Preparing your vehicle before transportation can help make the shipping process smoother.
Whether you’re shipping a car from Melbourne, FL, to another state or moving a vehicle within Florida, taking a few simple steps before pickup can help prevent unnecessary complications.
Here’s a practical preparation checklist.
1. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal belongings from the passenger compartment, trunk, glove box, and other storage areas.
Valuable, fragile, or important personal items should not be left inside the vehicle during transportation.
2. Clean the Vehicle
A clean vehicle makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, and other visible imperfections.
A basic exterior wash can be enough to make the vehicle easier to inspect.
3. Photograph the Vehicle
Take clear photographs of the vehicle before pickup.
Photograph:
- Front
- Rear
- Left side
- Right side
- Wheels
- Bumpers
- Windows
- Roof
- Existing scratches
- Existing dents
- Other visible damage
Keep these photographs until delivery is complete.
4. Disclose Mechanical Problems
Inform the transportation provider about mechanical or operational problems before pickup.
Examples may include:
- Vehicle does not start
- Vehicle cannot move under its own power
- Flat tires
- Battery problems
- Brake issues
- Steering problems
- Other mechanical concerns
Providing this information in advance helps transportation arrangements account for the vehicle’s condition.
5. Check the Tires
Make sure the vehicle’s tires are properly inflated and in usable condition.
Damaged or severely underinflated tires can make loading and unloading more difficult.
6. Keep Fuel at a Reasonable Level
The vehicle generally does not need a full tank of fuel for transportation.
A reasonable fuel level can reduce unnecessary weight while still allowing the vehicle to be operated when necessary.
Follow any specific instructions provided for your shipment.
7. Remove or Secure Accessories
Consider removing appropriate accessories before transportation.
These may include:
- Roof racks
- Bike racks
- Removable antennas
- Loose exterior accessories
- Other removable equipment
Inform the transportation provider about modifications or accessories that cannot be removed.
8. Prepare Keys and Instructions
Have the necessary keys available for the transporter.
If there are special instructions related to starting, moving, or operating the vehicle, communicate them before pickup.
9. Make Sure the Vehicle Is Accessible
On pickup day, make sure the vehicle is available at the agreed location and time.
For door-to-door service, remember that the carrier needs enough space to safely access the location.
A nearby accessible location may be necessary if the exact address cannot accommodate the carrier.
10. Communicate Special Requirements
Every vehicle is different.
If your vehicle is:
- Modified
- Lowered
- Oversized
- Non-running
- Heavily customized
- Equipped with special components
make sure these details are communicated before transportation.
Accurate information can help prevent unexpected issues at pickup.
Final Vehicle Shipping Checklist
Before pickup, confirm that you have:
- Removed personal belongings
- Cleaned the vehicle
- Photographed the exterior
- Documented existing damage
- Disclosed mechanical issues
- Checked tire condition
- Removed unnecessary accessories
- Prepared the keys
- Confirmed pickup details
- Reviewed transportation instructions
Final Thoughts
Vehicle preparation does not have to be complicated.
Taking a little time to prepare your vehicle, document its condition, and communicate special requirements can help make the shipping experience more organized.
Whether you choose open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, or state-to-state shipping, AutoNest Auto Shipping can help you explore your transportation options.
Contact us today to request a quote for your vehicle.