Car Shipping Guide: 7 Simple Steps to Prep Your Vehicle for a Smooth Transport Experience

Shipping your car can seem overwhelming at first, but with proper preparation, the process can be straightforward and hassle-free. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for transport will help avoid delays, prevent damage, and make the entire process more efficient. In this comprehensive guide, we outline seven simple steps to get your car ready for transport, along with tips and important considerations for a seamless experience.

Step 1: Clean Your Car Thoroughly

A clean car is easier to inspect, and it helps both you and the shipping company identify any pre-existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or paint chips. Properly cleaning your vehicle ensures accurate documentation before shipping and can help you in the unlikely event that you need to file a damage claim.

Exterior Cleaning

• Wash the Exterior: Thoroughly wash the outside of your car, removing all dirt, mud, and debris. Pay extra attention to areas that often get neglected, such as the undercarriage, wheels, and fenders.

• Remove Bird Droppings and Tar: Bird droppings, bugs, and tar can harden and damage the paint if left untreated. Ensure that all of these are removed during your cleaning process.

• Wax for Extra Protection: If you want to go the extra mile, apply a layer of wax after cleaning. This won’t prevent damage during transport, but it can provide a protective barrier for your car’s paint, especially if you’re opting for open transport where your car will be exposed to the elements.

Interior Cleaning

• Vacuum and Remove Trash: Clean the interior thoroughly by vacuuming all surfaces, including the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Remove any trash or unnecessary items from your vehicle.

• Remove Personal Belongings: Shipping companies typically do not allow personal belongings to be left in the car during transport, as these items are not covered by insurance. Double-check under the seats, glove compartment, and trunk for forgotten items like loose change, documents, or electronics. Learn more about what can be shipped inside a car.

Step 2: Remove Personal Items

For safety and insurance reasons, personal items should not be left inside the vehicle during transport. Items left in the car could shift during transit, potentially causing damage to the interior or becoming lost or stolen.

What to Remove:

• Electronics: GPS devices, phone chargers, and other electronic accessories should be taken out of the car to avoid potential theft or damage.

• Loose Accessories: Remove air fresheners, hanging accessories, and any other loose items that could shift around during transport.

• Personal Belongings: Remove all personal items from the glove compartment, center console, and trunk. This includes important documents, spare change, sunglasses, and anything else that isn’t part of the car itself.

What’s Allowed:

Some shipping companies allow you to leave lightweight emergency items like a spare tire, jack, or tire iron in the trunk. However, confirm with your shipping company if this is permitted. Learn more about car transport policies if you’re unsure about what’s allowed.

Why It Matters:

Removing personal items helps avoid issues with insurance coverage, as most auto transport companies do not insure personal belongings left inside the car. Additionally, it reduces the risk of theft or loss during transport.

Step 3: Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues

Making sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition before shipping is essential for preventing delays and protecting other cars on the carrier. A leaking vehicle could cause damage to other cars during transit, and mechanical issues could complicate loading and unloading.

Checking for Leaks

• Inspect for Fluid Leaks: Check under your vehicle for any signs of fluid leaks, such as oil, coolant, or transmission fluid. If you notice any puddles or damp spots, address these issues before the vehicle is shipped.

• Top-Off Fluids: While your car won’t need a full tank of gas for transport, it’s important to ensure that other fluids, such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid, are at adequate levels. This is especially important for inoperable vehicles.

Mechanical Inspections

• Battery: Ensure your battery is fully charged. If your battery is old or unreliable, consider replacing it before shipping to avoid any issues during loading and unloading.

• Brakes: Make sure your brakes are working properly, as the vehicle may need to be moved on and off the carrier multiple times during the transport process.

• Engine Condition: Ensure that the engine starts and runs smoothly. If your vehicle has any mechanical issues, inform the shipping company in advance. Vehicles that do not run typically require special handling, which may result in additional charges.

Step 4: Keep a Quarter Tank of Fuel

Your vehicle needs enough fuel for loading and unloading during the transport process, but a full tank adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle, which could slightly increase shipping costs. Keeping your fuel level at about a quarter tank is ideal.

Fuel Guidelines

• Reduce the Fuel Level: Aim to have around a quarter tank of fuel before shipping. This is enough to allow the carrier to move the car on and off the transport truck while keeping the vehicle’s weight low.

• Why Less Fuel Helps: Shipping companies charge based on weight, and while the weight of fuel may not significantly affect the cost, keeping it low minimizes the risk of fuel spills or other issues during transport.

