Auto transport is a simple enough process, right? Your vehicle is loaded onto the back of (or inside of) a truck, the truck drives away and then a few days later, at your destination, your vehicle is unloaded. But while you don't have to do that much but sign a check, the shipping process is an ordeal for your vehicle.

Preparation is key. If you don't properly prepare your vehicle for the auto transport process, it could end up costing you money (in the form of preventable damage to the vehicle's body) and time (if something should go wrong with your vehicle during shipping delays, which can ensue).

Luckily, preparing your car for the trip doesn't require much time or any money. Just follow the simple steps below:

• When you're budgeting your move, keep in mind that some vehicles cost more to transport than others. Because of size and weight issues, shipping an SUV will cost more than shipping a compact.
  
  

• Wash your automobile thoroughly a day or so before it's picked up. This will allow you to see clearly any body damage that occurs during auto transport.
  
  

• Be sure the vehicle is clean or simply wash the vehicle a day or so before pick-up. This will provide better clarity while completing the Damage Report / Bill of Lading. Removing all objects you may have left sitting in the car will ensure that nothing shifts during shipping and damages the interior.
  
  

• If your vehicle has a car alarm, disable it. If the alarm starts going off once the auto transporter has your car, they won't be able to deactivate it. Depending on travel distance, the active alarm could drain your battery (especially if it is wired to your headlights and brake lights), making your vehicle inoperable and susceptible to an additional charge for unloading it.
  
  

• We require that your car have no more than a quarter tank of gas when they take custody of it. Just a few extra gallons can mean a lot of extra weight: make sure your car has the minimum.
  
  

• If your automobile has any customized accessories - like spoilers, fog lights or ground effects - make sure to document them on your Vehicle Transport Request and secure them or remove them before shipping, as we cannot take responsibility through insurance for any damages to custom type accessories. Also, fold back your vehicle's mirrors and retract the antennae. The more things you have sticking off the car, the more likely it is that something will get snapped or dinged.
  
  

• When you're shipping a convertible, make sure the top is up and properly secured. If there are any open seams or holes, seal them to prevent moisture from getting into the interior. If you can't secure the top, consider asking us about closed container shipping.
  
  

• Even though the process won't be putting many miles on your car, your vehicle still needs to be in good shape. Before your shipping date, check the fluids, tire pressure and battery charge. If for some reason your car becomes inoperable during shipping, we might have to charge you an extra fee for unloading it.
  
  

• If your vehicle is leaking any kind of fluid, let us know; otherwise it may end up leaking onto another car.
  
  

• If your car has any quirks that would affect starting it up, loading it onto a truck or shutting it off, make a note of them and leave it in the cab for the driver.
  
  

• Auto shipping truck drivers often carry cell phones with them. Our office and/or driver will stay in direct contact with you until your vehicle has reached its destination.