# How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Complete Checklist
Preparing your car before an auto transport carrier arrives can make the shipping process easier to coordinate. Whether you are moving to another state, purchasing a vehicle from a distant seller, or arranging transportation for a family car, a few practical steps can help you prepare for pickup and delivery.
Car Liberty Line Shipping helps customers explore vehicle shipping arrangements from Commerce, California, and other destinations, subject to service availability. Use this checklist to prepare your vehicle, and always follow the specific instructions provided by your transport provider.
## 1. Clean the Vehicle and Take Photos
Wash the exterior before pickup when practical. A clean vehicle makes it easier to see and document existing scratches, dents, paint marks, and other visible conditions.
Take clear photographs from several angles, including the front, rear, sides, wheels, roof if accessible, and any areas with existing damage. Keep these photos with your shipping documents.
At pickup, review the carrier’s inspection report and ensure it accurately records the vehicle’s condition. If you notice a discrepancy, raise it before the vehicle is loaded and retain a copy of the paperwork.
## 2. Remove Personal Belongings
Unless the carrier expressly permits specific items, remove personal belongings from the car before shipping. Items can shift during transit, add weight, or fall outside the carrier’s coverage.
Before pickup:
– Remove clothing, bags, electronics, documents, and valuables.
– Clear the glove compartment, center console, and trunk of loose items.
– Remove toll tags or parking passes if appropriate.
– Secure or remove detachable accessories according to the carrier’s instructions.
– Keep important documents and valuables with you.
Ask the provider about any permitted exceptions in advance rather than assuming that belongings can remain inside the vehicle.
## 3. Report Mechanical Issues
Tell the transport provider whether the vehicle starts, steers, and rolls normally. A non-running car may require special loading equipment or a carrier equipped to handle inoperable vehicles.
Disclose known fluid leaks, damaged tires, steering issues, a dead battery, low ground clearance, and aftermarket modifications. These details can affect the equipment needed and whether the carrier can safely transport the vehicle.
If the vehicle has special operating or loading requirements, explain them when requesting a quote. Accurate information helps avoid unexpected changes to the arrangement.
## 4. Follow Instructions About Fuel, Keys, and Alarms
Ask the carrier what fuel level is appropriate for your shipment. Some carriers request a low fuel level while still requiring enough fuel for loading and unloading. Follow the instructions given for your particular transport.
Provide the necessary keys and explain how the vehicle’s alarm, immobilizer, or other security systems work. Keep a spare key if possible.
For electric and hybrid vehicles, provide the make and model and disclose any relevant battery or operating concerns. Confirm any special instructions with the transport provider before pickup.
## 5. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Access
Check that the pickup and delivery addresses are accurate and that the carrier can safely access both locations. Large transport trucks may not be able to enter narrow streets, low-clearance structures, gated communities, or areas with strict parking restrictions.
If direct access is not possible, coordinate a nearby safe and legal meeting point with the provider. Confirm the contact person’s details, expected time window, parking arrangements, and any gate or access instructions.
Keep your phone available on pickup and delivery day in case the driver needs directions or a schedule update.
## 6. Review the Shipping Agreement
Before confirming your shipment, review the written agreement and clarify:
– The total quoted price and any possible additional charges.
– The payment method and timing.
– The cancellation and refund terms.
– The estimated pickup and delivery windows.
– The carrier’s responsibilities and applicable insurance or cargo coverage.
– The procedure for reporting vehicle damage.
Ask who will physically transport the vehicle and which company or party you should contact with questions. Make sure important arrangements are documented in writing.
## 7. Inspect the Vehicle at Delivery
When the vehicle arrives, inspect it in good lighting if possible. Compare its condition with the pickup inspection report and photographs.
If you notice new damage or another discrepancy, take photographs and record the concern on the delivery paperwork before completing the handover, where possible. Follow the applicable carrier claims procedure promptly and retain copies of the documents.
## Your Car Shipping Preparation Checklist
– [ ] Photograph the vehicle and any existing damage.
– [ ] Remove personal belongings and valuables.
– [ ] Report mechanical issues and vehicle modifications.
– [ ] Confirm fuel, key, and alarm instructions.
– [ ] Verify pickup and delivery addresses and access.
– [ ] Read the written agreement and coverage terms.
– [ ] Keep your phone available on pickup day.
– [ ] Inspect the vehicle and retain paperwork at delivery.
## Arrange Your Vehicle Shipment
Preparing in advance can help you coordinate vehicle pickup and delivery more confidently. Contact Car Liberty Line Shipping to discuss your route, vehicle details, and preferred schedule.
**Phone:** (213) 463-1480
**Email:** info@carlibertylineshipping.com
**Website:** https://carlibertylineshipping.com
Provide accurate information and confirm the carrier’s instructions before the scheduled pickup.