Your vehicle's condition during transport depends almost entirely on what you do before pickup and after delivery. Skipping maintenance checks and prep work can cost you thousands in repairs—and void shipping insurance claims. Here's exactly what to do.
Pre-Shipping Vehicle Inspection
Before your car loads onto the carrier, perform a thorough walk-around and document its current state. Take photos and video from multiple angles, noting any existing dents, scratches, fluid leaks, or mechanical issues. This creates a baseline so you can dispute any damage claims later.
Check your:
- Tire condition and pressure (underinflated tires can fail during 1,000+ mile hauls)
- Fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer)
- Battery (weak batteries can die during long stationary periods on carriers)
- Brakes (squeaking or soft pedal means repair before shipping)
- Glass and mirrors (any cracks will worsen with vibration)
- Lights (confirm headlights, taillights, and turn signals all work)
Document everything in writing with timestamps. If the shipping company disputes damage later, your pre-transport photos are your proof.
Mechanical Repairs to Complete Before Transport
Some repairs are non-negotiable before shipping. A vehicle with mechanical issues can damage the carrier, injure drivers, or strand you with a non-functional car at delivery.
Don't ship a car with:
- A failing transmission or engine (risk of fluid leaks damaging other vehicles)
- Soft or spongy brakes (driver liability on ramps and highways)
- A dead or weak battery (won't start at delivery, strands the driver)
- Severe suspension damage (vehicle may scrape or drag on the carrier)
- Leaking fuel or transmission fluid (environmental liability and damage risk)
Budget $200–$500 for a pre-transport mechanic inspection if you're unsure. Most shops charge $100–$150/hour and can flag issues in 1–2 hours. This small cost beats paying deductibles or repair bills later.
Prep Work: Interior & Exterior
Remove or secure all loose items inside the vehicle. Anything in the cabin—phone chargers, toll passes, air fresheners, seat covers—can shift during transport and damage the interior.
Empty the glove compartment and center console. Don't leave registration papers, insurance docs, or valuables inside; take them with you.
Wash the exterior before pickup. A clean car makes it easier to spot new damage at delivery. Dirt and grime can hide scratches and swirls introduced during transport.
Check fuel level. Most carriers require 1/4 tank minimum (enough to move the car on/off the trailer safely) but not more than 1/2 tank (weight and safety). Running on empty forces the driver to refuel at their expense, and they'll bill you.
Steps Before Delivery
When your car arrives, perform another inspection immediately—ideally with the driver present.
Compare the vehicle against your pre-transport photos. Check for:
- New dents, scratches, or paint chips
- Cracked windows or damaged trim
- Fluid leaks underneath
- Interior damage or missing items
Take dated photos again. If you spot damage, note it on the carrier's delivery receipt before signing. Most carriers give you 24–72 hours to report damage officially; after that, claims become harder to file.
Post-Delivery Maintenance Checklist
After long-distance transport, your vehicle needs attention:
- Check all fluid levels and top off if needed (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering)
- Inspect tires for proper pressure and damage from highway miles
- Test all lights, wipers, and electronics to ensure nothing was jarred loose
- Drive carefully for the first 50 miles, letting brakes and suspension settle
- Schedule a mechanic visit within one week if the car sat unused for over 30 days (battery check, fluid inspection, compression test)
Budget $150–$300 for a post-delivery inspection. Most shops will charge around $100–$150 for diagnostics plus any fluid top-offs needed.
Insurance & Documentation
Review your auto shipping insurance coverage before pickup. Standard carrier liability typically covers $0.50 per pound of damage—roughly $5,000 for a 10,000 lb car. If your vehicle is worth $20,000+, consider additional coverage (usually $200–$400 for full-value protection).
Keep all shipping documents, photos, and mechanic reports together. When comparing auto shipping providers on Mercoly, you can verify their insurance limits and complaint history with past customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I leave my car with a full tank before shipping? No—carriers require 1/4 to 1/2 tank only. Full tanks add weight, pose safety risks, and can leak during transport.
Q: How long after delivery should I get a mechanic inspection? Within one week is ideal, especially if the car sat idle for over 30 days. Long transport can expose battery, fluid, or suspension issues.
Q: What if I spot damage after the driver leaves? Most carriers allow 24–72 hours for damage claims. Contact them immediately with photos; delays make claims harder to process.
Compare trusted auto shipping providers on Mercoly to find transparent insurers and carriers with solid track records.