Car Shipping Preparation: What to Remove Before Transport

Introduction

Car shipping preparation is crucial for ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a car online, or relocating for work, knowing what to remove from your car before transport can save you money, prevent damage, and avoid potential delays.

Professional auto transport companies have strict guidelines about what can and cannot remain in your vehicle during shipping. Following proper car shipping preparation steps protects both your belongings and ensures compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to remove from your car before shipping, why these items must be taken out, and provide you with a complete preparation checklist to make your vehicle transport experience smooth and worry-free.

Why Proper Car Shipping Preparation Matters

Legal and Safety Requirements

Car shipping companies operate under strict DOT regulations that limit what can be transported inside vehicles. These regulations exist for several important reasons:

Weight Restrictions: Additional items increase the vehicle’s weight, affecting the carrier’s load capacity and fuel efficiency. Exceeding weight limits can result in fines and delays.

Safety Concerns: Loose items can shift during transport, potentially damaging your vehicle’s interior or creating safety hazards for drivers and other vehicles on the carrier.

Insurance Limitations: Most auto transport insurance policies don’t cover personal belongings left inside vehicles. Items remaining in your car are typically transported at your own risk.

Financial Protection

Proper car shipping preparation protects you financially in multiple ways:

• Prevents additional fees for overweight vehicles
• Reduces risk of interior damage from shifting objects
• Eliminates potential theft of valuable items
• Ensures full insurance coverage for your vehicle

Complete Removal Checklist: What to Take Out Before Car Shipping

Personal Belongings and Valuables

Electronics and Devices:

• Smartphones and tablets
• GPS navigation systems (aftermarket units)
• Radar detectors
• Dash cameras
• Phone chargers and cables
• Bluetooth devices
• Portable speakers

Important Documents:

• Registration and insurance papers (keep copies)
• Owner’s manual
• Service records
• Toll transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.)
• Parking permits and decals

Valuable Items:

• Jewelry and watches
• Cash and credit cards
• Sunglasses (expensive brands)
• Prescription medications
• Important keys (house, office, other vehicles)

Removable Car Accessories

Interior Accessories:

• Seat covers (removable)
• Floor mats (custom or expensive)
• Steering wheel covers
• Air fresheners
• Phone mounts and holders
• Aftermarket stereo faceplates

Exterior Accessories:

• Bike racks and cargo carriers
• Antenna toppers
• License plate frames (decorative)
• Magnetic signs or decals
• Trailer hitches (if removable)

Personal Items and Supplies

Clothing and Personal Effects:

• Jackets and clothing items
• Umbrellas
• Sports equipment
• Tools and emergency kits
• First aid supplies
• Cleaning supplies

Food and Beverages:

• Snacks and drinks
• Coffee cups and water bottles
• Coolers and ice packs
• Any perishable items

Items You Can Leave in Your Car

While most personal belongings must be removed, some items are typically acceptable to leave:

Built-in Equipment

• Factory-installed GPS systems
• Integrated phone systems
• Original floor mats
• Spare tire and jack
• Factory tool kits

Low-Value, Secured Items

• Small amounts of emergency supplies (if secured)
• Basic first aid kit (in glove compartment)
• Vehicle documentation in secured compartments

Important Note: Even “acceptable” items should be properly secured and declared to your car shipping company. Always check with your specific transport provider about their policies.

Special Considerations for Different Vehicle Types

Luxury and Classic Cars

Luxury and classic car shipping requires extra attention to detail:

• Remove all aftermarket accessories
• Document all existing modifications
• Secure or remove custom parts
• Consider enclosed car transport services for added protection

Modified Vehicles

If your car has modifications, special car shipping preparation is needed:

• Lower air suspension to standard height
• Remove or secure loose body kits
• Document all modifications with photos
• Inform the transport company about ground clearance issues

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle shipping has unique requirements:

• Charge battery to 25-50% capacity
• Remove charging cables and adapters
• Disable any automatic charging schedules
• Provide charging instructions to the transport team

Room-by-Room Removal Guide

Glove Compartment

• Insurance documents (keep copies)
• Owner’s manual
• Registration (keep copies)
• Pens and small items
• Toll transponders

Center Console

• Coins and small change
• Phone chargers
• Sunglasses
• Personal items
• Garage door remotes

Door Pockets

• Maps and papers
• Bottles and cups
• Small personal items
• Tools or emergency supplies

Trunk/Cargo Area

• All luggage and bags
• Tools and equipment
• Spare parts
• Emergency kits
• Cargo organizers

What Happens If You Don’t Remove Items?

