Before pickup day
- Wash the car — dirt hides existing chips and scratches from the inspection
- Leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel: enough to load and unload, not extra weight
- Remove toll transponders and parking passes so they are not charged in transit
- Fold or remove aftermarket antennas, and retract or secure loose trim
- Photograph the car from all four corners, the roof and the odometer, dated
- Check for fluid leaks and tell your dispatcher about any — carriers stack vehicles
- Confirm tire pressure and that the battery holds a charge so it can be driven onto the deck
Personal items
Auto transport carriers are licensed to move vehicles, not household goods. Their cargo insurance covers the car, not what is inside it, and added weight affects legal axle limits. Clear the interior, glovebox and trunk, and remove anything mounted to the exterior such as bike or ski racks.
The bill of lading is the important document
At pickup the driver walks the vehicle with you and records existing condition on the bill of lading. Read it before signing, make sure every mark you can see is noted, and keep your copy. This document, together with your dated photos, is the reference for the delivery inspection.
At delivery
Inspect in daylight if you can, and compare against the pickup condition report before signing. If something is not right, note it on the delivery paperwork before the driver leaves — that is what makes a claim straightforward. Then settle any balance with the carrier as agreed at booking.
If you cannot be there
Name a contact in advance who can accept the vehicle, perform the inspection and sign the bill of lading. Give them your pickup photos and the condition report so they know what to compare against.