How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Cross-Country Car Shipping

Shipping your car across the country is a convenient solution when relocating, going on vacation, or buying a car from another state. However, preparing your vehicle properly for cross-country car shipping is essential to ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and without complications. Whether you’re using open car transport or enclosed car shipping, the process requires some preparation to protect your car and make the shipping process smooth.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to prepare your car for shipping, provide a vehicle shipping checklist, and share tips for a stress-free shipping experience.

1. Choose the Right Shipping Method

Before preparing your car for transport, decide which vehicle shipping method suits your needs. For cross-country car shipping, you can choose between:

• Open car transport: The most affordable option, where your car is transported on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s ideal for standard vehicles.
• Enclosed car transport: Offers extra protection for high-value, luxury, or classic cars by shipping them in a fully enclosed container.

The method you choose will determine how much preparation your vehicle needs, particularly regarding protection from the elements and handling.

2. Clean Your Vehicle

Before your vehicle is picked up, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning. This step not only helps you spot any pre-existing damage but also makes the inspection process easier.

Why Clean?

• Inspection: A clean car ensures that you and the transporter can accurately document the car’s condition before shipping. Any dents, scratches, or other imperfections are easier to identify.
• Protection: A clean car reduces the chance of dirt and debris causing scratches or damage during transport, especially if the vehicle is exposed to the elements during open car transport.

How to Clean:

• Wash the exterior and clean the wheels and undercarriage.
• Clean the interior, removing dust, dirt, and personal belongings.

3. Inspect and Document the Condition of the Vehicle

Before shipping your car, conduct a thorough inspection and take pictures of your vehicle from various angles. Documenting your vehicle’s condition is crucial in case of any damage during transit.

What to Look For:

• Exterior: Note any existing dents, scratches, or paint chips.
• Interior: Check for any damage inside the car (although the interior is typically not covered by shipping insurance).
• Mileage: Record the car’s mileage as part of your documentation.

Take clear pictures of the car from all sides and the interior if needed. This will serve as your condition report for later reference in case there is any damage during transit.

4. Remove Personal Items

While it might be tempting to leave personal items in your car, it’s crucial to remove all personal belongings before shipping. Auto transport companies typically do not insure personal items left inside the vehicle, and these items can become damaged or lost during transit.

What to Remove:

• Electronics (GPS units, chargers, etc.)
• Important documents (papers, receipts, etc.)
• Loose items like clothing, bags, or accessories
• Custom parts (e.g., antennas, spoilers)

Additionally, removing personal items helps avoid any extra weight, which could affect the shipping cost.

5. Check Fluid Levels and Tire Pressure

Before shipping your car, check the fluid levels and tire pressure. A proper inspection of these elements will ensure that your car is in good condition for transport and that it runs smoothly after it’s delivered.

What to Check:

• Fluid Levels: Ensure that your car has enough oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If your car is too low on fluid, it may cause mechanical issues.
• Tire Pressure: Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Low or over-inflated tires can cause handling problems during loading and unloading.

Additionally, make sure there are no significant fluid leaks, as this could affect the vehicle’s safety during transport.

6. Disable the Car Alarm

If your vehicle has an alarm system, make sure to disable it before shipping. Car alarms can be triggered during loading or unloading, and it can be a hassle for the transport driver to handle. It’s a simple step that can avoid unnecessary complications.

7. Ensure There is Less Than a Quarter Tank of Gas

Auto transport companies generally recommend that your car has no more than a quarter tank of gas before shipping. This helps to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, making the transport process safer and more efficient.

Why This is Important:

• Weight: The more fuel in the tank, the heavier the vehicle will be, which could increase shipping costs slightly.
• Safety: A full tank of gas poses a risk in the event of an accident, especially when a vehicle is being transported in an open carrier.

8. Check for Existing Damage and Take Photos

Take the time to carefully inspect your car for any pre-existing damage before the transport company picks it up. Photographing any scratches, dents, or dings will help avoid disputes later, especially if damage occurs during transit.

Document the condition of your car in detail, including the mileage, as this information will help establish that the car was in a particular condition before the move.

9. Prepare for Pick-Up and Delivery

Once you’ve completed the preparations, you’re ready for the pick-up and delivery process. Be sure to have all necessary documents ready for the transport company, including:

• Your vehicle title (if needed)
• Proof of insurance
• Any other documentation that may be required by the transport company.

Tip for Pick-Up:

• Ensure that the pick-up and drop-off locations are easily accessible for the transport vehicle. If the location is in a narrow alley or residential street, you may need to coordinate with the transport company to arrange an alternative pick-up point.

Tip for Delivery:

• Ensure that someone is available to receive the vehicle at the delivery point. Be prepared to inspect the vehicle again upon arrival and note any damage (if applicable) for insurance purposes.

Vehicle Shipping Checklist

To ensure you don’t miss any important steps, here’s a handy vehicle shipping checklist:

• Choose the right shipping method (open or enclosed)
• Clean the vehicle inside and out
• Inspect the car and document its condition (take photos)
• Remove all personal items from the car
• Check fluid levels and tire pressure
• Disable the car alarm
• Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full
• Prepare necessary documents for the transport company
• Make arrangements for pick-up and delivery

Properly preparing your vehicle for cross-country car shipping ensures that your car is transported safely and efficiently, and minimizes the risk of damage or delays. By following the vehicle shipping checklist and completing the necessary steps, you can ensure a smooth shipping process. Whether you’re moving for work, heading to school, or buying a car from another state, taking the time to prepare your vehicle properly will make the entire process much easier and give you peace of mind throughout the journey. If your car is to be scrapped, look for a company for buying scrap cars. See some different payment options like pay per card, Ethereum and others.