Shipping a vehicle can be a convenient way to move your car to another city or state without adding unnecessary miles to the odometer. Whether you are relocating, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or arranging transportation for a family member, preparing your car before pickup can help make the process smoother.
At BrightTrack Car Shipping in Pueblo, Colorado, we understand that customers want to know what to do before their vehicles are collected. Here are some practical steps to consider before arranging auto transport.
1. Clean Your Vehicle Before Pickup
Wash your car before the scheduled pickup date. A clean exterior makes it easier to document existing scratches, dents, paint damage, and other visible imperfections.
You do not need to make your vehicle look brand-new. The goal is simply to create a clear view of its current condition before transportation.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove personal items, important documents, valuables, and loose accessories from your vehicle. Transport companies may restrict personal belongings because of weight limitations, safety concerns, insurance conditions, or applicable regulations.
Check the company’s specific policies before leaving anything inside the car.
3. Inspect Your Vehicle
Walk around the vehicle and inspect the exterior, windows, lights, mirrors, wheels, and visible bodywork. Take photographs from multiple angles and keep them for your records.
During pickup, review the vehicle condition report or inspection documentation provided by the carrier. Make sure existing damage is recorded accurately.
4. Check Fuel and Mechanical Condition
Ask your transport provider about its fuel requirements. Many carriers prefer a relatively low fuel level to reduce unnecessary weight, but the vehicle should still meet any operational requirements discussed before pickup.
If the car has mechanical problems, a dead battery, leaking fluids, damaged tires, or steering issues, disclose these conditions before booking. Special arrangements may be necessary for an inoperable vehicle.
5. Remove or Secure Accessories
Remove removable roof racks, toll tags, detachable antennas, and other accessories when appropriate. Secure anything that could come loose during transit.
If your vehicle has aftermarket modifications, low ground clearance, oversized tires, or special handling requirements, inform the transport provider in advance.
6. Disable Alarms and Provide Instructions
If your vehicle has an alarm system, make sure the carrier knows how to prevent unnecessary activation during handling. Keep your keys available for the authorized pickup and delivery process.
Do not leave important security codes or sensitive personal information inside the vehicle.
7. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details
Before transportation begins, confirm the pickup address, delivery location, contact numbers, estimated schedule, and payment terms.
For door-to-door auto transport, verify that the proposed pickup and delivery locations are accessible to the transport truck. Large carriers may need to use a nearby safe meeting point if streets are narrow or restricted.
8. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Open car transport is a common option for standard vehicles and offers an exposed-trailer transportation method. Enclosed car transport provides additional protection from direct exposure to road debris and weather.
Your vehicle type, budget, distance, and protection preferences can help determine which option is appropriate.
Arrange Your Car Shipping with Confidence
Preparing your vehicle in advance can reduce confusion and help both you and the carrier understand its condition and transportation requirements.
BrightTrack Car Shipping offers open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state auto transport options. Contact us at (719) 787-7611 to discuss your transportation needs and request a quote.