How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

The week before pickup

Confirm the details on your booking

Check the year, make, model, running condition and any modifications. A car that differs from what was booked is the most common reason a driver cannot load it. If anything has changed, including a battery that died last week, tell us now.

Fix anything that would stop the car loading

The car needs to start, roll and steer, and the brakes need to work well enough to stop on a ramp. Fix slow leaks, top up a weak battery and inflate the tires. If it will not run, that is fine, but it changes the equipment; see inoperable vehicle shipping.

Decide who will be present

You or an authorized adult must meet the driver at each end. Give us the name and mobile number for both pickup and delivery contacts before the carrier is assigned.

Think about access

A loaded car hauler cannot use narrow streets, low bridges, steep driveways or most gated communities. Identify a nearby large parking lot or wide street in case the driver asks to meet there. This is how door-to-door service works in practice.

Two days before: the vehicle

• Wash the exterior so every existing chip, scratch and dent is visible.
• Clean out the interior. Remove valuables, documents, electronics, garage openers and anything loose.
• Reduce fuel to about a quarter tank.
• Remove or secure accessories: roof boxes, bike racks, antennas that do not retract, custom spoilers, loose trim.
• Fold in mirrors if they fold, and retract or remove anything that sticks out.
• Remove toll transponders so the carrier’s route does not bill you.
• Disable the alarm or make sure the driver knows how to silence it.
• Note fluid leaks. Carriers may refuse a car that drips onto vehicles below.
• Check the battery is secure and charged. For an EV, see the charge-level guidance on our electric vehicle page.
• Convertibles: make sure the top closes and latches fully.

Personal items: what the rules actually say

Under our terms, up to 100 pounds of personal items may ride in the trunk or below the window line at no charge, provided they are declared before booking. Carriers may refuse anything over that or charge per additional pound, and undeclared contents can lead to cancellation or extra fees. Two further points matter more than the weight limit:

• Personal items are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance or by Super Auto Transport.
• Carriers are not licensed to move household goods. A car packed with boxes is a problem at weigh stations and for the driver.

Treat the car as a car, not as a moving container.

Pickup day

1. Be reachable. The driver will call when close. Missed calls cost hours.
2. Photograph everything before the truck arrives: all four sides, each corner, roof, wheels, interior and odometer. Make sure the photos carry timestamps.
3. Walk the car with the driver. The driver fills in a condition report on the Bill of Lading. Check that every existing mark you know about is on it and that nothing is recorded that is not there.
4. Sign and keep a copy. Paper or digital, you need your own copy of the Bill of Lading.
5. Hand over one working key. Keep your spare.
6. Record the mileage and fuel level on the form if the driver has not.

Delivery day

1. Inspect before you sign. Compare the car to your pickup photos and the pickup condition report, in good light if at all possible.
2. Write any new damage on the Bill of Lading before signing, and photograph it. Under our terms damage must be noted at delivery and reported within 24 hours; damage reported after an unattended delivery is not accepted.
3. Sign, take your key and keep your copy.
4. Pay any balance due to the carrier in the form stated in your booking confirmation, usually certified funds.

If there is damage, our guide to insurance, the Bill of Lading and claims explains exactly what to do next.

Special cases

• Hawaii and Alaska: no personal items at all, a quarter tank or less, clean undercarriage. Terminals enforce this. See Hawaii and Alaska.
• Classic and exotic cars: note ground clearance, document the car in more detail and confirm the carrier’s coverage limit. See classic and exotic car shipping.
• Lifted and oversized vehicles: measure height, length and width before booking. See oversized vehicle shipping.
• Motorcycles, ATVs, RVs and boats: each has its own preparation steps covered on the relevant service page.

Ready to book?

Get a price on the instant quote calculator or call (208) 500-0400. Once booked, we send the preparation instructions again with your confirmation so nothing is missed.