How to Prepare Your Car for Transport

Car transport preparation checklist

1. Wash the car. Clean the exterior so scratches, dents and chips are easy to see. Dirt can hide existing damage and make a before-and-after comparison harder.
2. Photograph the vehicle. Take clear, dated photos of every side, the roof, wheels, bumpers and interior, plus the odometer reading. Keep the originals as your record of the car’s condition before it moves.
3. Note existing damage and known issues. Write down every scratch, dent, crack or warning light you already know about, so you can compare your list with any condition report you are given at pickup.
4. Secure or remove loose exterior parts. Fold in the mirrors, lower or remove the antenna, and remove or tighten anything that could work loose, such as bike racks, roof racks, spoilers or custom accessories. Tell your agent about anything that cannot be removed.
5. Check the battery, tires and fluids. Make sure the battery is charged and the tires are properly inflated, and note any fluid leaks. Leaks are worth mentioning before pickup.
6. Fuel level. No specific fuel level is required for transport.
7. Limit personal items. Up to 100 lbs of personal items is allowed, kept below window level. Remove valuables, documents and anything you cannot afford to lose.
8. Plan for keys and alarms. Turn off any alarm or tell the driver how to disable it, and make sure the car can be locked and unlocked. Only the key you hand to the driver at pickup is needed.
9. Tell us about non-running, lowered or modified vehicles. Tell your agent before booking if the car does not start, steer or brake normally, or if it is lowered, lifted or otherwise modified. These details can change the equipment a shipment needs. A non-running vehicle carries an additional charge that depends on its condition, because it needs a carrier with a winch; your agent explains it.
10. Plan access for pickup and delivery. Large transport trucks cannot always reach narrow streets or low-clearance areas. Be ready to meet the driver at a nearby, safe, open location if needed, and confirm who will be there and a working phone number for each stop.

At pickup and at delivery

At pickup

• Walk around the car with the driver and compare its condition with your photos and notes.
• Read the condition report before you sign it, and keep your copy.
• Confirm the delivery contact and phone number with the driver.
• No ID is required from your pickup or delivery contact. In some cases, C&P verifies the carrier driver’s license and insurance at pickup.

At delivery

• Inspect the car before you sign, in good light if possible, and compare it with your pickup photos.
• If you see new damage, note it on the bill of lading (BOL) before you sign, photograph it, and contact C&P right away.

How long does transport take?

• Drivers typically cover up to about 500 miles per day, so the distance sets the delivery estimate.
• Pickup depends on your first available pickup date.
• Team drivers can deliver faster for an additional charge; your agent explains it.

Payment and insurance

Booking and payment

• A booking (broker) fee reserves your transport; your agent explains the amount. The remaining balance is paid to the driver at delivery.
• You pay the booking fee by credit or debit card over the phone, or through an invoice emailed to you.
• Your agent confirms how the balance is paid.

Insurance

• C&P Auto Transport Express is licensed and bonded.
• Damage during transport is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, and you receive a certificate of insurance (COI) after booking.
• At delivery, inspect the vehicle and note any issue on the BOL before you sign, then contact C&P right away.

Open or enclosed transport?

The type of trailer also changes how exposed your car is during the trip. Compare both options in our open vs. enclosed auto transport guide.