Empty Your Car



The first thing you should do is empty your car of any personal belongings that are stored in it. Removed items from the trunk and do not use the available space to ship any of your personal belongings, unless approved by the carrier.

Car carriers are not long distance moving companies, and are often prohibited by law to transport the personal belongings of its customers. The car carrier’s license prohibits its holder from shipping personal belongings and, therefore, your items are not insured when transported via the car carrier. After emptying your car and getting it ready for transport, check the exterior. Be sure to secure or remove any loose parts such as spoilers, and fog lights. Lower or remove the antennae, and fold back the mirrors.

Damage to the Vehicle

Give your car a good wash down after it’s been emptied and all loose exterior parts have been removed. This process is not done for cosmetic purposes, but rather to properly inspect for scratches, dings, and other current damage before it is transported. Before the driver picks up your car, document its condition to ensure any claims of vehicle damage are accurate and enforceable. It is a good idea to take dated photographs of any pre-existing damage.

Vehicle Fluids

Try not to transport your vehicle with a full gas tank. Keep the tank between an eighth to a quarter full to help the carrier save weight. The car carrier will appreciate that for sure. Before transporting, top off all of the fluids (excluding gas) on the vehicle and inform the driver about any leaks. If your car leaks oil, brake fluid, or transmission fluid, it must be shipped on the bottom of a two deck open trailer to prevent leaks onto the paint of vehicles below.