Preparing For Auto Shipping
If you've received your auto shipping estimates and have selected a auto shipping service there are some preparations you need to take before your auto shipping company comes to pick up your auto or when you leave it at the auto shipping service's terminal.
Take these steps ahead of time to minimize potential problems that could arise while your auto is being shipped:
Unless you are shipping a non-operating auto or truck, like an antique automobile
, and your auto shipping service knows about it, have your auto serviced ahead of time so that it will start, stop and roll like it's supposed to.
Check your auto's fluids, battery charge and air pressure in the tires.
Secure or remove any bolted on accessories, like roof racks, extra mirrors, air dams, spoilers, etc.
Lower or remove all antennas. If you have an E-Z pass device remove it before shipping.
Thoroughly wash the auto and clean the interior. If shipping the auto overseas, have the under carriage washed. The destination country may require it.
Have any fluid leakage problems corrected. If you auto is leaking fluid, make sure the auto shipping service knows about it in advance and that the driver is aware of it so your auto doesn't get placed above another auto in transit and damage it.
Don't leave this item until the last minute.
Provide a full set of keys to your auto shipping service. If you need to make additional keys, do so ahead of time and make sure they all work.
If you're moving the auto to an area with harsh weather, get it ready by having the air conditioning serviced, the antifreeze protection increased, or by using the proper viscosity oil for the new climate. Remove all personal items from your auto. Shipping personal effects inside a auto that's being shipped is against the law in the US and the auto shipping service can get fined. Additionally, personal effects in your auto general don't have much if any insurance coverage and you are exposing them to the risk of theft.
The only thing you should leave in the auto is the jack and the spare tire.
Try to leave no more than a quarter tank of gas in the auto when it's picked up for shipment or dropped off at the auto shipping service's location. Safely empty any RV propane tanks.
If your auto has an alarm, disable it to prevent if from accidentally going off while your auto is in transit.
