Before You Ship
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Pickup Day
A little preparation on your end makes pickup day faster and gives you a clear record of your vehicle's condition before it leaves your hands. None of these steps are complicated, but skipping them is the most common reason pickup takes longer than expected or a post-delivery question is hard to resolve. Here's what to do in the days and hours before your carrier arrives.
Clean the vehicle inside and out
A clean car, especially the exterior, makes it dramatically easier to spot and document existing scratches, chips, or dents during the pre-shipment inspection. A dirty vehicle can hide small blemishes, which makes it harder to confirm the vehicle's condition matches the inspection report at delivery. You don't need a full detail, but a basic wash gets the paint visible enough for an accurate walk-around. Clean the interior too if you're leaving any personal items inside, so the inspector isn't working around clutter.
Photograph the vehicle thoroughly
Before the driver arrives, take timestamped photos from all four sides, the roof, the wheels, and any existing damage close up. Photograph the odometer reading and fuel gauge as well. These photos are your own independent record in addition to the official inspection report, and they're useful if any question arises about the vehicle's condition at pickup versus delivery. Store the photos somewhere you can access them later, such as cloud storage or email, not just on the phone you might misplace.
Check for and document existing damage
Walk around the vehicle deliberately and note anything already present: dents, scratches, cracked glass, worn tires, or interior wear. This isn't about creating problems, it's about making sure the pre-transport inspection report is accurate. When the report and your own photos agree on the vehicle's starting condition, comparing it to the delivery condition is straightforward.
Remove or secure personal belongings
Carriers transport vehicles, not household goods, and any items left inside are not something the carrier is set up to secure or account for. Confirm with your specific carrier what, if anything, is acceptable to leave in the vehicle, and keep expectations modest since practices vary. Remove valuables, electronics, documents, and anything loose that could shift and cause interior damage during transport. Toll transponders should generally be removed or disabled to avoid unexpected charges accumulating during the trip.
Address fuel level and fluids
Most carriers ask for a low but not empty fuel tank, generally a quarter tank or less, since a full tank adds unnecessary weight across a load of multiple vehicles. Check with your carrier for their specific preference. Also check for fluid leaks beforehand; a leaking vehicle can complicate loading and its placement on a multi-car trailer.
Disable alarms and retract accessories
A car alarm that triggers repeatedly during transport is a nuisance for the driver and can drain the battery. Disable or disconnect the alarm if possible, or make sure someone can be reached to give the driver the code if it activates. Fold in side mirrors, retract antennas, and secure or remove any aftermarket spoilers, roof racks, or loose exterior accessories that could be damaged or catch wind during transit.
Check tire pressure and battery
Proper tire pressure makes loading and unloading smoother, especially if the vehicle needs to be driven on and off the trailer. A weak battery can also cause problems if the vehicle needs to be started or moved during transit; if you know your battery is marginal, consider addressing it beforehand or telling the carrier in advance.
Confirm access and be available for pickup
Make sure the pickup location is accessible to a large transport truck; narrow residential streets, low branches, or tight turns can require meeting the driver at a nearby, more accessible location instead. Confirm this in advance rather than discovering it when the truck arrives. Be personally available, or have an authorized person available, to complete the inspection and sign the paperwork at both pickup and delivery.
When you are ready, request a written quote or contact us with questions about your specific vehicle and route.
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC is an auto transport brokerage. We arrange vehicle transportation through qualified motor carriers and coordinate your shipment from quote to delivery — the carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck.
Checklist
Work through this before pickup day
- Wash the exterior: Makes existing damage visible for an accurate inspection.
- Take dated photos: All sides, roof, wheels, odometer, and fuel gauge.
- Remove personal items: Confirm with your carrier what's acceptable to leave inside, if anything.
- Lower the fuel tank: A quarter tank or less is typical; confirm with your carrier.
- Disable the alarm: Or make sure the code is available if it triggers.
- Fold mirrors and secure loose accessories: Protects racks, spoilers, and antennas in transit.
- Check tire pressure and battery: Especially if the vehicle needs to be driven onto the trailer.
- Confirm street access: Check whether a large carrier truck can reach your pickup address.
Questions
Common questions
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