How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Auto Transport: A Complete Checklist

Auto transport is straightforward once a vehicle is loaded, but the pickup itself goes far more smoothly when the car is ready ahead of time. A clean vehicle is easier to inspect accurately, an empty gas tank keeps the trailer lighter and safer to load, and a vehicle free of loose items won’t have anything shifting or rattling during transit. None of this takes more than an hour, and it’s worth doing properly.

• Confirm your pickup window and address with your transport provider, including any access restrictions at the location, like narrow streets or low clearance that a large carrier truck might not be able to reach.
• Gather your documents:registration, insurance, and a photo ID. You’ll need these at both pickup and delivery.
• Check your insurance coverageso you understand what’s covered during transport and what, if anything, the carrier’s policy adds on top of it.

• Wash the vehicle, inside and out. A clean car makes it much easier for both you and the driver to spot and document any existing scratches, dents, or paint chips during the pre transport inspection.
• Photograph the vehiclefrom all four sides, plus close ups of any existing damage, with a timestamp visible if your camera supports it. Keep these for your own records alongside the carrier’s inspection report.
• Remove all personal items.Most carriers don’t allow personal belongings inside the vehicle during transport, and anything left behind typically isn’t covered by insurance if it’s lost or damaged.
• Leave about a quarter tank of gas. Enough to load, unload, and drive the car short distances if needed, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.

• Check tire pressure and top off fluids if anything looks low.
• Secure or remove loose exterior parts, like antennas, spoilers, or bike racks, that could be damaged or damage another vehicle during loading.
• Disable toll transponders and car alarms so they don’t trigger unexpectedly in transit.
• Note any pre existing mechanical issues so the driver can plan for them.
• Remove toll tags, parking passes, and garage door remotes if you won’t need them at the destination right away.

The driver will walk around your vehicle with you and document its condition on a bill of lading, noting any existing damage. Read this carefully before signing, since it becomes the reference point for the delivery inspection. Keep a copy for yourself, and confirm the delivery contact information and rough timeline before the driver leaves.

Inspect the vehicle again against the same bill of lading before signing for it. Check it in daylight if at all possible, and don’t rush the walkaround even if the driver has another delivery waiting. Any new damage should be noted on the paperwork at the time of delivery, not reported afterward.

We coordinate pickup and delivery windows, provide a documented vehicle inspection at both ends, and combine auto transport with household or business relocations when you’re moving more than just a car. Learn more on our auto transport page, or get a quote for your vehicle today.