Congratulations! You’ve made the smart decision to ship your vehicle with Good Transportation Inc. Now that your transport is scheduled, you’re likely wondering what you need to do to get your car ready for its journey.
Proper preparation is a crucial step that ensures a smooth pickup and a stress-free delivery. Following this simple checklist will help protect your vehicle, prevent delays, and give you complete peace of mind.
Step 1: Wash Your Vehicle (and Take Photos!)
This is the most important preparatory step. A clean car makes it easy to spot and document any existing scratches, dents, or dings.
- Wash thoroughly: Give your car a complete wash, inside and out. Pay special attention to the exterior, as a clean surface is essential for the pre-shipment inspection.
- Document everything: Take high-quality, close-up photos of your vehicle from all angles. Capture images of the front, back, both sides, the roof, and the interior. Be sure to photograph any existing damage, no matter how small. This documentation is your key to protecting yourself in the unlikely event of new damage during transit.
Step 2: Remove All Personal and Loose Items
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits carriers from transporting household goods and personal items within a vehicle. This is a critical rule for both safety and insurance reasons.
- Clear the interior: Remove all personal belongings, including clothing, electronics, CDs, money, and personal documents.
- Empty the trunk: The trunk must be empty of all items. This includes spare parts, tools (unless factory-installed), and luggage.
- Remove after-market accessories: Take off any removable accessories that are not factory-installed, such as GPS units, toll transponders, dash cams, and custom racks.
Important Note: Some carriers may allow a small amount of luggage in the trunk, but this is at their discretion and is not covered by the carrier’s insurance. To avoid any issues, it is always best to ship a completely empty car.
Step 3: Check for and Secure Loose Parts
To prevent damage during loading, unloading, and transit, you must secure any loose parts on your vehicle.
- Antennas: Retract or remove any non-permanent antennas. If it is a fixed antenna, inform the driver so they can take extra care.
- Spoilers and Ground Effects: Ensure any spoilers, running boards, or custom body kits are securely attached.
- Convertible Tops: Make sure all convertible tops are latched and securely fastened to the vehicle.
- Windows and Sunroof: Ensure all windows and sunroofs are fully closed and sealed.
Step 4: Perform a Basic Vehicle Check
Your vehicle will be subject to varying temperatures and road conditions, even when securely on a carrier. A quick check of these essentials can prevent problems down the line.
- Check the fluids: Top off your antifreeze and other fluids, and make sure there are no visible leaks.
- Fuel Level: The carrier needs a working vehicle to drive on and off the truck. Make sure your gas tank is no more than a quarter-full. This reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and helps the carrier adhere to weight regulations.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated. This helps with the loading and unloading process.
- Battery: Make sure your battery is fully charged. If your vehicle won’t start, it could lead to extra fees for using a winch.
Step 5: Prepare Necessary Documentation
While not a physical preparation of the car itself, this step is vital for a smooth pickup.
- Provide Keys: You must provide one complete set of keys for your vehicle.
- Be Ready for the Bill of Lading (BOL): The driver will present a Bill of Lading, which is the official contract and inspection report. You and the driver will walk around the vehicle together, noting all existing damage. This is where your photos from Step 1 are essential. Once you are both in agreement, you will sign this document.
Your Final Checklist Before the Driver Arrives
- [ ] Vehicle is washed and clean
- [ ] Photos and videos of the exterior and interior have been taken
- [ ] All personal items have been removed from the interior and trunk
- [ ] All loose parts (antennas, etc.) have been secured
- [ ] Gas tank is ¼ full or less
- [ ] Battery is charged
- [ ] All windows and sunroof are closed
- [ ] Keys are ready to be handed over
By following these simple steps, you ensure that your vehicle is ready for a safe and efficient journey. At Good Transportation Inc., we are committed to providing a seamless shipping experience. We look forward to getting your vehicle to its destination safely and on time!