Preparing Your Car to Ship: A Complete Guide

When it comes to shipping your vehicle, proper preparation is essential for ensuring a smooth and successful transport experience. Whether you’re relocating across the country, purchasing a car from out of state, or sending a vehicle to a family member, taking the right steps to prepare your car for shipping will help guarantee it arrives at its destination safely and securely. Over the next few sections, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing your vehicle for transport, from choosing the right car shipping company to completing final pre-transport checks.

An Introduction to Car Shipping Services

Before diving into the preparation steps, it’s important to understand the various car shipping services available and how they can impact your vehicle preparation process. Auto transport has evolved significantly over the years, offering multiple options to meet different needs and preferences while maintaining the highest standards of vehicle care and protection.

Types of Auto Transport Companies

The auto transport industry consists primarily of two main types of service providers: carriers and brokers. Carriers are the companies that own and operate the transport trucks that will physically move your vehicle. These companies handle the actual transportation process directly, maintaining their own fleet of carriers and employing professional drivers who specialize in vehicle transport.

Transport brokers, on the other hand, act as intermediaries between customers and a network of carriers. They coordinate with multiple carriers to find the best shipping options for their clients, managing the logistics and ensuring smooth communication throughout the process. Both carriers and brokers play vital roles in the auto transport industry, offering unique advantages depending on your specific needs.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Carriers

Open car carriers are the most widely used option in the vehicle transport industry. These carriers can transport up to ten vehicles simultaneously, making them an efficient and cost-effective choice for most standard vehicles. Open carriers provide reliable protection during transit while allowing for easy inspection of vehicles throughout the journey. The open design also enables carriers to accommodate vehicles of various sizes and heights, providing flexibility for different types of automobiles.

Enclosed car shipping offers a premium level of protection for your vehicle during transport. These specialized carriers feature fully enclosed trailers that shield vehicles from all external elements during transit. This option is particularly well-suited for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that require an extra measure of protection. Enclosed carriers typically transport fewer vehicles at once, allowing for more personalized attention and specialized handling throughout the journey.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Door-to-door auto shipping provides the ultimate convenience for vehicle transport. With this service, your car is picked up directly from your specified location and delivered straight to your desired destination. This option eliminates the need for additional transportation arrangements and allows you to handle the inspection process right at your home or office. Professional drivers work with you to determine the most accessible pickup and delivery locations that accommodate their equipment while meeting your needs.

Terminal-to-terminal shipping offers a structured approach to vehicle transport. This service involves dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated terminal locations. These terminals are specifically designed for vehicle storage and transport, featuring secure facilities and experienced staff who specialize in handling vehicles. Terminal-to-terminal shipping provides flexibility in pickup and delivery timing, allowing you to work within your schedule while ensuring your vehicle remains secure throughout the process.

Cross-Country Auto Shipping

Cross-country auto shipping requires special consideration due to the extended distance and varying terrain involved. Whether you’re moving from coast to coast or shipping to Alaska, professional auto transport services ensure your vehicle safely traverses the many miles between origin and destination.

For mainland routes, carriers carefully plan optimal transport paths that balance efficiency with safe driving conditions. When shipping to locations like Alaska or Hawaii, additional coordination is required to accommodate both overland and marine transport segments, ensuring seamless delivery to your final destination.

Required Documentation and Insurance

Proper documentation leads to a smoother vehicle shipping process. Understanding and preparing the necessary paperwork in advance helps prevent delays and ensures your vehicle is protected throughout its journey.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance Papers

Current vehicle registration and insurance documentation are essential components of the shipping process. These documents verify your ownership of the vehicle and provide important details about its specifications. Before transport, ensure you have copies of both your registration and insurance cards readily available. While your personal auto insurance typically remains valid during transport, it’s important to verify coverage details with your insurance provider.

Bill of Lading Requirements

The Bill of Lading is the primary contract between you and the auto transport company. This crucial document details the condition of your vehicle at pickup, including any existing damage or special notes. It also outlines the agreed-upon services and serves as a receipt for your shipment. Take time to review this document carefully before signing, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.

Additional Insurance Coverage Options

While your vehicle is protected during transport, understanding available insurance options can provide additional peace of mind. Auto transport carriers maintain basic liability coverage that covers vehicles in their care. This coverage protects against potential damages that might occur during the shipping process. Your transport provider can explain the standard coverage included with your shipment and discuss any additional protection options available.

Essential Steps Before Transport

Proper preparation of your vehicle before shipping helps ensure a smooth shipping experience and protects your car during its journey. Following these essential steps will help you avoid common issues and prepare your vehicle for transportation.

Documenting Vehicle Condition

Creating a detailed record of your vehicle’s condition prior to transport is crucial for protecting your interests. This documentation should include comprehensive photographs of your vehicle from multiple angles, paying special attention to any existing damage or imperfections. Take clear, well-lit photos of all sides of the vehicle, including the roof, undercarriage, and any notable marks or scratches. These images, combined with written notes about your car’s condition, provide valuable documentation for comparison upon delivery.

