Logo

We take a bottom-line approach to each project. Our clients consistently, enhanced brand loyalty and new leads thanks to our work.

ShipA1 Oct 22, 2019

So you have done your research and found the company to ship your vehicle. Even though you have found a reliable auto shipping company, you still need to know how to prepare your car for shipping. Though you can always send your vehicle for shipping off as is, which is not the best approach to it, instead. You want to make sure you do everything you can to ensure safe and damage-free delivery. With proper preparation, you keep down the risk of damage to your vehicle and prevent any additional costs that may occur. Follow the information and advice given below to prepare your vehicle for shipping.


 Record Existing Damage

The most obvious thing you should do before shipping your car is to clean it. Once your vehicle is clean, inspect it entirely for any preexisting scratches, dents, and paint chips. Do not forget to take clear and close-up photos of these minor defects with a high-quality camera, these photos are for your record, so be sure to take clear images. You can insert these photos with your written document, so any new scratches or dents cannot be argued by your company. When your vehicle is collected up for shipping, have these ready. So you can mark them on the Bill of Lading, which is an inspection report given to you by the career that you must sign. 


Vehicle Insurance

All legitimate car shipping companies would show documentation that they are insured in the unlikely event of an accident. The DOT requires all shipping companies to have cargo insurance. Because of the coverage, your vehicle would be scrutinized by the company before loading it. You will sign a bill of lading, which will later be evaluated when the car is shipped. 


Remove Personal and After Market Items

According to law, auto shipping companies are not permitted to transport any personal or household items in vehicles they are shipping. However, some carriers allow under 100 lbs of items confined in the trunk space. Though, placing personal details in your car is entirely up to your judgment, because they are typically not insured. Placing personal items in the car increases the chance of theft when transporting your vehicle across the states.


While the car is in transport, it may come acquaintance to some jostling so to avoid things being damaged. Remove all custom products or car add-ons, such as custom stereos, DVD players, and GPS systems. Car unique accessories such as spoiler should be removed to avoid the risk of breaking them. Make sure to remove any other custom parts and accessories before the vehicle is loaded.


Perform Mechanical Inspection

If your car is non-operable, you should mention this at the time of booking. For working vehicles, be sure to check any mechanical issues or leaks. Mechanical problems can cause many delays, and above all, can cause you extra charges from shipping companies. So it is always better to get your vehicle fixed before shipping.


Have your mechanic check your car fluids, brakes, and other forms of maintenance to make sure your car is ready for shipping.


Overinflated tires are just as risky in transport as they are on the road, and by not having your tires inflated properly, you are damaging your tires. Tire damage is most likely during the loading and unloading phase. 

Before your vehicle gets loaded in the carrier, check the undercarriage for any significant leak. If your car has a leak, the shipping company may refuse service. Beyond everything, you would not want your vehicle placed below the car, dripping oil all over your car.


Other Important Things to Note

Make sure to check the condition of your vehicle battery, it should be fully charged and firmly placed in its supporting bracket. 


Your gas tank should only be 1/4 filled, or else it will only add-up weight to your own vehicle and the trailer as well. Your vehicle is being shipped, not driven, so there is no need to fill the tank with fuel before shipping.


Some vehicles have very sensible alarm systems, movements of the auto transport trailer can cause them to go off. Disabling your alarms before loading your vehicle is the best option.

You should make sure you have an extra set of every key necessary for your vehicle. If you do not have a spare set of keys, then make sure to make them before the shipping date. You do not want to make the mistake of giving your only car keys to the trucker.


These steps for preparing your car for shipping may seem monotonous, but they are all important to ensure your vehicle is transported and delivered as safely as possible. Following this guide will significantly reduce the risk of any damage to your vehicle. Trust Ship-A1 for shipping your car with the necessary experience.