Table of contents
Quick answer
Before pickup: book with a verified company, wash and photograph the car, remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank and have one key ready. At pickup: inspect with the driver and sign the bill of lading only when it's accurate. At delivery: inspect again, note any new damage before signing, pay the agreed balance and keep your copies.
When you book
- Compare quotes for the same route, dates, vehicle and transport type
- Look up the company's USDOT or MC number
- Get the total price, deposit and refund terms in writing
- Confirm the pickup window and delivery estimate
- Ask who the carrier is and for its insurance certificate
- Confirm how and when the balance is paid
- Share pickup and delivery contacts who will answer the phone
The week before pickup
- Wash the car inside and out
- Photograph every side, the roof, wheels, glass, interior and odometer
- Remove personal items, chargers and loose objects
- Remove toll tags and parking passes
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel
- Check tire pressure and battery charge
- Note any leaks or mechanical issues for the driver
- Disable or tell the driver about car alarms
- Fold mirrors and secure or remove spoilers and racks
- Prepare one key and keep the rest
Pickup day
- Keep your phone on for the driver's call
- Meet at a spot a large truck can reach
- Check the driver's company matches the assigned carrier
- Walk around the car with the driver
- Check every existing mark is on the condition report
- Confirm the odometer reading is recorded
- Sign the bill of lading only when it's accurate
- Keep your copy and the driver's phone number
While the car is on the road
- Keep your photos and bill of lading in a safe place
- Keep your car insurance active
- Ask for updates if the delivery estimate changes
- Arrange someone to receive the car if you'll be away
- Have the balance ready in the agreed payment form
Delivery day
- Inspect the car in good light before signing
- Compare each panel with your pickup photos
- Check the roof, lower edges, wheels and glass
- Start the car and check the odometer and warning lights
- Write any new damage on the bill of lading
- Photograph any damage and the signed bill of lading
- Pay the agreed balance and get a receipt
- Keep all documents until any claim is settled
After delivery
- Reattach toll tags and put your belongings back
- Check tire pressure and fluids before a long drive
- Send any damage claim in writing with photos and an estimate
- Leave a review for the company and the driver
- If you moved, register the car within your new state's deadline
Documents to keep together
| Document | Keep until |
|---|---|
| Order or contract | The car is delivered and paid for |
| Deposit and balance receipts | Any refund or dispute is settled |
| Bill of lading (pickup and delivery) | Any claim is settled |
| Pickup and delivery photos | Any claim is settled |
| Carrier insurance certificate | Any claim is settled |
Order or contract
- Keep until
- The car is delivered and paid for
Deposit and balance receipts
- Keep until
- Any refund or dispute is settled
Bill of lading (pickup and delivery)
- Keep until
- Any claim is settled
Pickup and delivery photos
- Keep until
- Any claim is settled
Carrier insurance certificate
- Keep until
- Any claim is settled
Extra checks for special vehicles
| Vehicle | Also check |
|---|---|
| Car that doesn't run | Tell the shipper in advance; confirm the wheels roll, steer and brake |
| Electric vehicle | Follow the maker's advice on charge level for transport |
| Classic or luxury car | Consider enclosed transport; note any fragile trim |
| Lifted or modified truck | Give exact height and any aftermarket parts |
| Convertible | Secure the top and check for leaks before pickup |
Car that doesn't run
- Also check
- Tell the shipper in advance; confirm the wheels roll, steer and brake
Electric vehicle
- Also check
- Follow the maker's advice on charge level for transport
Classic or luxury car
- Also check
- Consider enclosed transport; note any fragile trim
Lifted or modified truck
- Also check
- Give exact height and any aftermarket parts
Convertible
- Also check
- Secure the top and check for leaks before pickup
Stop and call the company if…
- The truck or driver's company doesn't match the carrier on your order
- The driver asks for more than the agreed balance
- You're asked to sign a blank or incomplete bill of lading
- Someone asks for payment by wire, gift card or cryptocurrency
- The driver won't let you inspect the car before signing
Frequently asked questions
Can I print this car shipping checklist?
Yes. Use the Print button on this page or your browser's print option to get a clean copy without the menus.
How much gas should I leave in the car?
About a quarter tank is enough for loading and unloading while keeping the car light.
Can I leave things in my car?
Most carriers allow little or nothing, and their insurance usually doesn't cover personal items.
Items in your carDo I give the driver my keys?
Yes, one working key that opens the doors and trunk. Keep the others.
What should I check at delivery?
Compare the car with your pickup photos panel by panel, check the roof and lower edges, and note any new damage on the bill of lading before signing.
What if I can't be there for pickup or delivery?
Choose someone you trust, give them your photos and this checklist, and tell the company their name and number in advance.
Should I turn off my car alarm?
If you can, yes. Otherwise tell the driver how to switch it off, since alarms can go off on the truck.
How many photos should I take before shipping?
Enough to show every side, the roof, wheels, glass, interior and odometer, plus close-ups of any existing damage. Dozens is normal.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
