How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A little preparation prevents most problems on pickup and delivery day. This checklist covers what to do to the car, what you can leave inside it, the documents you'll need, and how the Bill of Lading protects you at both ends.
Before the Driver Arrives
- Wash the car: A clean exterior lets you and the driver clearly identify, document, and photograph any pre-existing scratches, chips, or dents.
- Remove personal items: Take out all valuables, electronics, toll transponders, and parking passes apart from allowed cargo.
- Disable alarms: Turn off aftermarket anti-theft systems or provide written instructions and remotes so the driver can move the car without triggering sirens.
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas: Keeping fuel around 1/4 tank keeps carrier weight down while providing enough gas to drive onto and off the trailer.
- Have the keys ready: The driver requires a fully working ignition key, door key, and any lockout fobs.
- Check the mechanical basics: Verify battery charge, tire pressure, and fluid levels. Note any active fluid leaks in advance. See our non-running vehicle guide.
What You Can Leave in the Car
Most auto transport companies allow up to 100 pounds of personal belongings at no extra charge, provided you stay within the carrier's weight limits and safety rules.
Packing Guidelines
Pack items securely in the trunk or rear cargo area below the window line. The driver must have an unobstructed 360-degree view through all glass and mirrors. Front seats and the footwell area must remain completely empty.
Insurance & Strict Restrictions
Personal cargo is NOT covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Never pack cash, jewelry, important legal documents, firearms, ammunition, electronics, or flammable materials. The driver reserves the right to decline overloaded vehicles.
Ocean shipping to Hawaii, Alaska by port, or overseas is different: the vehicle must be completely empty of personal items, with child safety seats generally the only permitted exception.See car shipping to Hawaii rules.
Documents You'll Need
- Bill of Lading (BOL): The official receipt, transport contract, and vehicle condition inspection report signed at both pickup and delivery.
- Government-issued photo ID: Required to verify identity when handing over or receiving keys.
- Proof of active insurance: Keep personal auto insurance active during transit; verify the carrier's cargo policy. See licensing and insurance details.
- Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership on hand, required for port and cross-border transport.
- Lienholder authorization letter: Written authorization from the financing bank if shipping via ocean ports.
- Notarized power of attorney: Required if an authorized representative is signing in your place.
Special Vehicle & Route Protocols
Electric Vehicles: Check carrier guidelines before booking. Heavy EV battery packs can incur weight surcharges of $50 to $100, and ocean carriers generally mandate a state of charge between 30% and 50%.
Ocean & Port Routes: Strict agricultural inspections apply. Vehicles to Hawaii and Puerto Rico must be pressure-washed (chassis, wheels, undercarriage, engine bay) to remove dirt and seeds. The US Coast Guard limits fuel to 1/4 tank or less.See Puerto Rico guidelines.
Inspection Protocols (Bill of Lading)
At Pickup
Walk around the vehicle with the carrier driver. Confirm that every existing ding, rock chip, or scratch is marked accurately on the Bill of Lading. Capture date-stamped photos of all four sides, wheels, odometer, and roof before signing.
At Delivery
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly against the pickup condition report before signing the release. If any new damage occurred, document it explicitly on the Bill of Lading and photograph it immediately while the carrier is present.
Understanding the inspection process protects your investment from start to finish.Read our comprehensive guide on how car shipping works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
Usually up to 100 pounds in the trunk or rear cargo area, below the window line. It isn't covered by the carrier's insurance, and ocean shipments require an empty vehicle.
What documents do I need to ship a car?
Mainly the Bill of Lading, which the driver provides, plus a photo ID. You may also need proof of insurance, your title or registration, a lienholder letter if the car is financed, and a power of attorney if someone else handles the handoff.
How much gas should be in the car?
About a quarter of a tank or less.
Do I need to be there at pickup and delivery?
You or someone you authorize with a signed letter needs to be, because the Bill of Lading is signed at both ends.
What should I do if there's damage at delivery?
Note it on the Bill of Lading before the driver leaves, and take clear photos immediately.
Ready to ship your vehicle?
Request a transparent quote with your vehicle details and route to secure an insured carrier on your preferred schedule.