Step 5: Disable Alarms and Anti-Theft Devices

If your vehicle’s alarm system goes off during transit, it could cause unnecessary delays and inconvenience for the driver. To avoid this, disable all alarms and anti-theft devices before shipping.

Disabling the Alarm

• Turn Off All Alarms: If your vehicle has a security system or alarm that activates with movement or vibrations, make sure it is fully disabled before transport. If it’s difficult to disable the alarm, provide instructions to the driver on how to deactivate it in case it goes off.

• Keyless Entry Systems: Some vehicles have keyless entry systems or remote start features. Make sure these systems are also disabled to prevent accidental activation during transit.

Step 6: Document Your Car's Condition

One of the most important steps in preparing your vehicle for shipping is thoroughly documenting its condition. This includes taking photos of your car from various angles and noting any existing damage.

Taking Photos

• Multiple Angles: Take clear, well-lit photos of your vehicle from multiple angles, including close-ups of any scratches, dents, or paint chips. Make sure the photos are time-stamped for reference.

• Interior Shots: Don’t forget to document the condition of the interior as well. Take photos of the dashboard, seats, and any electronic systems.

Vehicle Condition Report

• Shipping Company’s Inspection: The shipping company will also perform an inspection and document the vehicle’s condition when they pick it up. This report will be noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL), which acts as a receipt for the shipment.

• Compare Condition at Delivery: When the vehicle is delivered, inspect it again and compare its condition to the pre-shipping photos and report. If there are any discrepancies, make sure they are noted on the delivery paperwork and report them to the shipping company immediately.

Step 7: Secure Loose Parts and Accessories

Any loose or protruding parts on your vehicle, such as antennas or spoilers, could be damaged during transport or cause damage to other vehicles on the carrier. Make sure these parts are secured or removed before shipping.

Securing Loose Parts

• Retract or Remove Antennas: If your car has a retractable antenna, make sure it’s fully retracted. For fixed antennas, consider removing them if possible.

• Fold In Mirrors: Fold in your side mirrors to prevent them from being bumped or damaged during loading and unloading.

• Remove or Secure Custom Parts: If your car has custom accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or roof racks, remove them before transport to avoid damage. If they cannot be removed, ensure they are securely fastened.

Understanding Transport Types

When deciding on car shipping, it's important to choose the right type of transport based on your needs. The two main options are open transport and enclosed transport. Let’s explore these in more detail:

Open Transport

Open transport is the most popular method of car shipping, mainly due to its affordability and wide availability. Your car will be transported on an open trailer, along with other vehicles, which helps keep costs lower. However, because the trailer is open, your vehicle is exposed to the weather and potential road debris.

• Pros: Cost-effective, widely available, suitable for standard vehicles.

• Cons: Exposure to the elements, potential for minor cosmetic damage.

Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport provides additional protection by shipping your vehicle inside a covered trailer. This option is ideal for luxury cars, classic cars, or any high-value vehicle that needs extra protection from the elements, road debris, or prying eyes.

• Pros: Full protection from weather, debris, and damage.

• Cons: More expensive, less widely available.

The Bill of Lading (BOL)

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is one of the most important documents in the car shipping process. It serves as both a contract between you and the shipping company and a receipt for the transportation of your vehicle. The BOL includes key details such as:

• Pick-up and delivery addresses.

• The condition of your vehicle before shipping.

• Any special instructions for the driver?

• An inspection report documenting the vehicle's pre-shipping condition.

Preparing for Pick-Up Day

When the day arrives for your vehicle to be picked up, you’ll want to be ready to hand over your car to the shipping company. Here’s a checklist of what to do on pick-up day:

• Be On Time: Be available at the scheduled pick-up time or have someone you trust there to release the vehicle.

• Have the BOL Ready: Review the BOL with the driver and ensure all pre-existing damage is documented.

• Verify Contact Information: Confirm the contact details for the delivery location, especially if you won’t be there in person to receive the vehicle.

Preparing for Delivery Day

Delivery day is just as important as pick-up day. Be prepared to inspect your car as soon as it arrives to ensure it’s in the same condition as it was when shipped. Here's what to do:

• Be Present for Inspection: If possible, be there in person when the vehicle is delivered so you can inspect it thoroughly.

• Inspect for Damage: Use your pre-shipping photos and the BOL to inspect your vehicle for any new damage. Look for scratches, dents, or mechanical issues that may have occurred during transport.

