How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

A few minutes of prep before pickup makes the whole transport go more smoothly and gives you a cleaner condition record. Here’s what actually matters.

The short checklist

• Wash it. A clean vehicle makes the pickup inspection accurate — existing scratches and chips are easy to document, so there’s no confusion at delivery.
• Quarter tank of fuel. Enough to load and unload, not so much that you’re hauling extra weight.
• Remove personal items from view. Up to 200 lbs of personal items is allowed free in the trunk or cargo area, below the window line — see the full policy. Clear the cabin.
• Take out toll transponders. They’ll rack up charges riding through toll gantries on the trailer.
• Note anything mechanical. If it won’t start, has a dead battery, or doesn’t roll/steer/brake, tell us in advance — inoperable vehicles need the right equipment.
• Fold in mirrors, retract antennas, disable alarms.
• Photograph your car from all angles the day of pickup. You’ll get an inspection record too, but your own photos never hurt.

At pickup

You (or another adult 18+) meet the driver, walk around the vehicle together, and sign the Bill of Lading documenting its condition. Here’s how inspections and the BOL work →

At delivery

Inspect again before signing. Note any new damage on the delivery BOL before you sign it. That signed document is your record.

That’s it. Clean car, little fuel, no loose items, honest condition notes.

Ready to ship? Get your Auto Rocket price →