How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

When transporting a vehicle with an experienced transportation company, everyone's priority is safety. Our top focus is getting your car from one location to the next in perfect condition, and in order to accomplish this, we always inform our customers of the procedures they must take before we begin. Taking the care to properly prepare a vehicle for transport decreases the risk of sustaining any measurable damage. You can reduce the possibility of an accident happening en route by following the procedures below, and you can expect your vehicle to arrive in the same condition it left in. 

Can I pack my car before I ship it?

Yes, you can pack your vehicle and send it with goods inside if you have informed us and selected the necessary service in your booking. Your goods must be packed in your according to our instructions.

We have precise rules on what is appropriate and what can be accepted to travel in order to deliver your vehicle safely. Please see our policy document as well as the information below for more information.

Your luggage and personal belongings must be stored in the following manner: 

  • Items must be carefully packed in suitcases, moving boxes, or closed travel bags.
  • Items will only be transported in the vehicle's boot, back section of a wagon, or in a truck with a lockable lid.
  • If your vehicle does not have a closed boot, storage is permitted up to the base of the window. This will be confirmed by your driver.
  • The total weight of all boxes and suitcases cannot exceed 80kg. This will be confirmed by your driver.
  • Goods will not be allowed to travel if they are not correctly loaded according to our specifications.

The vehicle needs to be empty of all personal and loose items unless the Goods In Car Service has been paid for. Be sure to check compartments such as glove box, console, CD stacker, boot etc.

  • One fitted spare tyre, factory tools and fitted baby seats are permitted, as are disabled assistance items providing they are securely fastened.

 

How do I prepare my car for transport?

Check that Your Car is in Good Working Order

Despite the fact that your car will be driven minimally throughout the transport process, it should still be in good working order. Inoperable vehicles can be transported, but the carrier must be informed ahead of time so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Mechanical difficulties in operational vehicles can create unanticipated delays and harm. As a result, before shipping your car, you should complete a maintenance check.

To ensure your car is in good working order, use the following checklist:

  • Check to see if the battery is fully charged and the tyres are properly inflated.
  • Fill up all of the car's fluids.
  • Decrease your fuel tank to a quarter of its capacity to reduce unnecessary weight and keep your shipment moving quickly.
  • Monitor the car for a few weeks before it is shipped. Make sure the driver is informed if there are any leaks or mechanical issues. Vehicles with leaks should never be placed on the top rack of a multi-car carrier because they can cause damage to the vehicles below.
  • Keep track of any mechanical issues and any additional instructions you'll need to get your vehicle on and off the trailer. If you have any trouble starting or stopping your car, make sure to tell the driver. 


How can I protect my car while transporting?

Inspect Your Car Thoroughly for Existing Damage Before Shipping

To be sure of your car's condition and for insurance purposes, it's usually a good idea to do a thorough inspection before starting the transfer procedure. This will allow you to detect and document any pre-existing issues, as well as determine whether or not anything happened during the move.

This can be done in a few easy steps:

  1. Wash your car thoroughly.
  2. Keep track of any chips, dents, scratches, or other visual flaws in writing.
  3. Photograph the vehicle from several angles, as well as close-up images of any damage.
  4. Put a date on the photos and keep a written record.
  5. Confirm that, in addition to your own records, the transporter makes an official note of any issues.

To make it easier for your car carrier to ship your car, prepare it to be loaded on and off their truck or trailer. Remember that the better your car is prepared for shipping, the more likely it is to arrive on schedule. 


Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes

Remove any toll tags or parking cards from your vehicle and if possible, deactivate them. On the journey to the destination, these goods might be charged continuously. They're also valuable, and could potentially be targeted for theft. 


Preparing Convertibles for Car Carrying

If you have a convertible car, ensure sure the top is properly secured to prevent damage from air, debris, or moisture.

A wind-resistant tarp or cover should not be used to secure convertibles. Vehicles should never be carried with tarps or covers because they act like sandpaper.

Pull back the antenna and fold back your mirrors. Any unique features, such as fog lights, should be secured or removed.

Finally, disarm or turn off your car alarm. If you can't stop the alarm, give the driver detailed written instructions on how to disable the alert if it is triggered.

Following these measures and preparing your vehicle for transport will assist in avoiding any delays in the delivery of your vehicle. You'll also have more assurance that your vehicle will be well-cared for and protected.


Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport Ensures a Smooth Experience

If you follow our standards and policies, you can rest assured that your vehicle will arrive in immaculate condition and at the exact time you require it. We strive hard to provide the best service possible and take pleasure in our customer service, so if you have any questions before having your vehicle shipped, please don't hesitate to contact us.