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How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Everything to do before the carrier arrives: cleaning, fuel level, personal items, documentation and mechanical checks.

In this guide

  1. Wash it first, and photograph everything
  2. Fuel, fluids and battery
  3. Personal items and loose parts
  4. Paperwork and keys

Wash it first, and photograph everything

A clean car makes the pre-shipment inspection meaningful. Take dated photos of every panel, the roof, the wheels and the odometer in good daylight. Ten minutes here settles almost every dispute that ever arises.

Fuel, fluids and battery

Leave a quarter tank or less. Fuel is dead weight and carriers are weight-regulated. Top off antifreeze and oil, check tire pressure, and make sure the battery holds a charge so the driver can load and unload without a jump.

Personal items and loose parts

Federal carrier authority covers vehicles, not household goods. Remove toll tags, garage remotes, chargers and anything in the cabin. Retract or remove aftermarket antennas, fold in mirrors, and secure or remove spoilers and bike racks.

Paperwork and keys

Have registration and insurance in the glovebox, hand the driver one working key, and keep your spare. Read the Bill of Lading before signing it at both ends.

Need Help Applying This to Your Move?

Every shipment has its own quirks. If you would rather talk it through than read another guide, call (469) 905-4547 and a dispatcher in McKinney will walk you through your specific route, vehicle and timing at no charge.

Call (469) 905-4547 Request a Quote

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