Make the vehicle easy to inspect and ready to load. Clean the exterior, document its condition, remove loose belongings, and have the keys and pickup contact ready. Confirm the assigned carrier’s instructions before transport day.
Your vehicle preparation checklist
- Clean and photograph the vehicle. Take clear, dated photos of all sides, wheels, glass, and existing damage. Keep these with your pickup paperwork for comparison at delivery.
- Remove valuables and loose items. Clear personal belongings from the cabin and trunk. Remove toll tags and portable accessories. Ask the carrier before leaving anything inside; do not assume vehicle cargo coverage includes personal property.
- Check the loading condition. Confirm whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers, and brakes as quoted. Report leaks, a weak battery, flat tires, or any change in condition before pickup so loading requirements can be reviewed.
- Prepare fuel or charge. Leave roughly a quarter tank in a gasoline or diesel vehicle unless the carrier specifies otherwise. For an EV, confirm the required charge level and share the manufacturer’s transport-mode or towing instructions. Do not apply the quarter-tank guidance to battery charge.
- Secure accessories. Tell the carrier about roof equipment, loose exterior parts, modifications, low clearance, and special handling needs. Agree on what must be secured or removed before loading.
- Have keys and instructions ready. Provide the key or fob needed to move the vehicle. Explain any unusual starting, alarm, parking-brake, or gear-selection procedure.
Confirm pickup access and contacts
Make sure the pickup and delivery contacts can answer the phone and meet the driver. Tell Auto Haulers Inc. about narrow streets, gated entrances, low branches, steep driveways, or limited hours. If the transport truck cannot safely reach the address, agree on an accessible meeting point.
For a dealership or auction pickup, confirm release approval, operating hours, and the contact who will hand over the vehicle. Share any required release information through the agreed shipment process before the driver arrives.
At pickup: review the condition report
Walk around the vehicle with the driver before loading. Check that existing damage is recorded accurately on the condition report or bill of lading, and keep a copy. Ask questions about anything you do not understand before signing. Keep your photos, shipment details, and carrier contact information accessible during the move.
At delivery: inspect before signing
Compare the vehicle with your pickup photos and report. Inspect the exterior, glass, and wheels with the driver and photograph any differences. Ask that any new damage be recorded on the delivery paperwork before you sign, and contact Auto Haulers Inc. promptly about concerns. Keep copies of the signed documents and follow the assigned carrier’s claim instructions if needed.
Non-running, modified or specialty vehicles
Preparation must match the actual vehicle. Tell us about locked wheels, missing keys, collision damage, oversized tires, suspension changes, or unusually low clearance before scheduling. Extra equipment may be necessary. Review our classic and exotic transport service or truck and SUV transport service for the relevant vehicle details.
Changes in loading condition or vehicle configuration can affect the equipment and price. Our vehicle shipping cost guide explains the factors to disclose when requesting a quote.
For a vehicle that cannot move under its own power, review our non-running car shipping guide before scheduling.
Car shipping preparation questions
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
Clean the exterior, photograph its condition, remove valuables and loose belongings, prepare the keys, and confirm loading instructions and pickup access with the assigned carrier. Review the condition report together at pickup and delivery.
How much fuel should I leave in the car?
For a gasoline or diesel vehicle, aim for roughly a quarter tank unless the assigned carrier gives different instructions. For an electric vehicle, ask the carrier about the required charge level and provide its transport-mode instructions.
Can I leave personal belongings in my car?
Plan to remove personal belongings and valuables. If you need to leave anything inside, get approval from the assigned carrier before pickup and ask about restrictions and coverage. Do not assume belongings are covered by vehicle cargo insurance.
What if my car does not run?
Tell Auto Haulers Inc. before scheduling. Explain whether it rolls, steers, and brakes and whether keys are available. Locked wheels, damage, or other loading problems need equipment review before a carrier is assigned.
What should I check when my car arrives?
Walk around the vehicle with the driver, compare it with the pickup photos and condition report, and photograph any differences. Ask that any new damage be documented on the delivery report before signing and contact Auto Haulers Inc. promptly about concerns.
Ready to plan your shipment?
Send your route, vehicle details, condition, and preferred timing. Auto Haulers Inc. will help you work through the transport requirements.
Request my vehicle shipping quote