for transportation does not have to be complicated. A few simple steps before pickup can make the shipping process more organized and help the transporter complete the vehicle inspection more efficiently.
Whether you are using open, enclosed, door-to-door, or state-to-state auto transport, the same basic preparation principles apply.
1. Remove Personal Belongings
Start by removing personal items from the vehicle.
Check the glove box, center console, trunk, under the seats, door pockets, and other storage areas. Do not assume that small items are harmless. Loose belongings can move during transportation and may cause damage.
Removing personal property also makes it easier to inspect the vehicle before pickup.
2. Clean the Vehicle
You do not need to have the vehicle professionally detailed, but cleaning the exterior can help make existing scratches, dents, paint issues, and other visible conditions easier to identify.
A clean vehicle can make the pre-transport inspection documentation more useful.
3. Take Photos
Photograph your vehicle before pickup.
Take clear pictures of the front, rear, sides, roof, wheels, windows, and any existing damage. Close-up photographs can also be useful for documenting scratches or dents.
Keeping a record of the vehicle’s condition before transportation can help create a clear reference for the pickup and delivery inspections.
4. Check the Fuel Level
Unless specific instructions say otherwise, keeping the fuel level relatively low is generally practical for vehicle transport. The vehicle needs enough fuel for necessary loading and unloading procedures, but excessive fuel adds unnecessary weight.
Follow the specific preparation instructions provided for your shipment.
5. Check for Leaks
Look under the vehicle for obvious fluid leaks and notify the transport provider about any known mechanical issues.
A vehicle with a leak or other mechanical problem may need special handling.
6. Disclose Vehicle Condition
Tell the transportation provider whether your vehicle starts and whether it can roll, steer, and brake normally.
If a vehicle is inoperable, it may require special loading equipment. Providing this information before pickup helps prevent unexpected complications.
7. Secure or Remove Loose Parts
If the vehicle has removable accessories, loose exterior components, spoilers, antennas, roof attachments, or other parts that could be affected during transport, check whether they should be removed or secured.
Convertible tops, custom accessories, and specialty modifications may also require special consideration.
8. Disable Alarms When Appropriate
If your vehicle has an alarm system, make sure the transporter knows about it and follow the recommended instructions for preventing the alarm from activating during transportation.
9. Keep Important Items Available
Have the vehicle keys and any required documentation available. Tell the transporter about any special operating instructions, modifications, or unusual features that may affect loading or unloading.
10. Review Pickup and Delivery Details
Confirm the pickup location, destination, contact information, preferred dates, and meeting arrangements before the shipment begins.
With door-to-door service, remember that large carriers may not be able to access every residential street. If the carrier cannot safely reach the requested address, a nearby accessible location may be selected.
Final Checklist
Before handing over your vehicle, confirm that:
- Personal belongings have been removed.
- The vehicle has been inspected and photographed.
- Existing damage has been documented.
- Mechanical problems have been disclosed.
- Loose accessories have been secured or removed where appropriate.
- Pickup and delivery details are confirmed.
- Keys and necessary information are available.
Taking these steps can make the vehicle transportation process much easier.
OpenRoad Auto Transport provides open, enclosed, door-to-door, and state-to-state auto transport services for customers in Tampa, Florida, and beyond. Contact us to discuss your vehicle shipping needs and request a personalized quote.