Everything to do before the carrier arrives, so pickup takes 20 minutes and delivery has no surprises.
Fast, secure pricing in 30 seconds.
Twenty minutes of preparation the day before pickup makes the inspection accurate, the loading smooth, and any claim (unlikely as it is) simple. Here is everything to do, in order.
Wash the exterior so the driver can see and document every existing scratch, chip, and dent on the bill of lading. Then take your own photos: all four sides, all four corners, the roof, the wheels, close-ups of any existing damage, and the odometer. Timestamped phone photos are fine. Do this again at delivery.
Fold in mirrors. Remove or secure bike racks, roof boxes, ski racks, antennas that don't retract, and custom spoilers. Lower or remove any accessory that raises the vehicle's height; it affects which trailer spot the car can take. Retract or fold convertible tops and make sure they latch; a top that can't be secured should go enclosed.
Turn off the alarm or leave clear written instructions for the driver. Prepare one set of keys, including the wheel-lock key if you have locking lug nuts. Keep your spare.
You don't need to give the driver any documents; your dispatcher has already confirmed the booking. Keep your registration and insurance card with you, not in the car. If someone else will hand over or receive the car, tell your dispatcher their name and phone number.
Be reachable by phone. The driver will call when they're close. Walk around the car with the driver and review the bill of lading before signing; it is the record of the car's condition at pickup. Get a copy (paper or electronic). If the truck can't reach your street, the driver will arrange a nearby meeting point.
Inspect the car in good light before signing. Compare it to your photos and the pickup bill of lading. Note any new damage on the delivery bill of lading, photograph it, and sign. Then pay any balance due to the carrier by the method agreed at booking. If anything is wrong, call your dispatcher before the driver leaves.
Non-running vehicles: tell us whether the car rolls, steers, and brakes, and where the keys are. Electric vehicles: charge to about 50 percent; the driver may need to put it in transport or neutral mode, so leave instructions. Classic cars: note any fluid drips, battery cutoffs, and fuel shutoffs. Lowered cars: tell us the ground clearance so we assign a liftgate carrier.
About a quarter tank. Enough to load, unload, and drive to a gas station, without adding unnecessary weight.
Carriers are not insured for household goods. Most allow up to about 100 pounds in the trunk or below the window line, at your own risk. Remove anything valuable, fragile, or that you'd miss.
Yes. A clean car makes the pickup inspection accurate, so any existing marks are documented and anything new at delivery is obvious.
Yes. An alarm that trips on a moving trailer drains the battery and is a headache for the driver. Disable it or leave instructions.
One set of keys (including any wheel-lock key), and nothing else. Keep your title, registration, and personal documents with you.
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