December 10, 2025

Vehicle Shipping Checklist With 5 Essential Steps to Follow Before Handing Over Your Keys

Shipping your car is a big deal. It’s a key part of a major life event, like moving across the country, buying a car from another province, or sending a vehicle to a family member.

We get it. Handing over the keys to one of your most valuable possessions can feel a little nerve-wracking. All the questions and “what-ifs” are completely normal for vehicle transport.

But good preparation is the perfect cure for anxiety. Following a clear checklist doesn’t just protect your car – it ensures the entire process is smooth and stress-free during vehicle shipping.

This guide provides the five essential steps you need to take to prepare your vehicle. It will give you total peace of mind when that transport truck arrives.

1. Wash Your Vehicle and Document Everything

WHAT: Give your car a really good wash. Right after it’s clean, walk around it and take clear photos and a short video from every angle. Make sure you have good lighting.

WHY: This is the most important step for your own protection. On a clean car, it’s easy for both you and the driver to see any small scratches or dings that are already there. Your photos act as proof of the car’s condition before it was picked up.

2. Remove All Personal and Loose Items

WHAT: You need to completely empty your car. This means everything that isn’t bolted down – phone chargers, sunglasses, dash cams, and anything in the trunk or glove box.

WHY: Carrier insurance does NOT cover your personal belongings if they are lost or damaged. Plus, items can slide around during the trip and might damage your car’s interior. Removing everything eliminates any risk or potential disputes.

3. Run Key Maintenance and Fuel Checks

WHAT: Make sure your car is in good running condition. Check for any major fluid leaks, make sure the tires have enough air, and ensure the battery is charged and secure.

WHY: The driver needs to be able to drive your car on and off the transport truck for vehicle shipping. A dead battery or a flat tire can cause big delays and might even cost you extra fees.

4. Disable Alarms and Secure Loose Parts

WHAT: If your car has an alarm, make sure you disable it for vehicle transport. If you can’t, provide simple, written instructions for the driver. Also, fold in your side mirrors and retract or remove any long antennas.

WHY: An alarm going off during a long trip will completely drain the battery and is a major headache for the driver. Securing loose parts like mirrors and antennas prevents them from getting damaged by wind or during tight loading maneuvers.

5. Prepare for the Official Handover

WHAT: Be there when the driver arrives for vehicle shipping. The driver will inspect your car and note any existing damage on a document called the Bill of Lading (BOL). You must carefully review and sign this paper.

WHY: The BOL is the most important document in the whole process. It’s the official receipt that shows your car’s condition when it left your care. You will use your copy to inspect the car again when it’s delivered.

PRO TIP: Never sign a blank BOL. Walk around the vehicle with the driver. Compare their notes to the photos you took. Make sure you both agree before you sign.

Ready for a Smooth Journey

So, let’s recap the five steps: Document, Empty, Maintain, Secure, and Inspect the BOL.

By following this simple checklist, you change the process from something uncertain into a clear, professional transaction. Your vehicle is now ready for a safe journey.

Now, let the professionals handle the road ahead. Contact Able Auto Transport today for your vehicle shipping quote.