How to Safely Ship Your Car in 2026: A Checklist for Auto Shipping

Shipping your car may feel stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Like anything in life, preparation is the key to a smooth operation.

If you've never shipped a car before, you're probably wondering where to begin. In this blog, we walk you through the steps to a stress-free car shipping experience.

Before You Book: Choosing Your Transport Service

Understand Your Different Auto Transport Options

The first step in shipping your car safely is selecting the right transport method for your needs:

Open Carrier Transport is our most popular and cost-effective option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer, exposed to the elements but fully insured. This method works perfectly for everyday vehicles and covers most transport needs.

Enclosed Carrier Transport provides maximum protection against weather, road debris, and prying eyes. If you're looking for added protection, this is the option for you. We recommend this premium service for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic automobiles, or any high-value vehicle that deserves showroom-level protection. 

Fleet Transport Services are ideal for businesses relocating multiple vehicles, dispatching company cars to job sites, or managing seasonal vehicle demands.

Verify Insurance Coverage

Before booking your transport, confirm the coverage your car will receive:

• Review your personal auto insurance policy to understand what's covered during transport. Knowledge is power.
• Ask about the carrier's insurance policy and what damages it covers. Again, the more you know beforehand, the better off you'll be. 
• At Chips Transport, we're fully insured against in-transit damage caused by equipment failure or carrier negligence,
• Consider gap coverage for additional peace of mind, especially for high-value vehicles. You have options to make sure that you are fully covered for anything. 

2-3 Weeks Before Shipping: Planning & Preparation

1. Schedule Your Transport Date

• Book early, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and early fall).
• Avoid shipping day surprises by confirming your pickup and delivery locations with your transport coordinator. 
• Check that large transport vehicles can access your delivery location ahead of time.

2. Gather Required Documentation

Have these documents ready for pickup day:

• Vehicle registration showing current validity and ownership
• Proof of insurance
• Valid photo ID (driver's license or passport)
• Authorization letter (if someone else will be present for pickup/delivery)
• Spare key for the driver, plus one kept with you

Keep digital and physical copies accessible. Relying on technology and cell service can be risky; always have a backup plan.

3. Review Vehicle Requirements

Your car must meet these basic requirements:

• Operational condition: The vehicle should start, brake, and steer properly.
• Working emergency brake: This is essential for safe loading and transport.
• Proper tire inflation: Check all tires, including the spare.
• No major fluid leaks: Small leaks are fine, but active leaks should be reported and discussed before transporting.

If your vehicle is inoperable, let your transporter know. Communication is a key part of this process.

1 Week Before Shipping: Vehicle Preparation

4. Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly

A clean car makes it easier to conduct an accurate condition inspection both before and after its trip.

Wash the exterior & the interior.

5. Document Existing Condition

Choosing a highly rated and trustworthy transporter is essential. Still, you want to have documentation for your own protection.

Take comprehensive photos:

• All four sides of the vehicle
• All four corners at 45-degree angles
• Close-ups of any existing damage
• Bumpers, mirrors, and wheels
• Roof and hood
• Interior odometer reading
• Any custom features or modifications

Create a written record:

• Note all scratches, dents, and cosmetic issues
• Document paint chips or discoloration
• Record any mechanical quirks or issues
• Include date and time stamps

Tip: Record a walk-around video along with photos for timestamped, comprehensive documentation that's difficult to dispute.

