It’s a very good idea to inspect the car on your own before going over it with the driver. This will give you more time to note any existing damage, including dents, nicks and scratches. Take photos of the car inside and out. Allow enough time to have the photos printed before your inspection with your car transport company in case you need to take photos during the transport service’s inspection. Check the driver seat. Before the transport company comes to take your vehicle, be sure the driver seat can freely move all the way forward and back so the driver can fit behind the wheel and/or reach the controls. Make sure your vehicle starts, stops, and rolls as it should. Remove antennas. If it is electrical, lower it. Show the driver how to lower it in case he accidentally raises it. If your antenna can be removed, place the antenna on the floor in front of the passenger seat or in the trunk where you will remember to find it later.Secure or remove any loose parts or specialty items like low hanging spoilers, fog lights, ground effects, bumper guards, and window shades. The more things you have sticking off the car, the more likely that something will get snapped or dinged. If you’re transporting a convertible on an open car carrier, close and secure the top. If you can’t close or seal the top considered enclosed car transport. As the transport drives down the road, air can find its way into any tears or open seams, making them worse or quite possibly ripping the top completely off. Prepare your vehicle for extreme temperature changes. Make sure there’s enough antifreeze in the cooling system.Leave about 1/4 tank of gas in the vehicle. This is enough to load and unload the vehicle and to get you to a gas station when you receive the vehicle. If you are transporting an RV make sure any propane tanks are safely emptied before shipping the vehicle.Make sure the battery is charged, and top off all of the fluids on the vehicle and let the driver know if there are any leaks. Cars leaking oil and especially brake or transmission fluid should never the top of a two deck open trailer. This is to prevent leaks onto the paint of vehicles below.Tires should be inflated to their manufactured recommended pressures, to insure safe loading and unloading.Deactivate, or better yet, disconnect your burglar alarm prior to shipment.Anything of value that is not factory installed should be removed. This includes stereo equipment and speakers, radios, cellular telephones, scanners, radar detectors, CB radios, etc. You will not be compensated and the driver will not assume responsibility for your belongings. EZ-Pass needs to be removed.Ensure you have a complete set of keys available to hand over on shipping day. Provide the driver with all keys; this would include keys to the ignition, doors, trunk, gas cap, alarm, etc. Wash your car thoroughly even if it will be shipped on an open trailer. You want to be able to note any chips, dings, nicks or other cosmetic damage accurately.Remove any personal items from your car. It will not be covered by insurance.Hazardous materials cannot be transported in this manner. This is the law.
Accepting Your Car for Pick Up Auto transport truck drivers often carry cell phones with them. Get the driver’s number - either from them or the company - before you ship your car. This way you’ll always be in contact with your vehicle.Make a complete report of any pre-existing damage your vehicle may have. You may want to go as far as taking pictures (and dating them) of the vehicle prior to shipping it. The condition report or other document used by the car transporter should include: current mileage, pre-existing damage of any type including: glass, scratches, paint, dents, and so on. This report is important in case any disputes arise.Make sure you review the condition report with the driver to insure that you understand the terms for transport. The document is to be signed both by the driver and you. Keep this report and use it when you receive your vehicle.