Potential Consequences

Additional Fees: Many car shipping companies charge extra fees for vehicles containing personal belongings, typically $100-500 depending on the amount of items.

Delivery Delays: Inspectors may refuse to load vehicles with excessive personal items, causing schedule delays.

Insurance Void: Personal belongings are rarely covered by transport insurance, and their presence might void coverage for certain types of damage.

Damage Risk: Loose items can shift during transport, causing interior damage that won’t be covered by the transport company’s insurance.

Real-World Example

One of our customers learned this lesson the hard way. They left a laptop and several books in their sedan during cross-country car shipping. During transport, the items shifted and scratched the dashboard and door panels. Since personal belongings aren’t covered by transport insurance, they had to pay $800 out of pocket for interior repairs.

Step-by-Step Car Shipping Preparation Process

1 Week Before Pickup

Documentation Prep:

• Gather all vehicle documents
• Take detailed photos of your car’s exterior and interior
• Create inventory list of any items remaining in vehicle
• Schedule pickup with your auto transport company

3 Days Before Pickup

Deep Cleaning:

• Wash exterior thoroughly
• Vacuum interior completely
• Remove all personal items systematically
• Check all compartments twice

Day of Pickup

Final Inspection:

• Do one last walk-through
• Remove any forgotten items
• Check fuel level (keep tank 1/4 full)
• Disable car alarms
• Provide keys and any special instructions

Professional Tips for Smooth Car Shipping Preparation

Create an Inventory System

Photo Documentation:

1. Take photos of empty compartments
2. Document any items you’re leaving (with permission)
3. Share photos with transport company
4. Keep copies for your records

Communicate with Your Transport Company

Before Pickup:

• Discuss your specific situation
• Ask about company-specific policies
• Clarify insurance coverage
• Get written confirmation of acceptable items

Plan for Pickup Day

Be Present:

• Stay available during pickup window
• Walk through inspection with driver
• Ask questions if you’re unsure
• Get copies of all paperwork

Common Car Shipping Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Leaving Expensive Items

Never leave valuable electronics, jewelry, or cash in your vehicle. Even if hidden, these items are at risk and not covered by insurance.

Mistake #2: Overpacking “Allowed” Items

Even if your transport company allows some personal items, don’t overdo it. Stick to essential, low-value items only.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Hidden Compartments

Check every compartment, including:

• Under seats
• Door pockets
• Trunk side compartments
• Glove box
• Center console

Mistake #4: Not Documenting Everything

Always photograph empty compartments and any remaining items. This protects you if disputes arise later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave clothes in my car during shipping?

No, you should remove all clothing items from your car before shipping. Clothes add unnecessary weight and are not covered by transport insurance if lost or damaged.

What about emergency supplies?

Basic emergency supplies like a small first aid kit can sometimes be left if properly secured and declared. However, check with your specific transport company first.

Are factory-installed items safe to leave?

Yes, built-in accessories like factory GPS systems, integrated phone systems, and original equipment can remain in your vehicle.

What if I forget to remove something?

Contact your transport company immediately. Depending on the item and timing, they may be able to accommodate removal before loading or return the item to you.

Can I put items back after delivery?

Of course! Once your car is delivered and inspected, you can reload all your personal belongings for your journey.

Cost Savings Through Proper Preparation

Proper car shipping preparation can save you significant money:

Avoided Fees:

• Personal belongings surcharge: $100-500
• Overweight vehicle fees: $50-200
• Inspection delays: $75-150 per day

Protected Investments:

• Interior damage prevention: $200-1,000+
• Theft prevention: Value of items removed
• Insurance coverage maintenance: Full vehicle value

Total Potential Savings: $400-2,000+ per shipment

Conclusion

Car shipping preparation is a critical step that ensures your vehicle transport goes smoothly and cost-effectively. By removing all personal belongings, valuable items, and non-essential accessories, you protect yourself financially and comply with transportation regulations.

Remember these key points:

• Remove all personal belongings and valuables
• Keep only factory-installed equipment
• Document everything with photos
• Communicate clearly with your transport company
• Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress

Ready to ship your car? Get your free car shipping quote from EasyGo Logistics today. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the preparation process and ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.

For more helpful tips, check out our guides on Should I Drive a Car or Transport It and Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Which Is Right for You.