# How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Complete Checklist
Preparing your vehicle before shipping can help make pickup and delivery more organized. Whether you are moving to another state, buying a car from a distant seller, or arranging transport for a family member, a little preparation can reduce confusion and make it easier to document the vehicle’s condition.
DriveAxis Auto Transport provides vehicle shipping options that include open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state auto transport. Use the following checklist to prepare for your upcoming shipment.
## 1. Confirm the Shipping Details
Before the pickup date, review your booking information. Verify the vehicle’s make, model, year, pickup address, delivery address, contact numbers, and requested dates.
Confirm the agreed pickup window and ask how the carrier will contact you. If a driveway, residential street, parking structure, or delivery location has height, weight, access, or parking restrictions, explain this in advance.
For door-to-door service, remember that the carrier may need to use a nearby safe and legal meeting point if the truck cannot reach the exact address.
## 2. Clean the Exterior
Wash the vehicle before pickup if practical. Dirt and road grime can make it harder to see scratches, dents, paint chips, and other existing damage.
A clean exterior helps you and the carrier assess the vehicle’s visible condition. You do not necessarily need professional detailing; the goal is to make the bodywork easier to inspect.
## 3. Take Dated Photographs
Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles before it is loaded. Include the front, rear, both sides, wheels, roof if accessible, and any existing scratches or dents. Take close-up photographs of notable damage.
Keep the original files so their dates and details remain available. If possible, take photographs in good lighting and from consistent angles.
At pickup, compare your photographs with the inspection report or bill of lading. At delivery, repeat the inspection and compare the vehicle’s condition with the original records.
## 4. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove luggage, electronics, documents, valuables, loose accessories, and other personal belongings from the cabin and trunk.
Transport providers and carriers may prohibit personal items inside the vehicle or may have specific limits. Personal property may not be covered by the vehicle carrier’s cargo insurance. Confirm the applicable policy before pickup.
Also remove toll tags and other items that could create charges or reveal personal information during transit. Keep your vehicle registration and other necessary documents with you unless the provider specifically instructs otherwise.
## 5. Check the Fuel Level
Unless you receive different instructions, leave approximately a quarter tank of fuel. A reduced fuel level can help limit unnecessary weight while leaving enough fuel for loading, unloading, and basic vehicle movement.
Follow the carrier’s instructions if the vehicle has a special fuel system or other requirements. Do not assume that an inoperable vehicle can be loaded using standard procedures; tell the provider about any starting, steering, braking, or rolling issues before booking.
## 6. Check for Mechanical or Access Issues
Tell the transport provider if the vehicle does not start or has a dead battery, leaking fluids, damaged tires, steering problems, brake issues, or other mechanical concerns.
Also disclose modifications such as lowered suspension, wide tires, body kits, roof racks, or unusual dimensions. These details may affect equipment selection, loading clearance, and the cost of transport.
Do not attempt repairs you are not qualified to perform. Ask the provider what needs to be operational for safe loading and unloading.
## 7. Secure or Remove Loose Accessories
Remove detachable antennas, loose roof accessories, removable bike racks, and other items that could be damaged or come loose during transport. Fold in mirrors if appropriate and permitted by the vehicle’s design.
Make sure the windows and sunroof are closed and that the vehicle is locked as agreed with the carrier. Provide any special instructions for alarms, electronic locks, or unusual starting procedures.
## 8. Prepare Keys and Contact Information
Have the required keys available for the carrier. If the vehicle uses a key fob, immobilizer, or special starting sequence, explain how it works.
Ensure that the pickup and delivery contacts can answer calls and messages. If someone else will meet the carrier, confirm that person is authorized, has the necessary keys, and understands the inspection process.
## 9. Review the Pickup Inspection Report
Before loading, walk around the vehicle with the carrier and review the inspection report. Make sure existing visible damage is recorded accurately.
Keep a copy of the report and your booking confirmation. Ask questions if any entry is unclear before signing. This documentation can be important if you need to report a concern after delivery.
## 10. Inspect the Vehicle at Delivery
When the vehicle arrives, inspect it before signing the final delivery paperwork. Choose a well-lit location when possible and examine the exterior, wheels, glass, and other visible areas.
Compare the condition with the pickup report and your photographs. If you identify possible new damage, record it on the delivery paperwork, take photographs, and follow the carrier’s claims procedure promptly. Keep copies of all documents and communications.
## Final Car Shipping Checklist
Before pickup, make sure you have:
* Confirmed pickup and delivery details.
* Cleaned the exterior where practical.
* Taken dated photographs.
* Removed personal belongings and valuables.
* Followed the carrier’s fuel instructions.
* Disclosed mechanical problems and vehicle modifications.
* Secured loose accessories.
* Prepared keys and contact information.
* Reviewed the pickup inspection report.
* Planned to inspect the vehicle at delivery.
## Arrange Your Vehicle Shipment
Careful preparation can make auto transport easier to coordinate and can help preserve a useful record of your vehicle’s condition. Follow the carrier’s instructions and ask questions before pickup if anything is unclear.
To discuss open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door shipping, or state-to-state auto transport, contact DriveAxis Auto Transport at (727) 628-0880 or [info@driveaxisautotransport.us](mailto:info@driveaxisautotransport.us).