Shipping a vehicle can be much easier when your car is properly prepared before pickup. Whether you are moving to another state, purchasing a vehicle from a different location, or simply need professional vehicle transportation, taking a few preparation steps can help make the process smoother.
At SkylineTrail Auto Transport, we help customers arrange reliable vehicle transportation using services such as open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state auto transport. Before your vehicle is picked up, consider the following preparation tips.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Give your vehicle a basic wash before transportation. A clean exterior makes it easier to inspect the vehicle for existing scratches, dents, or other visible damage.
You do not need to have your vehicle professionally detailed. A simple exterior wash is generally enough for an effective pre-transport inspection.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal items from the passenger compartment, trunk, glove compartment, and other storage areas.
Loose belongings can move around during transportation and potentially cause damage. Some personal items may also not be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance.
For this reason, it is best to transport your personal belongings separately unless your carrier has specifically confirmed that certain items are permitted.
3. Check for Existing Damage
Before pickup, inspect your vehicle carefully. Take photographs of all sides of the vehicle, including the front, rear, roof, wheels, windows, and any existing scratches or dents.
Taking clear photographs with the date recorded can provide useful documentation of the vehicle’s condition before transportation.
4. Remove or Secure Accessories
If your vehicle has removable accessories, consider removing them before transportation.
Examples may include:
- Roof racks
- Bike racks
- Antennas
- Spoilers or loose exterior accessories
- Custom accessories that could become damaged
If an accessory cannot be removed, make sure it is securely attached.
5. Check the Fuel Level
Your vehicle generally does not need a full tank of fuel for transportation. A lower fuel level can reduce unnecessary weight while still leaving enough fuel for loading, unloading, and normal vehicle movement.
Follow the specific instructions provided by your transport company or assigned carrier.
6. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Problems
Inform the transport company about any mechanical problems before pickup.
If your vehicle has a fluid leak, a dead battery, damaged tires, brake problems, or another mechanical issue, the carrier should know in advance. This information can affect loading and unloading arrangements.
A non-running vehicle may require additional equipment.
7. Disable or Prepare the Alarm
If your vehicle has an alarm system, make sure it is disabled or that you provide instructions for turning it off.
An activated alarm during transportation can create unnecessary problems for the driver and vehicle.
8. Keep Important Documents With You
Do not leave important documents, registration paperwork, insurance documents, keys to unrelated areas, or valuable personal items inside the vehicle.
Keep your important documents with you throughout the transportation process.
9. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Information
Before your scheduled pickup, confirm the pickup and delivery addresses, contact information, preferred communication method, and expected transportation timeframe.
If either location has limited parking, narrow streets, gated access, low-clearance areas, or other restrictions, inform the transport company beforehand.
10. Work With a Professional Auto Transport Company
Choosing the right transportation provider can make the entire experience easier.
SkylineTrail Auto Transport offers several vehicle transportation options, including open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state auto transport.
Whether you are shipping a vehicle within Arizona or arranging transportation between states, proper preparation can help make the process more organized.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your vehicle does not have to be complicated. Cleaning the car, documenting its condition, removing personal belongings, checking for mechanical issues, and confirming transportation details are simple steps that can make the shipping process more straightforward.
If you are planning to transport a vehicle from Chandler, AZ or another location, SkylineTrail Auto Transport can help you explore an appropriate transportation option for your needs.