7 Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Car Shipping

Author(s)

Step 1: Wash an inspect your vehicle
Step 2: Remove all personal items
Step 3: Remove or secure loose parts
Step 4: Disable alarms, toll tags, and custom electronics
Step 5: Check for fluid leaks and mechanical issues
Step 6: Check vehicle fuel/battery level
Step 7: Prepare keys and documentation
Frequently asked questions

Preparing your car for transport is one of the most important steps in ensuring a smooth shipping experience. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a vehicle online, or shipping a classic car, proper preparation helps protect your vehicle and avoid delays.

This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to do before your carrier arrives. If this is your first time shipping a vehicle, you may also want to review our First-Time Car Shipping Guide for a full overview of the process.

Step 1: Wash an inspect your vehicle

A clean car makes it easier to spot and document any existing dents, scratches, chips, or paint damage before shipping. This protects both you and the carrier by creating a clear record for the Bill of Lading inspection.

Take time to:

Wash the exterior
Photograph all sides, wheels, roof, and underbody (if possible)
Note any existing cosmetic or mechanical issues

Step 2: Remove all personal items

Auto transport carriers are not licensed to ship household goods. Personal belongings are typically not covered by insurance and may cause weight issues, delays, or safety concerns.

Remove:

Loose items from the cabin and trunk
Electronics, chargers, car seats, tools
Garage door openers and personal documents

Montway customers can ship 100lbs of luggage inside their vehicle for free. It must be secured in a box or suitcase and stored below window-level in the rear of the vehicle.

Step 3: Remove or secure loose parts

Loose or removable exterior parts like off-roading lights and racks pose a risk during transportation and can add cost to the shipment due to their modified height. If your car is a convertible, make sure the top is secure to prevent damage from elements or road debris.

Remove or properly secure:

Roof racks
Bike racks
Spoilers (if removable)
Antennas
Custom body kits

Step 4: Disable alarms, toll tags, and custom electronics

To prevent disruptions during transit:

Turn off car alarms
Remove or deactivate toll passes (EZ-Pass, FasTrak, SunPass, etc.)
Secure or remove aftermarket electronics
Disable security features that may drain battery (Tesla Sentry Mode)

Step 5: Check for fluid leaks and mechanical issues

Check for mechanical issues before shipment to avoid unexpected issues at delivery. Your vehicle must be able to roll, break and steer under its own power. Make sure to tell the transport provider if your car has specific problems prior to pickup. If your vehicle is inoperable (cannot be driven) or has other mechanical issues, specialized equipment may be needed to transport it.

Key maintenance checks include:

Oil and coolant levels
Tire pressure and tread
Battery charge

If you notice any leaks, be sure to have them fixed before shipping. It's also smart to record the mileage on your car prior to pickup and again at the delivery location. Keep in mind that the truckers do need to load and unload your vehicle multiple times throughout the shipment. Some minor additional mileage may be recorded on your vehicle upon delivery.

Step 6: Check vehicle fuel/battery level

Keep your car light by making sure your gas tank is only 1/4 full before shipping. When transporting your car, the trucker needs just enough fuel to drive your car on and off their trailer. A full tank of gas adds significant weight, which can affect the safety and efficiency of the shipment.

If you’re driving an EV, make sure your battery charge is between 45-65% and that you include the charging cables.

Step 7: Prepare keys and documentation

You'll need to provide keys to the trucker during the shipment so they can load and unload your vehicle. Truckers will also occasionally need to rearrange the vehicles on their car carrier during transit. It's always smart, but not required to have a backup set of keys in case one is lost or misplaced.

On pickup day, you’ll need to provide:

One full set of keys (including trunk and glove box access)
Any special starting instructions
Contact information for pickup and delivery

By following these steps, your vehicle will be ready for a smooth journey to its destination. Double-check your preparations and make sure that your car is ready for shipping. To recap: Start by washing and inspecting your vehicle, then remove any personal items. Do an overall vehicle check and remember to communicate any issues with your truck driver. And before you hand over the keys, it’s recommended to get an extra set, just in case!

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare my car for shipping?

We suggest the car is clean so any existing damage is fully visible. Remove any personal items, especially anything of value. Disable any kind of security system that could give the trucker trouble when loading or unloading the vehicle and remove automatic toll tags to avoid undue fees. Finally, try to leave a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle to be sure there is enough for loading and unloading but not so much to add extra weight.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

There are several factors that go into your car shipping costs, including:

Total travel distance
Pickup and delivery locations
Shipping dates and seasonality
Trailer type (open or enclosed)
Vehicle make, model and year

Learn more about car shipping costs, or use our free quote calculator for an instant estimate.

Is car shipping safe?

Yes, car shipping is a safe and dependable process. Hundreds of thousands of customers use car shipping services every day, along with car dealerships and manufacturers.

Just like driving your vehicle, auto transport can expose your car to the elements and road debris, but it does not present any serious threat to your vehicle. While most cars are safely moved on open trailers, some vehicle owners prefer enclosed trailer transport for an added level of protection. Enclosed transport is popular for transporting classic cars and luxury vehicles.

Can I pack personal belongings in my car during shipping?

When you ship your car with Montway, you can include one suitcase or one bag containing personal possessions free of charge. The items must be confined to the trunk or storage area of the vehicle, remaining below window level and seats must remain in their upright position. The total weight of personal items must not exceed one hundred pounds (100 lbs). Some restrictions may apply, for example, when your vehicle must be shipped by boat to states like Alaska and Hawaii.

How long does it take to ship a car?

The time it takes to ship a car mainly depends on the overall distance it needs to travel. It may also be impacted by seasonal demand, weather conditions and unexpected hazards on the road. Learn more about delivery time estimates.

Can I track the progress of my car during transportation?

Yes. After your order has been dispatched to a carrier, you will receive a real-time tracking link. Here, you can view your shipment status, carrier and driver information, estimated delivery date, and inspection documents.

For the more location information on your shipment, directly contact your carrier for updates, email info@montway.com or start a live chat.

Montway Auto Transport is one of the nation's top-rated auto transport companies. With one million satisfied customers and over 120,000 online reviews, our dedication to quality speaks for itself. Our extensive carrier network is equipped to ship cars, trucks, SUVs and specialty vehicles in all 50 states. Ready to ship your car? Get started with a free instant quote or call (888) 666-8929.