Preparing your vehicle before auto transport can help make pickup and delivery more organized. Whether you are moving from North Las Vegas, buying a car from another state, or arranging transportation for a family member, it is useful to document the vehicle’s condition and follow the carrier’s instructions.
SolarTrack Auto Transport provides information about open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state shipping. Use this checklist before pickup and confirm any additional requirements with the responsible transport provider.
1. Clean the Exterior
Wash the vehicle when practical so scratches, dents, paint chips, and other existing marks are easier to identify.
A professional detail is not necessary. The goal is to make the exterior condition visible during inspection.
If the vehicle becomes dirty again before pickup, keep your original photographs for comparison.
2. Photograph Your Vehicle
Take clear, dated photographs from multiple angles. Capture the front, rear, both sides, wheels, roof where accessible, and any existing damage.
Take close-up photographs of scratches, dents, cracked glass, or other concerns. Store the images where you can access them after delivery.
Photographs help document the vehicle’s condition but do not replace the carrier’s inspection report or the applicable claims process.
3. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove luggage, electronics, valuables, important documents, and loose accessories from the cabin and trunk. Personal belongings may be prohibited or restricted under the transport agreement and may not be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance.
Check the glove compartment, door pockets, center console, and under-seat areas. Keep valuables and important documents with you.
If you need to transport an item inside the vehicle, ask the provider about its rules before pickup.
4. Follow Fuel Instructions
Follow the carrier’s instructions regarding fuel level. A low but sufficient fuel level is commonly requested for vehicles that need to be moved during loading and unloading. An almost full tank adds unnecessary weight, while an empty tank may complicate handling.
Electric and hybrid vehicles may have different preparation considerations. Ask the provider whether any specific operating or charging instructions apply.
5. Disclose Mechanical Issues
Tell the transport provider if your vehicle does not start, steer, brake, roll, or shift normally. Inoperable vehicles may require specialized loading equipment and different arrangements.
Disclose known fluid leaks, damaged tires, unusual modifications, and other conditions that could affect loading or transportation.
Accurate information helps the provider determine whether the vehicle can be accommodated and whether additional charges may apply.
6. Secure Accessories
Remove or secure detachable accessories where appropriate. These may include removable roof racks, loose exterior attachments, antennas, or other items that could be damaged during transit.
Inform the provider about lift kits, oversized tires, modified suspension, low ground clearance, and nonstandard vehicle dimensions.
If an accessory cannot be removed, ask whether it affects the carrier or loading arrangements.
7. Prepare Keys and Vehicle Access
Provide the keys needed for loading and unloading according to the transport provider’s instructions.
If the vehicle has a complex alarm system, ask whether any settings should be adjusted before pickup. Provide only the access information genuinely required for transportation, and do not share unrelated passwords or account credentials.
8. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Locations
Verify the addresses, scheduled pickup window, contact number, and any access instructions.
Narrow streets, low branches, parking restrictions, gated communities, or limited turning space can prevent a large carrier from reaching a particular address. Discuss these issues in advance and agree on a suitable nearby meeting point if needed.
9. Review the Pickup Inspection Report
At pickup, carefully review the vehicle condition report or bill of lading. Make sure visible damage is recorded and ask the driver to address any obvious omissions before departure.
Keep a copy of the paperwork and your photographs.
10. Inspect the Vehicle at Delivery
Inspect the vehicle before completing the final delivery paperwork. Compare its condition with the pickup report and your photographs.
If you notice new damage, take photographs, notify the driver and responsible transport provider promptly, and follow the written reporting and claims procedures. Retain copies of relevant documents.
Final Car Shipping Checklist
Before pickup, make sure you have:
Cleaned the vehicle sufficiently for inspection.
Taken dated photographs of the vehicle and existing damage.
Removed personal belongings and valuables.
Followed fuel and vehicle preparation instructions.
Disclosed mechanical issues and modifications.
Secured or removed loose accessories.
Prepared the required keys.
Confirmed pickup and delivery details.
Reviewed the pickup inspection report.
Saved copies of relevant paperwork.
Conclusion
A few simple preparation steps can make vehicle shipping easier to coordinate. Accurate vehicle information, clear photographs, removal of personal belongings, and careful inspection at pickup and delivery are especially important.
For vehicle shipping information from North Las Vegas, Nevada, contact SolarTrack Auto Transport at (702) 276-8562 or info@solartrackautotransport.us.