• Sign the BOL: Once you’re satisfied with the condition of the vehicle, sign the BOL to confirm that the car was delivered as expected. If there is damage, note it on the BOL and report it to the shipping company immediately.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to ship a car?

The time it takes to ship your car depends on several factors, including the distance between the pick-up and delivery locations, the shipping method, and any potential delays like weather or traffic. For cross-country shipping, the process usually takes between 7 to 14 days. For shorter distances, such as interstate moves, it can take 1 to 5 days. Your shipping company should provide a detailed estimate of the delivery time once you book your service.

• Short-Distance Shipping (1-500 miles): 1-3 days

• Mid-Distance Shipping (500-1,000 miles): 3-5 days

• Long-Distance Shipping (1,000+ miles): 7-14 days

Q2: What does car shipping cost?

Car shipping costs vary based on several factors, such as distance, vehicle size, and the shipping method you choose (open or enclosed transport). Here are some factors that influence the final cost:

• Distance: Longer distances naturally increase costs, although shipping rates per mile tend to decrease for long haul.

• Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more to ship due to the extra space they take up on the carrier.

• Condition of Vehicle: Shipping a non-operational vehicle requires special handling, which may increase costs.

• Seasonal Factors: Shipping during peak seasons like summer or holidays can raise the cost due to high demand.

• Expedited Shipping: If you need fast or guaranteed shipping, expect to pay more.

Q3: Can I ship a car with mechanical issues?

Yes, most car shipping companies will ship vehicles with mechanical issues, but it's important to inform the company beforehand. Cars that cannot start, steer, or brake properly may require special equipment for loading and unloading, which can increase the cost. Be transparent about your vehicle’s condition so that the shipping company can prepare accordingly.

Q4: Does car shipping include insurance?

Most car shipping companies provide insurance coverage as part of their service. However, the level of coverage varies between companies, so it's important to ask for specifics. In many cases, the insurance covers any damages that may occur during transport. It's always a good idea to review the shipping company’s insurance policy and ask for written confirmation of what is covered.

If the coverage provided by the shipping company is not sufficient, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance, either through your personal vehicle insurance provider or the shipping company itself.

Q5: What should I do if my car is damaged during shipping?

If your car arrives with any damage, here are the steps you should take:

• Inspect the Car Thoroughly: Compare the condition of your car to the pre-shipping photos and the vehicle condition report from the Bill of Lading (BOL).

• Document the Damage: Take clear, detailed photos of the damage immediately.

• Report the Damage: Inform the driver and make sure the damage is noted on the BOL before signing it. Contact the shipping company as soon as possible to report the issue and initiate a claim.

• File a Claim: Use your pre-shipping photos, the BOL, and any documentation provided by the shipping company to file a claim. Most companies have a time limit (usually 24-48 hours) to report damage, so act quickly.

Q6: What if I need to cancel my shipment?

If you need to cancel your shipment, contact your shipping company as soon as possible. Many companies allow cancellations without penalty if done before the pick-up date, but some may charge a fee depending on how close the cancellation is to the scheduled pick-up time. Always ask about the company's cancellation policy when booking.

Q7: Is there a difference between open and enclosed transport?

Yes, open transport is the more common and cost-effective option, where vehicles are shipped on an open carrier and exposed to weather conditions. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, offers protection from the elements, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Enclosed transport generally costs more than open transport, but it provides extra peace of mind for those who want to protect their vehicle from road debris, weather, and potential damage.

Conclusion: Why Preparing Your Car for Shipping is Essential

Properly preparing your car for transport is critical to ensuring a smooth and successful shipping experience. From cleaning your vehicle and removing personal items to checking for leaks and documenting its condition, each step plays an important role in protecting your car during the shipping process.

By following the seven steps outlined in this guide, you can rest assured that you’ve done everything possible to prepare your car for a safe and secure journey. Additionally, understanding the ins and outs of car shipping—such as transport types, insurance, and the Bill of Lading—gives you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and avoid potential issues.

Whether you're shipping your car across the country or just a few states away, the key to successful transport is preparation. For a reliable, stress-free car shipping experience, trust a company like AmeriFreight, which provides comprehensive car shipping services with customer satisfaction in mind.

Ready to ship your car? Contact AmeriFreight for a free quote and to learn more about the shipping options available to you. Whether you need open or enclosed transport, AmeriFreight is here to make your car shipping experience as smooth and efficient as possible.