How to prepare your car for transport

You don’t need to completely empty your vehicle. Personal belongings are permitted inside the car, with a standard allowance of up to 100 lbs. Above 100 lbs, additional charges may apply depending on the carrier’s policy and the extra weight — tell your personal agent in advance if you plan to send more.

All belongings must be placed securely in the trunk or below the window line. Items should not be visible above the windows, obstruct the driver’s view, interfere with the controls, or create a hazard during loading and transport.

A reasonably clean exterior makes it easier to inspect the vehicle and identify existing scratches, dents, paint damage, and other visible imperfections. It doesn’t need professional detailing — just remove excessive dirt around the bumpers, doors, and wheels.

A clean vehicle also makes it easier to compare its condition at delivery with the original pickup documentation.

Before the driver arrives, take clear photographs from multiple angles: front, rear, both sides, wheels, windows, roof, and any existing damage. Pay particular attention to scratches, dents, chipped paint, cracked glass, and damaged panels — good lighting gives you a useful visual record.

At pickup, the driver records the visible condition on the Bill of Lading. Review it carefully before signing.

Make sure any existing damage is accurately noted on the BOL. Keep a copy of the signed paperwork and your photographs until delivery is completed.

For standard operational vehicles, leave approximately one-quarter of a tank. A full tank adds unnecessary weight, while the driver may still need to start or move the vehicle during loading, unloading, or repositioning.

If your vehicle is inoperable or has a fuel-related issue, inform your agent before pickup so the carrier can prepare the right loading equipment.

If the vehicle ships as operational, make sure it can start, steer, roll, and brake as expected. Check that the battery is charged, the tires are properly inflated, and nothing mechanical could prevent safe loading or unloading.

Before pickup, remove or secure anything that could detach during transport or that extends beyond the vehicle’s normal dimensions:

Disclose aftermarket modifications in advance — lift kits, oversized tires, roof racks, and wide-body kits change height, width, and loading clearance. This is especially important for enclosed transport, where trailers have fixed interior dimensions.

Make sure the driver has the keys needed to access, start, and move the vehicle if it is operational.

If the car has an aftermarket alarm, immobilizer, or security system that could activate during transport, explain how it works. Also let your agent know about special starting procedures, electronic parking brakes, steering locks, or other features that affect loading.

The pickup location needs enough space for the carrier to approach, maneuver, load, and secure the vehicle safely. Large transport trucks can’t always access narrow residential streets, low-clearance areas, restricted roads, or tight turning spaces.

If your street isn’t suitable, the driver or dispatch team may arrange a nearby meeting point with enough space. Unsure? Discuss it with your personal agent before the scheduled pickup.

Make sure you or an authorized representative can meet the driver at the agreed time, with access to the vehicle, its keys, and the paperwork — and enough time to complete the inspection and review the Bill of Lading.

Avoid scheduling other commitments too close to the pickup window, as traffic, loading arrangements, and other operational factors can affect the driver’s arrival time.