Guidance, When You Need it.

Preparing Your Vehicle

for Transport

ring volume

Speak with a live specialist today

plus sign

16

Years Delivering Results

plus sign

30K

Animal Carriers

plus sign

125

Logistics Experts

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
    In 2022, trucks transported approximately 65% of American freight, which amounted to more than 13.1 billion freight tonnage.

    11 Steps to Get Ready:

    1

    Wash Your Vehicle

    Thoroughly wash your vehicle before it’s picked up. This will uncover any visible damage at the time of pick up.

    2

    Adjust Gas Level

    Run your gas tank to a quarter full. Do not leave a full tank of gas in the car.

    3

    Record Existing Dings

    Make a written record of any chips, dents, scratches, or other damage on the car. The driver will also provide you a copy of his own inspection report.

    Nationwide Transport Services Logo

    We’re here to handle all your transport needs

    Each transport, from vehicles to superloads, is handled by a highly trained
    shipping specialist. Contact our team today for smooth shipment and delivery!

    4

    Note Damages

    When the vehicle arrives at its destination, do a thorough inspection again and note any damages on the bill of lading. The carrier will not accept any claim if it is not noted on the bill of lading.

    5

    Photograph Your Car

    Take pictures of the vehicle from several angles as well as close-up shots of any damage and make sure they’re date stamped.

    6

    A Proper Inspection

    If there are circumstances at delivery that you are not able to make a thorough inspection, ie., delivery late at night, raining, or vehicle is too dirty to inspect, make sure you note that on the BOL stating that you are unable to do a proper inspection and will inspect within 24 hours and report any transport damage immediately.

    Lowboy trailers offer different flexibility, which makes for easy loading and offloading and can adapt to heavier loads.
    7

    Review Bill of Lading

    Verify all damages the driver reports in the inspection report on both pickup and delivery before signing any paperwork. You should receive a copy of the bill of lading with your signature on it confirming the damages noted at the pick-up and delivery.

    8

    Remove Toll Devices

    Remove any Toll Tags or Parking Passes from the vehicle. These items could be charged continually on the way to their destination.

    9

    Clear the Inside

    Remove any personal items from the vehicle. Do not store personal items in the vehicle. All personal items left in the vehicles will not be covered by insurance, if you wish to ship personal items, please speak with your shipping agent ahead of time to discuss your options.

    Nationwide Transport Services Logo

    Expertise You Can Trust

    Need specialized logistics services?
    Our expert logistics agents have the solutions you need.

    16+ years

    23,000+ Carriers Nationwide

    10

    Paying the Carrier

    Once you’ve reviewed the vehicle and signed the bill of lading accepting the car, the carrier is required to provide a 2nd signed bill of lading to you. Do not pay the carrier unless you have the bill of lading in hand.

    11

    Cash on Delivery

    If transport is cash-on-delivery, make sure you have cash on hand or a certified check in the name of the carrier. Carrier will not accept personal checks or credit cards.
    For more information on preparing your car for transport, visit AutoTransport.com: https://autotransport.com/preparing-for-transport/

    A super-b trailer or B-train is the ideal trailer for efficiently shipping large volumes of heavy goods.

    Nationwide Transport Services Logo

    Reliable Transport Starts Here

    Our specialists manage vehicles, containers, heavy machinery, superloads and much more with precision and utmost care. Let's plan your transport.

    ring volume

    Speak with a live specialist

    Popular Services

    Freight truck

    Freight Shipping

    Semi truck hauling made easy — from pickup to drop-off, we've got you.
    Read More right arrow
    Transporting oversize load

    Heavy Haul

    Expertly planned oversize transport from paperwork to delivery.
    Read More right arrow
    Auto transportation

    Auto Transport

    Sedans to SUVs, we move your car anywhere, even Alaska and Hawaii.
    Read More right arrow
    Container shipping

    Container Shipping

    Quality container transport, tailored for you.
    Read More right arrow
    Flatbed truck

    Flatbed Trucking

    Reliable flatbed transport for your heaviest gear-nationwide.
    Read More right arrow
    International Export services

    International Export

    Port to port, we move cargo and handle customs
    Read More right arrow

    Popular Articles

    Understanding Accessorial Charges in Freight Shipping

    When it comes to freight shipping, the primary focus for most businesses is to ensure their goods travel safely and...

    Read More right arrow

    Freight Shipping Insurance: Protecting Your Cargo From Loss or Damage

    When it comes to freight shipping, the primary focus for most businesses is to ensure their goods travel safely and...

    Read More right arrow