Free tool
Car shipping checklist
Preparing a car for shipping takes about an hour: wash it, photograph every panel with timestamps, leave a quarter tank, remove toll tags and loose accessories, take out personal items above the window line, hand over one set of keys and inspect at both ends before signing the Bill of Lading. Pick your transport type below for a tailored, printable list.
Updated September 2026
Why each step matters
- Photos and a clean car are your evidence. Damage claims are decided by comparing the pickup and delivery inspections on the Bill of Lading.
- Quarter tank keeps weight down and satisfies carrier safety rules; drivers can refuse a full tank.
- Toll tags read through the trailer and bill you for the truck’s tolls across several states.
- Loose accessories are the most common source of small claims: antennas snap, racks shift, spoilers crack.
- Personal items are uninsured, add weight, and can get the driver ticketed at weigh stations if they are visible.
Car shipping checklist FAQ
How much fuel should be in the car when it ships?
About a quarter tank. Enough to drive on and off the trailer and to a gas station at delivery; a full tank adds up to 100 lb and is a fire safety concern on the trailer.
Can I leave things in the trunk?
Most carriers allow up to about 100 lb of soft items below the window line at your own risk. They are not covered by cargo insurance, and federal rules prohibit hazardous materials, firearms and perishables.
Do I need to be there at pickup?
You or someone over 18 you authorize must be present to sign the Bill of Lading and hand over the keys. Give the broker that booked your shipment their name and phone in advance.
What if my car does not run?
Tell the dispatcher exactly what works: rolls, steers, brakes. A winch truck handles a car that rolls; one that does not needs a flatbed and costs more. Misdescribing the condition leads to a dry-run fee.
Should I wash the car first?
Yes. A clean car lets the driver record every existing chip and scratch on the pickup inspection, which protects you if new damage appears at delivery.
What paperwork should travel with a car moving to a new state?
Keep the registration in the car and carry the title, your insurance card and the Bill of Lading yourself. The new state asks for the title and in-state insurance when you register, and its deadline can start before the car arrives; see how long you have to register a car in a new state.
