How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A practical pre-pickup checklist that prevents delays, damage disputes and rejected loads.
- Licensed & insured carriers
- Door-to-door service
- Open & enclosed trailers
- Indianapolis dispatch
Clean it so the inspection is accurate
A washed car makes existing chips and scratches visible, which protects you far more than it protects the carrier.
Fuel, alarms and loose parts
Leave about a quarter tank. Disable the alarm or give the driver the fob procedure. Remove or secure spoilers, racks and antennas.
Empty the interior
Personal items are not covered by cargo insurance and add weight that can put a truck over DOT limits.
Talk it through with a dispatcher
Guides only go so far. If you want a specific answer for your vehicle and route, call (317) 659-7044 or request a quote and we will walk through the options with you.
More guides
- How Much Does Car Shipping Cost in 2026?
- Open vs Enclosed Transport: Which Do You Need?
- Auto Transport Insurance Explained
- Car Shipping Timelines: What to Actually Expect
- Snowbird Vehicle Shipping from Indiana
- Shipping a Car You Bought Online
- Military PCS Vehicle Shipping Guide
- Understanding the Bill of Lading
- How to Choose an Auto Transport Company
Ready to move your vehicle?
Talk to a real dispatcher in Indianapolis and get an honest, all-in quote today.