Clean Out The Vehicle And Check Personal Items
Customers should remove valuables, loose items, toll tags, parking passes, and anything that should not travel with the vehicle. Some carriers allow limited personal items, but rules and weight limits vary.
The safest habit is to ask before pickup and keep the vehicle simple for inspection and transport.
Document Condition Before The Carrier Arrives
Take clear photos of the exterior, interior, wheels, windshield, odometer, and any existing damage. Clean photos make the pickup inspection more useful and reduce confusion later.
The pickup condition report should match what is actually visible on the vehicle at handoff.
Make Pickup Practical
The vehicle should have enough fuel for loading and unloading, keys available, and a pickup location where the carrier can safely access the car. Large trucks may need a nearby open lot or wider street.
Share gate codes, access notes, contact names, and schedule constraints before the driver arrives so the handoff stays organized.
Confirm The Vehicle Can Load As Described
Check the battery, tires, brakes, steering, and fluid leaks before pickup. Tell the coordinator if the vehicle does not start, roll, steer, or brake, or if it has low clearance, oversized tires, a lift, roof accessories, a toolbox, or other modifications.
Accurate condition details help match the shipment with usable equipment. A driver arriving with the wrong loading setup can delay the handoff, especially when the vehicle is inoperable or cannot be moved to a more accessible position.
Prepare The Contacts And Paperwork
An authorized adult should be reachable at pickup to inspect the vehicle, exchange keys, and complete the carrier condition record. Provide facility release documents, gate instructions, alternate phone numbers, and a safe backup meeting point before the expected window.
The delivery contact should receive the same shipment details and compare the vehicle with the pickup record before signing. If someone other than the owner will handle either end, confirm their authority and availability with the coordinator in advance.
Common Questions
How much fuel should be in the vehicle?
A small amount is usually enough for loading and unloading. A full tank adds unnecessary weight.
Can someone else release my car?
Yes, if they are authorized, reachable, and able to sign paperwork and review the vehicle condition with the carrier.
What if my vehicle does not run?
Disclose the exact condition before pickup, including whether it rolls, steers, brakes, and has keys, so appropriate loading equipment can be reviewed.
Should I remove exterior accessories?
Secure or remove loose, removable accessories when practical and disclose fixed racks, lifts, toolboxes, or modifications that change vehicle dimensions.