Transporting your vehicle can feel stressful, especially if it’s your first time arranging a car shipment. However, with the right preparation, the process can be smooth, efficient, and worry-free.
If you are moving to a new state, buying a car online, or sending a car to a family member, use a checklist. This will help protect your car and make sure it ships successfully.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every essential step to prepare your car for shipping. We will also show the benefits of choosing Load Station. They are a trusted leader in vehicle transport services. This choice will make your experience even better.
One of the first and most important steps before shipping your car is to clean and inspect it thoroughly. This step has two main purposes. First, it helps you find and record any damage. Second, it helps carriers treat your vehicle with care.
Washing and vacuuming your car removes dirt, dust, and debris that might otherwise obscure scratches, dents, or other damage. A clean vehicle makes it easier to inspect and take clear photos. This is important for protecting yourself in case of disputes.
Exterior: Look for scratches, dents, paint chips, or cracks on the body, bumpers, and windows.
Tires: Check for wear, proper inflation, and any visible damage.
Mirrors and Lights: Ensure side mirrors, headlights, and taillights are intact and functioning.
Windshield: Look for cracks or chips that might worsen during transit.
Take several clear pictures of your vehicle from all angles. Make sure to include close-up shots of any damage. Remember to photograph the odometer to document the mileage at pickup. These photos serve as evidence of your vehicle's condition prior to transport and are essential for filing a claim.
Most auto transport companies, including Load Station, have strict policies against shipping personal belongings inside the vehicle. This is because loose items can shift during transit, causing damage to your car or other vehicles on the carrier.
All personal items such as bags, electronics, documents, and floor mats.
Loose accessories like GPS devices, phone holders, or dash cams.
If your vehicle has outside accessories like antennas, spoilers, bike racks, or roof racks, check that they are secure. If they are loose, take them off. This helps prevent damage to these parts and keeps other vehicles safe during transit.
Ensure all windows, doors, and the sunroof are completely closed and locked to prevent water damage and theft.
The condition of your vehicle is important for safe transport. Carriers need to make sure your vehicle is in good shape. This helps ensure a smooth shipping experience without any mechanical issues.
Keep your gas tank filled to no more than a quarter full. This helps reduce weight and lower shipping costs. It also meets safety rules.
Make sure the tank is not empty. You may need to move the vehicle during loading and unloading.
Engine Oil
Coolant
Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid
Top off any low fluids to prevent leaks or mechanical problems during transit.
Make sure your battery is fully charged and in good working order. A weak or dead battery can cause delays or complications during loading and unloading.
If your vehicle has an automatic alarm system, disable it before pickup. This prevents the alarm from accidentally going off during transport, which can drain the battery or cause unnecessary disturbances.
Before handing over your vehicle, take clear and timestamped photos of both the exterior and interior. This includes:
Close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, or damage.
The odometer reading.
Interior condition, especially if there are any stains, tears, or damages.
Keep these photos safe as they serve as evidence in case of any damage claims after delivery.
Inform Your Carrier: Let your transport company know if your vehicle has an alarm system or any special features.
Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes: These can incur charges during transit.
Prepare Documents and Keys: Have your car keys, registration, and any necessary paperwork ready for the driver.
Plan for Accessibility: Ensure the pickup location is easy for the carrier's truck and trailer to access.
Choosing the right vehicle transport company can make a huge difference in your shipping experience. Here’s why Load Station stands out as a trusted partner for your car shipping needs:
Load Station offers an intuitive website where you can get instant quotes and book your shipment quickly and easily. The streamlined process saves you time and effort.
Load Station’s dedicated support team is available around the clock via phone, email, or chat to answer your questions and assist you at every step.
Whether you’re shipping your car across the country or just to a neighboring state, LoadStation covers all U.S. states and major cities, providing flexible pickup and delivery options.
With Load Station, there are no hidden fees. You receive a clear breakdown of all costs upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Your vehicle is fully insured throughout the entire shipping process. Load Station ensures efficient claims handling if any issues arise, giving you peace of mind.
Stay informed with GPS tracking and instant notifications about your vehicle’s status, so you always know where your car is during transit.
Load Station has earned excellent reviews and high customer satisfaction ratings, reflecting their reliability, professionalism, and commitment to quality service.
Properly preparing your car for shipping is essential to ensure it arrives safely and without issues. By following this ultimate checklist and partnering with a reliable carrier like LoadStation, you can reduce stress and enjoy a smooth, worry-free vehicle transport experience. From cleaning and inspection to documentation and communication, each step plays a vital role in protecting your investment.
When it’s time to ship your car, trust Load Station to provide expert support, transparent pricing, and unmatched service quality — making your move or purchase as seamless as possible.
FAQ
You should remove all personal belongings, loose items, and accessories such as floor mats, GPS devices, and toll tags. This helps prevent damage or loss during transport and complies with most auto carriers’ policies.
It is recommended to keep your gas tank no more than a quarter full. This reduces weight, lowers transportation costs, and meets safety regulations for vehicle shipping.
Yes, it’s important to disable your car alarm to avoid unnecessary battery drain and prevent the alarm from going off during loading and transit. Inform your carrier if your vehicle has an alarm system and provide instructions if needed.
July 20, 2025 - By Michulan Brown