3-5 Days Before Pickup: Final Preparations

8. Remove Personal Belongings

Remove all personal items:

• Contents of glove compartment
• Trunk items
• Loose change and small items
• Phone chargers and cables
• Garage door openers
• Toll transponders (E-ZPass, FasTrak, etc.)
• GPS devices and dash cams
• Custom floor mats (if they're valuable)

Why this matters:

• Most insurance policies don't cover personal belongings during transport
• Extra weight affects vehicle weight limits and safety
• Loose items can shift and cause interior damage
• Carriers are not responsible for lost or stolen personal items

9. Disable Alarms and Toll Tags

• Turn off motion sensors
• Disable proximity alerts
• Provide alarm codes to the driver if applicable
• An alarm going off during transport can drain your battery and cause delays

Remove or deactivate toll transponders:

• Take down toll transponders
• You don't want to be charged for tolls during transport
• These can also be stolen during open transport

10. Secure or Remove External Accessories

• Bike racks
• Ski racks
• Cargo boxes
• Antenna extensions
• Custom spoilers (if removable)
• Aftermarket lights
• Trailer hitches (if removable)

Secure these items:

• Fold in side mirrors
• Retract power antennas
• Secure convertible tops
• Tighten gas caps
• Ensure all doors and windows close properly

11. Manage Fuel Levels

Keep fuel at 1/4 tank or less:

• Reduces vehicle weight for safer transport
• Minimizes fire hazard during loading and transport - keeps everyone safer
• Still provides enough fuel for loading/unloading and vehicle positioning
• Required by most carriers for safety compliance

Don't fill up before transport—you're wasting money on fuel that adds unnecessary weight.

Pickup Day: What to Expect

12. Meet the Driver

Be present and available:

• Have all documentation ready
• Bring your photo ID
• Have contact information accessible
• Clear any obstacles for easy vehicle access

Communication is key:

• Discuss any special instructions
• Point out existing damage
• Ask questions about the transport process
• Get the driver's direct contact information

13. Conduct the Walk-Around Inspection

This joint inspection is crucial:

Review together:

• Walk around the entire vehicle with the driver
• Point out and document any existing damage
• Note everything on the inspection report

Be thorough but fair:

• Document real damage, not minor imperfections
• Be honest about pre-existing conditions
• Don't rush through this process - Document everything

14. Sign the Bill of Lading (BOL)

The Bill of Lading is your official transport record:

During Transport: Stay Informed

15. Track Your Vehicle

At Chips Transport, we make it easy to stay updated with 24/7 vehicle tracking while in transit. 

Delivery Day: Final Steps

16. Inspect Upon Arrival

When your vehicle is delivered, conduct a thorough inspection before signing:

Compared to pickup condition:

• Walk around the entire vehicle with the driver
• Compare the current condition to your pickup photos
• Check for any new damage or changes
• Look at all angles, panels, and glass

Check these specific areas:

• Body panels for dents or scratches
• Glass for chips or cracks
• Bumpers and trim
• Wheels and tires
• Undercarriage (if visible)
• Interior condition

Test functionality:

• Start the vehicle
• Check the odometer reading and record the difference (should be similar to pickup)
• Test lights, signals, and basic systems
• Make sure all keys and documents are present

17. Document Any Issues Immediately

If you notice any new damage:

Do not sign the BOL until damage is documented:

• Take detailed photos of the new damage
• Note the damage on the delivery inspection report
• Have the driver acknowledge the damage in writing
• Get the driver's signature on the damage report

File a claim promptly:

• Contact the transportation company within 24 hours - Don't put this off
• Submit your photos and documentation - remember, documentation is essential
• Follow their claims process 

If everything looks good:

• Sign the BOL to confirm satisfactory delivery
• Thank your driver
• Leave a review of your experience - It's always a good idea to help future transporters

Ready to Ship Your Car Safely?

Shipping your car in 2026 doesn't have to be complicated. By following this comprehensive checklist, you'll ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for a safe, smooth transport experience.

At Chips Transport, we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you're shipping across town or across the country, our team of experts will ensure your vehicle arrives on time and in pristine condition.

Get Started Today

Contact Us for a free, no-obligation quote:

• Call our team for immediate assistance
• Visit our website to learn more about our services
• Schedule your transport with confidence

With 54 years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, Chips Transport is your trusted partner for safe, reliable auto shipping in 2026 and beyond.