Shipping your vehicle can be a simple and convenient way to move a car across town, between states, or across the country. However, taking a few steps to prepare your vehicle before pickup can make the transportation process smoother and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
At EchoPath Auto Transport, we help customers arrange reliable vehicle transportation using convenient shipping options such as open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state auto transport. Here are some important steps to take before your vehicle is picked up.
1. Clean Your Vehicle
Before transportation, wash your vehicle inside and outside. A clean vehicle makes it easier to document its current condition.
Take photographs of the exterior from several angles, including the front, rear, sides, roof, wheels, and any existing scratches or dents. You can also photograph the interior and dashboard.
Make sure the photographs are clear and, if possible, include the date.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove valuable and personal items from the vehicle before shipping. This includes electronics, important documents, jewelry, loose accessories, and other belongings.
Auto transport is intended for transporting the vehicle itself. Personal items may not be covered under the carrier’s cargo insurance and can potentially move around during transportation.
3. Check for Existing Damage
Walk around the vehicle carefully and look for scratches, dents, chips, cracks, and other existing damage.
Document anything you find with photographs. This provides a useful reference when the vehicle arrives at its destination.
4. Check the Vehicle’s Mechanical Condition
Make sure your vehicle can start, steer, and brake unless you have specifically arranged transportation for an inoperable vehicle.
Check the tire pressure and make sure there are no obvious fluid leaks. Let your auto transport provider know about any mechanical problems before pickup.
5. Keep the Fuel Level Reasonable
A completely full fuel tank adds unnecessary weight. A very low fuel level can also create problems if the vehicle needs to be moved during loading or unloading.
A small amount of fuel is generally practical for transportation. Your carrier may provide specific instructions, so follow their requirements.
6. Disable Alarms
If your vehicle has an alarm system, disable it before pickup whenever possible. An alarm that activates during transportation can create unnecessary problems for the driver.
If the alarm cannot be completely disabled, provide instructions to the carrier.
7. Remove or Secure Accessories
Remove loose or easily damaged accessories when possible. Items such as removable antennas, roof accessories, spoilers, bike racks, and custom attachments may require special attention.
Discuss unusual modifications with your auto transport provider before pickup.
8. Have Your Documents Ready
Keep the vehicle’s required documents and keys available according to the carrier’s instructions.
If someone else will release or receive the vehicle for you, make sure they know the pickup or delivery arrangements.
9. Choose the Right Transportation Service
Different vehicles and situations require different transportation options.
Open car transport is commonly selected because it is practical and cost-effective. Enclosed car transport provides additional protection and may be preferred for luxury, classic, exotic, or specialty vehicles.
Door-to-door transportation can provide additional convenience by arranging pickup and delivery as close as reasonably possible to the requested locations.
For longer moves between states, state-to-state auto transport can simplify the process of relocating a vehicle.
10. Communicate Clearly With Your Auto Transport Provider
Provide accurate pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle information, contact details, and any special instructions.
If your neighborhood has narrow streets, low-hanging branches, restricted parking, or other access limitations, mention them in advance. The carrier may need to arrange a nearby safe location for pickup or delivery.
Make Your Vehicle Shipment Easier
Preparing your vehicle properly can help make the transportation process more organized from pickup through delivery.
EchoPath Auto Transport offers open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state auto transport for customers in Henderson, Nevada and beyond.
If you’re planning to ship a vehicle, contact EchoPath Auto Transport at (725) 234-4418 to discuss your transportation needs and get started.