Table of contents
Quick answer
Wash the car, photograph it from every angle, remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, check for leaks and low tires, disable the alarm, and have your paperwork and keys ready for the driver.
One week before pickup
- Confirm the pickup window and the driver's contact method
- Book a wash, or plan to clean the car yourself
- Schedule any repairs for leaks, brakes or a weak battery
- Find the spare key and any special instructions for your car
- Decide who will hand over the car if you can't be there
Clean and document the car
A clean car makes existing scratches and dents easy to see. That protects you and the driver, because both of you can agree on the car's condition before it's loaded.
- Wash the exteriorDirt can hide chips and scratches.
- Photograph every sideFront, back, both sides, roof, wheels and close-ups of existing damage.
- Record the odometerA photo of the dashboard shows mileage and warning lights.
- Keep the originalsStore photos with their dates in case you need them for a claim.
Remove personal items and accessories
Carriers generally aren't licensed or insured to carry household goods, so items left in the car usually aren't covered and add weight.
- Electronics, documents and valuables
- Toll tags and parking passes (to avoid charges as the truck passes toll booths)
- Loose items in the trunk and cabin
- Custom accessories such as bike racks, roof boxes and spoilers that aren't secure
Mechanical checks
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel: enough to load and unload, not extra weight
- Check tire pressure and fix slow leaks
- Make sure the battery is charged, and charge an EV to a moderate level
- Look for fluid leaks; drivers may refuse a car that's dripping
- Turn off or disable the alarm, and tell the driver how if it can't be switched off
- Fold in mirrors and lower or remove antennas
On pickup day
- Have keys ready for the driver, including a spare if requested
- Walk around the car with the driver and agree on existing damage
- Check the bill of lading lists your car, addresses and condition correctly
- Keep your copy of the signed bill of lading
- Confirm how and when you'll get delivery updates
Frequently asked questions
How much gas should I leave in the car?
About a quarter tank. It's enough for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight.
Do I need to give the driver my keys?
Yes. The driver needs a key to load and unload the car. Keep a spare for yourself if you have one.
What documents do I need to ship a car?
Usually just your booking confirmation and a photo ID at pickup and delivery. Title and registration normally stay with you; some routes and ocean shipments to Hawaii or Alaska need extra paperwork.
Should I wash my car before shipping?
Yes. A clean car makes the pickup inspection accurate, so any new damage at delivery is easy to prove.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
