# How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping: A Complete Checklist
Preparing your vehicle before auto transport can help make pickup, loading, and delivery more organized. Whether you are moving from Florida to another state, purchasing a car from a distant seller, or sending a vehicle to a family member, a few simple steps can help you document its condition and avoid preventable delays.
Motora Auto Transport provides information about open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state vehicle shipping. Use this checklist to prepare your vehicle before pickup.
## 1. Clean the Exterior
Wash the vehicle before pickup when practical. A clean surface makes it easier to identify existing scratches, dents, paint marks, and other visible damage.
The goal is not to make the car look new. It is to make the vehicle’s current condition easier to inspect and record. If the car is covered in dirt or grime, small marks may be difficult to see.
## 2. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal belongings from the cabin, trunk, glove compartment, and other storage areas.
Carriers may prohibit personal items because of weight restrictions, safety considerations, insurance terms, or applicable regulations. Do not assume that items left inside the vehicle will be covered if they are lost or damaged.
Check under the seats and in door pockets. Remove electronics, cash, important documents, valuables, and other items you need to keep with you.
Ask your transport provider in advance whether any items may remain in the car and what restrictions apply.
## 3. Check for Mechanical Issues
Look for obvious fluid leaks and disclose known mechanical problems. Tell the provider if the vehicle has battery issues, damaged tires, brake problems, steering concerns, or other conditions that may affect loading or unloading.
If your car does not start, steer, or brake normally, report this before booking. An inoperable vehicle may require special equipment or additional arrangements.
Be accurate about the vehicle’s condition so the provider can evaluate suitable loading and transportation options.
## 4. Follow Fuel-Level Instructions
Ask the carrier what fuel level is required. Unless you receive different instructions, the usual approach is to leave enough fuel for loading and unloading rather than filling the tank.
Do not remove fuel or handle fuel-system components yourself. Follow the provider’s directions and disclose any unusual fuel-system issues.
## 5. Remove or Secure Loose Accessories
Remove or secure detachable accessories that could come loose during transit, such as removable roof-rack components, loose antennas, or unsecured exterior attachments.
Fold in the mirrors if the vehicle permits it, close windows and the sunroof, and secure a convertible top according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Tell the provider about low ground clearance, oversized tires, lift kits, body kits, or other modifications that may affect loading.
## 6. Prepare the Keys and Alarm System
Provide the keys required to move the vehicle under the agreed transport arrangements. If possible, disable alarms that could activate during handling.
Explain any unusual starting procedure, immobilizer issue, or electronic feature that the driver needs to know about. Keep a spare key at home if one is available.
Never provide unrelated account passwords or unnecessary security information.
## 7. Photograph the Vehicle
Take clear photographs of the front, rear, both sides, and all four corners. Photograph the wheels, windshield, roof, bumpers, and any existing damage.
Keep these photographs with your shipment documents. At pickup, inspect the vehicle with the driver and ensure visible existing damage is recorded on the applicable inspection report or bill of lading.
Retain a copy of the report and any relevant booking confirmation.
## 8. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details
Reconfirm the pickup window, delivery location, contact numbers, and access instructions before the scheduled date.
Large carriers may not be able to enter narrow residential streets, gated communities, steep driveways, or areas with low overhead clearance. If direct access is not possible, ask whether a safe nearby meeting point can be arranged.
Make sure the person responsible for meeting the driver knows the schedule and has the required contact information.
## 9. Review the Insurance and Booking Terms
Before the vehicle is loaded, ask who is responsible for the transportation and whether the company arranging the shipment acts as a broker or motor carrier.
Request information about cargo insurance, coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and claims procedures. Do not assume that every type of damage, mechanical issue, or personal belonging is covered.
Review the quote, payment terms, cancellation conditions, and service agreement. Keep copies of the relevant documents.
## 10. Inspect the Vehicle at Delivery
When the vehicle arrives, inspect it before signing the final delivery documents. Compare its condition with your original photographs and pickup report.
If you identify possible new damage, photograph it, record the details, and notify the driver and responsible transport company promptly. Follow the applicable written claims procedure and keep copies of all relevant records.
## Your Final Vehicle Shipping Checklist
Before pickup, confirm that you have:
* Cleaned the vehicle sufficiently for inspection.
* Removed personal belongings and valuables.
* Disclosed mechanical issues and vehicle modifications.
* Followed the carrier’s fuel-level instructions.
* Secured or removed loose accessories.
* Prepared the required keys and alarm information.
* Photographed the vehicle and documented existing damage.
* Confirmed pickup and delivery arrangements.
* Reviewed payment, cancellation, and insurance terms.
* Saved your booking confirmation and inspection documents.
## Arrange Your Car Shipping With Motora Auto Transport
Preparing in advance can help make vehicle shipping more organized and provide a useful record of your car’s condition.
For information about open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door service, and state-to-state shipping, contact Motora Auto Transport in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Call **(727) 746-5902** or email **[info@motoraautotransport.us](mailto:info@motoraautotransport.us)** to discuss your vehicle, route, and preferred dates. Confirm the preparation instructions and service terms with your transport provider before pickup.