Shipping your car across the country sounds simple until you realize how much can go wrong. A few hours of preparation now can save you thousands in damage claims, missed deadlines, and carrier disputes later. Here's exactly what you need to do before your vehicle hits the road.
Document Your Vehicle's Current Condition
Before the carrier arrives, photograph and video-record your car from every angle—front, back, sides, roof, undercarriage, and interior. Zoom in on existing dents, scratches, or wear marks so you have proof of what was already there. Take photos of the odometer reading and fuel level too.
Write down your vehicle's current mileage, any mechanical issues, and the condition of tires and lights. This documentation protects you if the shipping company disputes damage claims later. Most carriers will inspect the vehicle themselves, but your independent record is your insurance policy.
Clean Out Personal Items and Loose Parts
Remove everything from inside your car—phones, documents, valuables, spare change, and personal belongings. Most auto transport companies explicitly exclude liability for items left in vehicles, and items can shift during transit and cause interior damage.
Check the trunk, glove compartment, and under seats. Loose items like floor mats, jumper cables, or aftermarket accessories should be removed or secured. If you're shipping a classic or modified vehicle with custom parts, remove them and transport them separately.
Address Mechanical and Fluid Issues
Your vehicle needs to be in running condition for most carriers, though non-operational transport is available (usually at 20–40% higher cost). Check that your car starts reliably, brakes work properly, and there are no active warning lights on the dashboard.
Top off all fluids—oil, coolant, windshield washer, and brake fluid. A low battery or half-tank of fuel won't stop a carrier, but either can complicate loading and unloading. Confirm your tire pressure matches manufacturer specifications; underinflated tires increase fuel consumption during transit and can contribute to damage.
If you know about existing mechanical problems, disclose them to the carrier in writing. This prevents disputes and allows them to handle transport appropriately.
Disable Alarms and Prepare Electronics
If your vehicle has a sensitive car alarm, provide the carrier with the disarm code or instructions. Alarms trigger frequently during loading, transit, and unloading—constant false alarms wear on batteries and frustrate drivers. Some carriers charge extra if they have to manually disconnect batteries because of unmanageable alarms.
Disable any engine immobilizers or steering locks if your vehicle has them, and leave the keys with the driver (most carriers request this). If you have a smart key fob, keep a spare—handing your primary key to a stranger isn't necessary.
Choose Your Shipping Method and Confirm Details
Decide between open-air transport (cheaper, typically $800–$1,500 for cross-country) and enclosed transport (protects from weather and debris, usually $1,200–$2,500). Most vehicles ship via open carriers, but luxury, classic, or high-value cars benefit from enclosed options.
Confirm the pickup and delivery windows with your carrier in writing. Most offer 1–2 week windows rather than exact dates. Ask about their damage waiver coverage and whether it's included in your quoted price.
Arrange Accessibility on Pickup and Delivery Days
Confirm someone can be present when the carrier arrives. You'll need to sign documents, authorize the driver to move your vehicle, and verify its condition. If you can't be there, authorize a trusted friend or family member in advance.
Ensure the pickup location has easy carrier access—no narrow alleys, low-hanging power lines, or tight turns that could delay or prevent pickup. Same goes for your delivery address. If access is limited, let your carrier know beforehand so they can plan accordingly.
Final Walk-Through
The day before pickup, walk around your vehicle one more time. Retake photos if anything has changed. Verify your tires are properly inflated and your battery is in good condition. Leave a quarter-tank of fuel minimum so the carrier can move the vehicle if needed.
If you're using a broker or comparison platform like Mercoly to find and evaluate shipping providers, finalize your booking at least a week before your preferred pickup date. This gives carriers time to schedule and coordinate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I ship a vehicle that won't start? Yes, but expect to pay 20–40% more for non-operational transport, and confirm the carrier offers this service before booking—not all do.
Q: What happens if the carrier damages my car during transport? Most carriers carry liability insurance, but coverage limits vary (typically $0.10–$0.50 per pound of vehicle weight). Your documented pre-transport photos are critical for proving carrier-caused damage versus pre-existing wear.
Q: How much should I budget for shipping my car across the country? Open transport typically costs $800–$1,500, while enclosed transport runs $1,200–$2,500 depending on distance, vehicle size, and current fuel prices. Get quotes from 3–5 carriers before committing.
Ready to ship? Compare trusted auto transport providers and get transparent quotes on Mercoly.