Shipping your car across the country can be a smooth and stress-free experience—but only if your vehicle is properly prepared before pickup. As car transport services continue to rise in popularity across the USA, customers often overlook simple steps that can protect their vehicle, prevent delays, and ensure a safe, damage-free delivery.
At Rapid Auto Shipping, we understand how important your vehicle is. That’s why we’ve created this Essential 2025 Vehicle Preparation Checklist to help you get ready for a hassle-free transport experience.
1. Wash Your Vehicle for an Accurate Inspection
Before your driver arrives, give your car a good wash. A clean exterior allows you—and the transporter—to clearly inspect the vehicle for any existing dents, scratches, or paint issues.
Why this matters in 2025:
Transport companies rely on digital inspection reports and photos. A clean vehicle ensures every detail is documented accurately.
2. Remove All Personal Items
Most car transport companies in the USA prohibit personal belongings inside the vehicle. Items left inside can shift during transit, causing interior damage, broken glass, or extra weight charges.
Remove:
Electronics
GPS devices
Chargers
Clothing or bags
Tools or equipment
Pro Tip: A few lightweight emergency items (manual, spare tire, jack) are fine.
3. Reduce the Fuel Level
Your car only needs about ¼ tank of fuel for loading and unloading. Excess fuel adds unnecessary weight, which can affect the carrier’s load balance.
Why this matters:
In 2025, fuel weight regulations have become stricter for cross-country truck transport. Keeping your tank low can also save you money.
4. Check Tire Pressure and Battery Condition
Your car doesn’t need to be in perfect mechanical condition—just safe to roll on and off the trailer.
Make sure:
Tires are properly inflated
Battery is fully charged
No major leaks
Brakes are functioning
A non-running vehicle can still be transported, but it requires special equipment and additional charges.
5. Disable or Turn Off Alarms
Alarms going off during transport are a major inconvenience for the driver and may delay your delivery schedule.
Before pickup, disable:
Car alarms
Aftermarket security systems
Automatic locking systems
If you’re unsure how to disable them, refer to your manual or call the manufacturer.
6. Secure or Remove All Loose Parts
Anything that could detach or break during transport should be removed, folded, or secured.
These include:
Antennas
Bike racks
Roof racks
Spoilers
Mirrors (if foldable)
This step protects your car and other vehicles on the carrier.
7. Document All Existing Damage
Before your vehicle is loaded, take time-stamped photos of the:
Front
Rear
Sides
Roof
Wheels
Interior
Photos act as proof if you ever need to file an insurance claim—which is rare, but always good to be prepared.
Rapid Auto Shipping performs a full inspection upon pickup, and your photos help ensure transparency for both sides.
8. Check for Fluid Leaks
Minor leaks can become more serious during long-distance transport. They can also drip onto other cars on the trailer, leading to issues or delays.
If you notice:
Oil leaks
Coolant leaks
Transmission fluid leaks
Get them repaired before transport.
9. Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes
Toll tags can accidentally scan while your vehicle is being transported through toll lanes, causing unnecessary charges.
Remove:
Toll passes
Parking decals
Gate access tags
Store them safely for later use.
10. Ensure Your Car Is Ready for Pickup Day
Before the carrier arrives:
Park your vehicle in an open, accessible space
Make sure the keys are ready
Have your ID and paperwork (if required)
Keep your phone handy for driver communication
If the location is not accessible for a large carrier truck, Rapid Auto Shipping arranges a nearby meeting point.
11. Review Your Shipping Contract & Insurance Coverage
Every reputable car transport company provides clear terms and insurance details.
Make sure you understand:
What the insurance covers
The deductible (if any)
Claim procedures
Pickup & delivery windows
Rapid Auto Shipping offers full coverage for vehicles during transit—at no extra cost.
12. Don’t Forget Seasonal Prep (2025 Update)
Weather affects transport timelines and vehicle safety.
If shipping in winter:
Check antifreeze
Remove snow or ice
Ensure tires are winter-ready
If shipping in summer:
Check coolant levels
Protect the interior from heat
Avoid overfilling fluids
Seasonal preparation ensures your car arrives in the same condition it was picked up.
Final Thoughts: Smooth Car Transport Starts with Proper Preparation
Preparing your vehicle properly is the key to a seamless, stress-free car transport experience anywhere in the USA. With the steps above, you’ll help your driver safely load your vehicle, avoid transport delays, and ensure maximum protection throughout the journey.
At Rapid Auto Shipping, we’re committed to offering safe, affordable, and dependable nationwide auto transport services. Follow this 2025 checklist, and you’ll be on your way to a smooth and successful vehicle shipping experience.
