A little preparation the day before pickup makes car shipping smoother and protects you if something goes wrong. Here is the checklist we give every shipper.
A week before pickup
- 1Book with enough time. One to two weeks ahead gives carriers time to plan your car into a trip and usually gets a better price.
- 2Choose open or enclosed. Open transport suits most cars. Choose enclosed for classic, exotic or freshly painted cars.
- 3Tell the truth about the car. If it does not run, has a lowered suspension or oversized tires, say so when you post. The carrier may need a winch or a special ramp.
The day before pickup
- 4Wash the car. Dirt hides scratches and dents. A clean car makes the inspection accurate.
- 5Take photos of every side, the roof, the wheels and the odometer, with the date. Note any damage that is already there.
- 6Remove personal items. Carriers' cargo insurance usually does not cover belongings left in the car, and extra weight can cost more. Ask before you leave anything in the trunk.
- 7Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Enough to drive on and off the trailer, without extra weight.
- 8Remove toll tags and parking passes, or the car may pay tolls as it rides through toll gantries on the trailer.
- 9Turn off the alarm, or tell the driver how to switch it off.
- 10Secure or remove loose parts: bike racks, roof boxes, custom spoilers, removable antennas. Fold the mirrors, and close a convertible top tightly.
- 11Check the car itself: battery charged, tires inflated, no leaks. A carrier can refuse a car that leaks fluid onto the cars below it.
At pickup and delivery
- 12Inspect the car with the driver at pickup and at delivery, and make sure every existing mark is written on the inspection report (bill of lading) before you sign. Give the driver one set of keys.
On Carvelo AI the driver takes a four-angle photo inspection at pickup and at delivery, and you see the photos on your order page. At delivery, check your car before you give the driver your Delivery Code: the code confirms the delivery and releases the payment to the carrier. If you find new damage, take photos, note it on the report and contact the carrier's insurance; we send you the carrier's insurance details and the inspection photos.
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Get my priceQuestions, answered
Can I put things in my car when I ship it?+
Ask the carrier first. Many allow a small amount in the trunk, but belongings are usually not covered by the carrier's insurance, and the car must stay under the trailer's weight limit.
How much gas should be in a car for shipping?+
About a quarter tank. It is enough to load and unload the car, and keeps the weight down.
Do I need to be there at pickup and delivery?+
You or someone you trust should be there to hand over the keys and sign the inspection report. Give the carrier the name and phone number of that person when you book.