Cleaning and Maintenance Checks

A clean and well-maintained vehicle facilitates accurate inspection and helps ensure safe transport. Start with thorough cleaning to create clear visibility of your vehicle’s current condition, then perform these checks:

Exterior wash and dry to remove dirt and debris
Interior vacuum and wipe-down of all surfaces
Engine compartment check for any loose components
Fluid levels inspection, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid
Tire pressure verification and adjustment
Battery charge confirmation
Brake system functionality check
Working lights verification
Windshield and window inspection for cracks
Undercarriage examination for any loose parts

Remove Personal Items

Removing personal belongings from your vehicle before transport is a good idea for several reasons. First, auto transport insurance typically doesn’t cover personal items during shipping. Additionally, extra items add weight to the vehicle and can shift during transport, potentially causing damage. Remove all personal effects, including electronics, charging cables, toll passes, parking permits, and any loose items from the glove compartment, center console, door pockets, and trunk.

Pre-Transport Vehicle Preparation Checklist

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition you shipped it in. Following these specific requirements will help facilitate a smooth transport process and protect your vehicle during shipping.

Fuel Level Requirements

Maintaining the proper fuel level is an important aspect of preparing your vehicle for transport. The ideal fuel level should be approximately one-quarter tank. This amount provides enough fuel for loading and unloading while minimizing the vehicle’s weight during transport. A quarter tank ensures the vehicle can be moved as needed without adding unnecessary weight to the carrier, which helps maintain safe and efficient transport conditions for all vehicles being shipped.

Disabling Car Alarms and Toll Tags

Vehicle security systems should be deactivated or properly managed before transport to prevent any issues during the journey. If your vehicle has a factory-installed alarm system, provide clear instructions to the transport driver about its operation. For aftermarket alarms, either disable the system completely or provide detailed written instructions for managing it. Remove or deactivate any toll tags or parking passes to prevent unintended charges during transport.

Remove or Secure Loose Parts

Any components that could come loose during transport should be properly secured or removed. This includes custom spoilers, antennas, bike racks, and any aftermarket additions to your vehicle. Retractable antennas should be fully lowered, and removable ones should be detached and stored. Side mirrors should be folded in when possible, and any loose or damaged parts should be repaired or secured before transport. For convertibles, ensure the top is properly secured and weather-sealed.

Cost Considerations and Booking Tips

Understanding the factors that influence transport costs and knowing how to effectively schedule your shipment can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle transport.

Factors Affecting Transport Costs

Several key factors influence the cost of vehicle shipping. Distance is typically the primary factor, with longer routes naturally incurring higher costs. Vehicle size and weight also play significant roles, as larger vehicles require more space and resources to transport. The type of transport service selected, whether open or enclosed, impacts pricing as well. Additional factors include pickup and delivery locations, seasonal demand fluctuations, and current fuel prices.

Getting Accurate Quotes from Auto Transporters

To receive the most accurate quote for your car transport service, provide detailed information about your shipment requirements. Include specific pickup and delivery locations, your desired shipping dates, and complete vehicle information including make, model, year, and any modifications. Be clear about any special requirements or circumstances that might affect the transport. This comprehensive information helps ensure you receive an accurate quote and avoid any unexpected adjustments to your rate.

Best Times to Schedule Vehicle Transport

Timing can significantly impact both availability and cost when scheduling vehicle transport. Planning your shipment during off-peak seasons often provides more flexible scheduling options and potentially better rates. While auto transport services operate year-round, certain times of year experience higher demand. Summer months and early fall typically see increased activity due to relocations and seasonal travel. Booking your transport well in advance, ideally 2-3 weeks before your desired pickup date, helps ensure carrier availability and optimal scheduling options.

Ship Your Car With Confidence Through Alaska Car Transport

At Alaska Car Transport, we bring over 30 years of experience to every vehicle shipment, ensuring your car receives the highest level of care and attention throughout its journey. Our nationwide network of professional carriers, comprehensive vehicle protection, and dedicated customer service team work together to provide you with a seamless shipping experience. We understand that your vehicle is a valuable asset, which is why we maintain rigorous standards for every transport and offer real-time shipment tracking for your peace of mind. When you choose ACT, you’re choosing a partner committed to making your car shipping experience as smooth and worry-free as possible.

Ready to ship your vehicle? Use our car shipping calculator for an instant quote and experience the Alaska Car Transport difference in professional auto transport.

Related: Our Guide to Buying a Car in Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before my shipping date should I start preparing my car?

We recommend beginning your vehicle preparation at least 2-3 days before your scheduled pickup date. This allows sufficient time to complete all necessary cleaning, maintenance checks, and documentation without feeling rushed.

Can I leave personal items in my car during transport?

While we understand the convenience of shipping personal belongings with your vehicle, we strongly recommend removing them before shipping. Transport insurance doesn’t cover personal items, and they can potentially cause damage during transit.

What happens if I can’t get my car cleaned before transport?

While a clean vehicle is ideal for documenting its condition, we understand that circumstances might prevent thorough cleaning. In such cases, ensure the vehicle is clean enough to allow for proper inspection and documentation of its condition before transport.

Do I need to prepare my car differently for open versus enclosed transport?

The basic preparation steps remain the same for both transport methods. However, if you’re using open transport, you might want to consider requesting a top-load position for additional protection from road debris. For enclosed transport, standard preparation is sufficient as your vehicle will be fully protected from the elements.