10 Expert Tips to Prepare a Car for Transport & Avoid Shipping Scams: Pre-Shipping Checklist

From snowbirds heading south for the winter to vacation homeowners shuttling between properties, learning how to prepare a car for transport is essential for a smooth and stress-free trip. Following these car shipping tips will protect your vehicle and help you avoid common scams currently plaguing the auto transport industry.

10 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Car for Transport

Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly

Before you ship it, wash your car inside and out. This will make it easier to find existing scratches, dents, or paint issues.

Remove Personal Items

Due to liability concerns and weight restrictions, most transport companies will require you to remove any personal items from the vehicle before shipping. Failure to do so may result in additional fees.

Document Vehicle Condition

Take detailed pictures of your car from multiple angles, taking care to capture the entirety of the interior and exterior, particularly any existing damage. Date-stamp the photos so they provide evidence if any additional damage occurs during transport.

Check for Leaks & Fluid Levels

Verify that all of your fluid levels are at appropriate amounts and that there are no leaks. As leaks can damage other vehicles during transport, any that exist should be fixed before shipping.

Inspect the Battery & Tires

The car will need to be rolled onto and off the carriers, so make sure that your battery holds a charge and that the tires are at the recommended pressure. This is especially important if your car sits idle between seasons.

Verify Auto Transport Company Credentials

Before booking a transport company, verify their USDOT number, motor carrier number, and insurance coverage. Look for reviews on independent platforms to ensure the company offers quality service and takes accountability for mistakes.

Watch for Common Scams

Quotes that are significantly lower than competitors’ can be a sign of bait-and-switch scams. Similarly, avoid any company that wants payment using CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle, or other nontraditional payment methods, doesn’t provide detailed invoicing, and doesn’t have other trucks, assets, or a terminal yard.

These things are important to look for because they can signal when the transport company you’re working with is a single-person brokerage with nothing to lose, or a legit company with true assets. 

Understand Seasonal & Snowbird Timing

Booking your transport early will get you better rates and ensure availability. This is especially true during peak snowbird season (October-November and March-April), as transport companies see higher demand during these times.

Schedule Pick-Up & Drop-Off Carefully

Work with a carrier that can ensure a specific window for pick-up and delivery. Someone will need to be available at both locations during this window to inspect the vehicle and sign documentation. Clear communication will prevent delays and protect your interests. Beware of guaranteed time/dates. A trustworthy company will set realistic expectations. It is nearly impossible to guarantee a specific day or time due to factors beyond the company’s and driver’s control, such as weather, traffic, and other factors. Realistic time windows should be between 1-2 days initially, narrowed to 8 hours the day before, and a call 1-2 hours before arrival. 

Use a Pre-Shipping Checklist

Your carrier will send you instructions on how to prepare your vehicle for transport. This will include things like disabling alarms, leaving only one key set with the driver, and ensuring an appropriate gas level. Carefully refer to this list before handing over your vehicle.

Why Choose Lee Bowe Company for Your Car Shipping Needs

Lee Bowe Company has decades of experience and a track record of reliability in the auto transport industry. We specialize in services for vacation property owners and seasonal residents. With transparent prices, fully licensed and insured operations, and a commitment to safe handling, we have become a trusted choice for discerning travelers.

Protect Yourself from Auto Transport Scams

Unfortunately, there are many scammers in the auto transport industry looking to exploit unsuspecting customers. One of the most common schemes is to offer unrealistically low quotes to attract victims, collect a large non-refundable deposit, and then never pick up the car.

Others are less egregious but still predatory. They will demand additional payments at the last moment, when it’s too late for you to book new transport. Some may even wait until delivery to demand more money before releasing the car.

Protect yourself from these disreputable companies by avoiding prices that are too good to be true and doing thorough research into the practices and reputation of the companies you’re considering.

Contact Lee Bowe Company

Schedule your car shipping with Lee Bowe Company today for a safe, hassle-free transport experience. Our expert team handles every detail with care and professionalism, ensuring your vehicle arrives at its destination securely and on time.

Image credit: Roman Babakin