Preparing Your Auto for Transport: The Ultimate Checklist

You have decided to ship your car — a smart choice that saves time, prevents wear and tear on your vehicle, and keeps you safe from the fatigue of long-distance driving. However, booking a carrier is not the end of your responsibility. Just as you would pack a suitcase before a flight, you must prepare your vehicle for its journey on the carrier.

Many first-time shippers assume the driver will handle everything. While professional carriers like SouthWest Auto Transport handle logistics and safety, the condition of the vehicle at pickup is up to you. A well-prepared car ensures a faster inspection, prevents damage claims, and avoids unexpected fees. Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to get started.

Phase 1: Clean and Inspect

Why Washing Matters

When the carrier arrives, they perform a detailed walk-around inspection with you, noting every chip, scratch, dent, and ding on a diagram called the Bill of Lading. If your car is covered in mud, road salt, or heavy dust, scratches underneath are hidden. In these cases, the driver may mark the vehicle as “Too Dirty to Inspect.” This is risky — if the car arrives at the destination with a new scratch, you cannot prove it wasn't there before because the initial inspection was incomplete. A clean car ensures an accurate, legally defensible report.

Photograph Everything

Once clean, take high-quality photos of the vehicle from every angle — all four corners, front, rear, both sides, the roof, and close-ups of any pre-existing damage. Also photograph the odometer and interior. These time-stamped photos serve as your “receipt” of the car's condition. If a dispute arises later, digital proof with timestamps is undeniable evidence.

Phase 2: The “Empty Car” Rule

Weight Restrictions

Auto transport trucks are strictly regulated by the DOT. They have weight limits per axle. If every car on a 10-car hauler is packed with 300 lbs of luggage, the truck could be 3,000 lbs overweight — forcing the driver to stop at weigh stations and face massive fines, or refuse to transport your vehicle. Keep the trunk and cabin empty.

Theft and Damage Risks

The cargo insurance covering your vehicle during transport does not cover personal property left inside. If a laptop, golf clubs, or clothing is stolen or damaged by extreme heat, the carrier is not liable. Furthermore, loose items can become projectiles — as the truck bounces over bumps, a heavy box can shift and shatter a window or tear upholstery.

Phase 3: Mechanical Preparations

Check for Fluid Leaks

Look underneath your car for oil, transmission fluid, or coolant leaks. On a multi-level car carrier, vehicles are stacked. If your car is on the top deck and has a severe oil leak, it could drip corrosive fluid onto the paint of the luxury sedan underneath it. You could be held liable for that damage. If your car leaks, inform the carrier immediately so they can use the bottom rack or protective mats.

Gas Level Strategy

Do not fill your tank. A full tank adds 60–100 lbs of unnecessary weight per car. But don't leave it empty either — the driver needs to drive the car on and off the truck, potentially multiple times as they rearrange loads. The industry standard is 1/4 tank of gas.

Tires and Battery

Ensure your battery is fully charged. If the car dies on the truck, the driver cannot simply drive it off — they may need a forklift or winch, and that cost gets passed on to you as a “Non-Runner” fee. Similarly, under-inflated tires are dangerous during loading. Ensure tires are at recommended PSI to prevent rim damage and ramp damage to the carrier.

Phase 4: Exterior Accessories and Toll Tags

• Remove Custom Parts: Take off aftermarket spoilers, luggage racks, bike racks, and ski boxes. These alter vehicle height and might not fit in the allotted clearance space on the trailer.
• Secure or Remove Antennas: Unscrew or retract whip antennas to prevent snapping at highway speeds.
• Fold in Side Mirrors: Prevent accidental sideswiping in tight loading spaces.
• Remove Toll Transponders: This is a money-saver — leaving your E-ZPass or SunPass on the windshield can register toll plazas the truck passes through. You could rack up hundreds of dollars in tolls for a trip you are not driving. Remove it entirely or place it in a foil bag.

Phase 5: Disable Alarm Systems

There is nothing worse for a truck driver than a car alarm screaming for 500 miles. If your alarm is sensitive to motion or tilt, the movement of the trailer will trigger it constantly, draining your battery and annoying the driver (and everyone on the highway). Disable your alarm before handover, or provide the driver with clear written instructions on how to turn it off if it triggers.

Summary: Prepared vs. Unprepared Vehicle

Aspect	The Prepared Vehicle	The Unprepared Vehicle
Inspection	Clean exterior; accurate scratch documentation	Dirt hides damage; owner loses right to claim scratches later
Interior	Empty cabin; no theft risk; insurance compliant	Items may be stolen; risks fines for the driver
Mechanical	1/4 tank; charged battery; no leaks	Dead battery incurs Non-Runner fees; leaks damage other cars
Accessories	Toll tags removed; loose parts secured	Accidental toll charges; wind shears off loose parts

Final Step: The Handover

When the driver arrives, be present. Review the Bill of Lading carefully. Ensure the mileage is recorded and the condition report matches your own observations. Once you sign and hand over the keys — keep a spare set for yourself — your preparation work is done.

By following this checklist, you are not just following rules — you are protecting your investment. A prepared car moves faster, stays safer, and ensures that delivery at your new home is a celebration, not a dispute. At SouthWest Auto Transport, we appreciate customers who take these steps, as it allows us to provide the highest level of service possible.

• Common Mistakes When Shipping a Vehicle
• Understanding Auto Transport Insurance
• Understanding the Auto Transport Process: Step by Step

Now that your car is ready, let's get it moving. Call us today at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page for a free, no-obligation estimate.