What Should I Check Before & After Car Shipping?

Shipping a car doesn’t have to be as hard as putting a newborn to bed. You should know that it isn’t as simple as handing over the keys and hoping for the best, as you may think.

It’s a process, and like any process that involves your car, you need the peace of mind knowing things are done right. Knowing what to check before and after car shipping can make all the difference in protecting your car, baby, and avoiding surprises and high costs.

Over the years, I’ve moved so many more times then I ever thought and had cars shipped for everything from job reasons to new sports collectors cars. After a few mistakes and a lot of learning from them, I’ve made a checklist that helps make sure the whole process goes smoothly.

Getting your car ready for shipping isn’t just about cleaning it up and saying goodbye. There are a few steps that help protect your car and make the job easier and cheaper for your wallet.

1. Clean the Car (Inside and Out- No Skimping)

It sounds a bit overkill, but washing your car before shipment isn’t just for good looks. A clean car lets you spot and document all the existing dents, scratches, or paint chips before it gets loaded onto the truck. Trust me, it’s much easier to notice a new scratch when your car isn’t covered in dirt and dust.

Don’t forget the inside too. Beyond getting a nice-smelling car back at the delivery point, it’s about safety.  Take out all your personal things, electronics, and anything that’s not attached. Items left inside can move around during the transport and damage the interior or go missing.

2. Take Close-Up Photos of Your Car For Proof

This is one of the most important steps to prove what you say is true. Before the carrier arrives, take clear and time-stamped photos of your car from all angles- thanks iPhone for the auto time stamp feature. Get those million close-ups, take different angles of the bumpers, wheels, roof, and under the doors.

If your car has existing damage, take photos of it from multiple angles so you can see if things haven’t got worse. Even a small scratch can get deeper from the move.

These photos become your first line of truth and proof if something goes wrong and you need to make a claim. True story- I once noticed a small but visible scratch after delivery that wasn’t there at pickup. Because I had photos taken just minutes before it was loaded, the shipping company processed the damage claim without a fight.

3. Check for Leaks and Other Issues

Carriers aren’t mechanics, and they’re not responsible for problems unless they’re caused by the shipping itself. Before shipping, do a basic inspection with someone who understands cars-check for oil leaks, transmission fluid and water levels, coolant, and battery charge.

If your car isn’t running properly, tell the shipping company in advance. Cars that won’t start need special loading equipment, and failing to disclose this can result in unexpected fees or a cancelled pickup at the last second.

4. Empty the Gas Tank (to About a Quarter Full)

You don’t need a full tank for a car that’s being shipped—it’s not driving across the country and the extra gas will just add weight. Most companies recommend keeping the fuel level at about a quarter. That’s enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight to the trailer.

Some carriers will actually charge extra if your tank is more than half full. Check your shipping contract and take a little out if needed. It’s one of those details that’s easy to forget but can save you from last-minute extra fees.

5. Turn Off Alarms and Remove Toll Features

This is a small thing that makes a big difference. Disable any alarm system your car has so it doesn’t go off during transport. Drivers can’t stop mid-haul just to deal with an alarm system going off.

Toll passes removal is a pro tip. These can get scanned accidentally during transit, and you don’t want to be hit with unnecessary charges for tolls your car technically didn’t drive through.

6. Confirm Shipping Details with the Carrier

Before the day of pickup, confirm all the details with your carrier. Double-check the pickup time, delivery address, the name of the driver, and their contact information.

Make sure you have a copy of the Bill of Lading ready and understand what to expect at pickup. If you aren’t meeting the driver rather a point of contact is- be sure this is sorted ahead of time.

Once your car arrives, the inspection doesn’t stop it’s only just begun. This is the time to be thorough, even if the driver seems like they’re in a hurry don’t rush.

1. Inspect the Car Carefully Before Signing Anything

The moment your car is unloaded, you should walk around it with the driver and inspect it the same way you did at pickup. Compare the vehicle’s condition to your original photos and the notes from the Bill of Lading.

Don’t rush- really. Take your time to look for dents, scratches, paint chips, or anything that looks new. Pay attention to the bumpers and roof—these areas often get overlooked during quick inspections. Check the bottom plastic isn’t falling off.

If you notice damage, don’t sign the delivery form until it’s documented. Write it directly on the Bill of Lading and take photos. The driver will need to acknowledge and sign off on the damage, and you can then follow up with a claim.

2. Check Under the Car and Around the Tires

Don’t just focus on the obvious body of the car. Take a look under the car for leaks or loose parts. Check that the tires are still inflated properly and that there’s no damage to the rims.

You’d be surprised how often small problems go unnoticed until weeks later, when they’re harder to prove were caused during shipping and then cost the owner thousands to repair.

3. Start the Car and Test Key Parts

Once the car is off the trailer, start it up and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises, and test the brakes, lights, horn, windows, and air conditioning. Make sure the speedometer isn’t jumping. This gives you a chance to catch any issues while the driver is still with you.

Even though mechanical problems aren’t always the carrier’s responsibility, it’s good to note anything that seems off right away. If something’s not right, you might be able to connect it to how the car was handled during loading or unloading.

4. Review the Paperwork

Once you’re satisfied with how the car arrived in one piece, go over the final paperwork and keep copies for your records. Make sure the delivery time, driver’s name, and condition notes match what you see.

This is your chance to clarify anything before signing off. If your car arrived late, was rerouted, or required unexpected changes, get those details in writing and try to save a few bucks.

5. Leave a Review 

After the car madness is completed, think about leaving a review for the company. It helps others who are looking for trusted car shippers, and it also keeps good companies accountable. Mention specific things that went well or not so well and be honest- think about what you would want to hear.

Shipping a car can be simple- with the right prep and a solid inspection at both ends, you can avoid most of the things that trip up first-timers. Treat the process like you would a rental car inspection, be observant, take photos, and document everything with time stamps.

The more thorough you are before and after shipping, the less likely you’ll run into surprises or have trouble resolving any issues. In the end- take a deep breath and double check everything.