Shipment checklist
How to Prepare a Car for Shipping
Prepare vehicle facts, loading condition, inspection evidence, access and documents before pickup.
Accurate preparation reduces loading problems and disputes. Confirm the carrier's written requirements, make the vehicle safe and accessible for the agreed loading method, remove loose or unauthorized contents, disclose modifications or leaks, and create dated condition evidence before signing the pickup record.
What changes the result?
A useful calculation starts with the physical scope and the written commercial terms. These are the factors to make explicit:
- Battery, fuel, tires and brakes
- Leaks, operability and winch access
- Dimensions, ground clearance and modifications
- Keys, access and authorized contents
- Condition photographs and inspection record
Use one scope for every quote
Give each business the same information and ask it to resolve the same boundaries. That makes the totals more comparable and exposes work left as an allowance or exclusion.
- Follow the assigned carrier's instructions
- Disclose anything affecting loading
- Photograph every side and existing damage
- Read the pickup record before signing
Describe the vehicle exactly
Provide year, make, model, body configuration and any lift, lowering, roof accessory, wide tire, added weight or low-clearance modification. Say whether it starts, steers, rolls and brakes; 'inoperable' can mean different loading needs.
Create a condition record
Clean enough of the exterior to see existing marks, then take time-stamped photographs from every side, wheels, glass, roof and interior as appropriate. Compare them with the carrier's pickup inspection before signing.
Confirm access and handoff
Large carriers may not safely enter narrow streets, low-clearance areas or restricted sites. Agree on a lawful meeting point, responsible contact, keys, payment method, delivery inspection and what happens if timing changes.
Questions people ask
How much fuel should be in the vehicle?
Follow the assigned carrier's written instruction. Enough is needed for loading and unloading, but unnecessary fuel adds weight.
Can I leave personal belongings in the car?
Do not assume so. Ask the broker and assigned carrier what is authorized, how it affects weight or coverage, and record the answer in writing.
What makes a car inoperable for shipping?
The calculator uses the conservative standard that it cannot drive, steer and brake for loading. Tell the transporter exactly which functions work so it can confirm equipment.
Why photograph the car before pickup?
A dated condition record supports comparison with the pickup and delivery inspections and helps resolve whether damage existed before transport.
Method and sources
The model is a planning tool, not a quotation. These are the published sources used for this page; read the full assumptions before relying on a range. Source review: 14 September 2026.
- Extra Space Storage 2026 car-shipping guide
March 2026 distance, vehicle, inoperable, enclosed and route observations; reviewed 14 September 2026.
- FMCSA automobile-transporter advisory
Official broker, carrier, MC/USDOT registration, payment-monitoring and complaint guidance; reviewed 14 September 2026.