Auto Pre-Shipping Checklist

Follow this checklist to help prepare your car for moving.

• Clean the car: Please present the vehicle to your auto transporter in clean condition. This allows for quick and fair evaluation of the vehicle's condition prior to shipment.


• Check the tank: The fuel level should be about 1/4 of a tank.


• Remove personal items: Auto transports are weight sensitive, so there should be a minimum of personal belongings in the vehicle being transported. Valuable items, especially, should be removed.


• Remove or lower antennas: This includes temporary antennas such as those for cell phones or CB radios.


• Provide all keys: The US Department of Transportation requires that all keys be provided for the vehicle, including ignition, trunk, glove box, and/or other keys.


• Turn off alarm systems: If there are special instructions to start the car or disarm the alarm, please let your auto transporter know.


• Remove Racks: Non-permanent luggage, bike or ski racks should be removed.


• Inspect the glass: Point out any window nicks, scratches, chips or cracks to your auto transporter.


• Prepare for the climate: If the weather will be different at your destination, you should prepare your car before shipping. This may include engine coolant, transmission oil and other fluids.


• Remove spoilers: Spoilers, fairings, air dams or other low hanging items should be removed to expedite loading and reduce the risk of damage.


• Take all car phones: Phones and removable radios should be removed from the vehicle.