Write Down The Complete Route And Vehicle Details
Have the pickup and delivery ZIP codes, street addresses, vehicle year, make, model, running condition, requested dates, and open or enclosed preference ready. The exact locations matter because carrier access and final travel can change within the same city or state.
List modifications such as low clearance, oversized tires, racks, lifts, toolboxes, leaks, or inoperable condition. State whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers, brakes, and has working keys so loading needs are not discovered after a carrier arrives.
Confirm The People And Places At Both Handoffs
Choose an authorized adult for pickup and delivery, record both phone numbers, and identify a backup contact. Each person should know where the keys are, understand the agreed meeting location, and be able to inspect the vehicle and complete the carrier paperwork.
Share gate codes, building rules, auction or dealership release documents, storage hours, apartment restrictions, and road-access concerns. If a large truck cannot safely reach the address, agree on a nearby open lot or commercial road before the handoff window.
Prepare And Document The Vehicle
Remove valuables and loose personal items, secure removable accessories, and leave only modest fuel for loading and unloading. Check the battery and tires and disclose mechanical limits rather than attempting to hide a problem from the coordinator or driver.
Take clear photographs of the exterior, including existing scratches, dents, glass, wheels, and lower panels. Keep those images with the shipment records so the receiving contact can compare the same areas at delivery.
Plan Travel Around Coordinated Windows
Pickup and delivery depend on the complete route, other scheduled stops, traffic, weather, driver-hour rules, access, and current carrier availability. Treat them as coordinated windows rather than exact minute-by-minute appointments.
Do not schedule a flight, closing, move-in appointment, or work shift around an unsupported exact arrival time. Keep the contacts reachable and arrange local transportation or an authorized backup person if personal travel overlaps the vehicle handoff.
Review The Vehicle And Save The Final Records
At pickup, review the vehicle with the driver and confirm that the condition record reflects what both sides can see. Keep the coordinator and carrier contact information available during transit and report a contact or access change promptly.
At delivery, inspect the vehicle in adequate light before completing the paperwork. Compare it with the pickup photographs and condition record, keep copies of the signed documents, and raise any condition concern through the applicable carrier process without delay.
Common Questions
What information should I have before requesting car shipping?
Have both addresses and ZIP codes, vehicle details and condition, requested dates, transport preference, authorized contacts, and known access restrictions.
Do I personally need to be at both handoffs?
No. An authorized adult can handle either end when they are reachable, have the keys, know the location, and can inspect and sign for the vehicle.
Should I photograph my vehicle before pickup?
Yes. Clear exterior photos support the pickup condition record and give the receiving contact a useful comparison at delivery.
Should I expect an exact pickup time?
Expect a coordinated window. The route, prior stops, traffic, weather, driver hours, access, and current carrier plan can affect the final timing.