How to Prep Your Car for Shipping (No Boring Tips Here)
Think shipping a car is just “hand over the keys and forget about it”? Think again. A smooth delivery starts with smart prep. Here’s what most people miss — and what you won’t:
1. Photograph it like you’re listing it on Craigslist
Yes, every angle.
📸 Bumper? Yes.
📸 That tiny scratch from two years ago? Yes.
📸 Odometer? Absolutely.
You’ll thank yourself later if anything shows up that wasn’t there before.
2. Remove the “surprises” from your car
Not because someone will steal them — but because:
- Loose stuff flies around in transport
- Some carriers charge extra for personal items
- Your yoga mat wedged in the door can delay delivery
3. Pro tip: Take “before” photos before you wash the car
Yup. Dirt makes old damage stand out. If you wait till after the wash, they might blame you for dents that were already there. Photos are your shield.
4. Do not fill the gas tank like you’re driving cross-country
¼ tank is all you need.
Your car isn’t going on a road trip — it’s catching a ride.
Less fuel = less weight = lower risk + lower cost.
5. Disable the alarm. Seriously.
No one wants a car screaming at 2AM in a holding yard.
Also, no one wants to jump-start a dead battery at delivery.
Turn it off.
6. Keep a “Car in Transit” folder
Contact info, order number, addresses — all in one place.
Google Keep, a screenshot, whatever. Just don’t be the person texting “Wait — where’s my drop-off address again?”
Final tip:
When your car arrives — inspect it slowly and carefully. Even if the driver is rushing you. Once you sign the delivery slip, it’s game over. Better to take 5 minutes now than deal with insurance calls later.