8 Easy Tips to Get Your Car Ready For Shipping

8 Easy Tips to Get Your Car Ready For Shipping

Getting your car ready for shipping is an integral part of a successful car transport. Lack of preparation before shipping may cause issues with your pickup or delivery, which may have been avoidable. It is vital that your vehicle can roll and be steered if it’s inoperable. Be sure to tell this to the broker so he can locate a carrier that is skilled in handling vehicles that don’t operate. To avoid any mishaps, stress or confusion down the line, we’ve prepared a simple checklist to help you get your car ready for shipping. 

Prepare your car for shipping

  1. Wash your car. This will help you determine the condition of your vehicle before shipping. This also makes it easier to identify any dents and chipped paint.

  2. Repair or inform the driver of any leaks before shipping to avoid fluid leakage.
    Ensure your car’s tires are properly inflated to help the car roll easily and prevent any damage to the rims during car transport.
  3. Leave no more than ¼ of gas in the tank to avoid the risk of flammable gas. If you’re moving your car through a roll on, roll off method, this is mandatory in order to move the vehicle on and off the vessel.

     

  4. Remove unsecured items from the inside of your automobile to prevent them being tossed around during shipping.

     

  5. Remove aftermarket items like roof racks and antennas to avoid breakage.

     

  6. Disable your car alarm or inform the carrier’s driver as to its operation.

     

  7. Give one set of keys to the driver and keep a spare for yourself. Do not give both sets of keys to the carrier.

 

Getting your car ready for shipping is as simple as following the steps above. In addition to these steps, your driver will also conduct a pre-trip inspection before leaving with your vehicle to make note of the car’s condition.

Are you ready to ship your car? Call us to get a quote at 866.620.1776 or fill out the form linked here.

Share on social media:

Request A Quote

(866) 620-1776
Get A Quote

Trusted Brands

Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.