The Ultimate Car Shipping Checklist (Free Printable PDF)
Shipping your vehicle requires preparation to ensure safety and compliance. Don't let a dead battery or a forgotten toll tag delay your transport. We created this comprehensive car shipping checklist to help you get your vehicle road-ready for the carrier.
📥 Get Your Vehicle Ready
Prefer a paper copy? Download our one-page guide for your glovebox.
Download Printable PDFUse this timeline to manage your vehicle transport efficiently. From choosing between Open vs. Enclosed carriers to the final inspection.
Note: This checklist contains recommended steps only and is meant as a helpful guide, not a mandatory list of requirements.
4 Weeks Before: Booking & Strategy
- Select Your Method: Choose Open Carrier (Standard Value) or Enclosed Carrier (Recommended for luxury/classic cars).
- Check Inoperable Status: Does the car run and drive? If not, confirm "Winched Service" availability with your agent.
- Specialty Items: Notify EasyGo about modified suspensions (lowered/lifted), roof racks, or large tires.
- Get Your Quote: Call EasyGo Logistics at (888) 387-6204 to lock in your rate.
- Review Insurance: Verify the carrier's cargo insurance coverage meets your vehicle's value.
2 Weeks Before: Mechanical Prep
- Check for Leaks: Fix any fluid leaks (oil, brake, transmission). Drivers may refuse leaking cars to protect other vehicles.
- Battery Check: Ensure your battery is fully charged and secured. A dead battery can cause loading delays.
- Tire Pressure: Inflate tires to manufacturer standards to prevent damage during loading.
- Convertibles: Secure the top properly. If it's a soft top, check for tears or loose seals.
- Spare Keys: Ensure you have a complete duplicate set of keys. The driver takes one; you keep one.
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- Remove exterior items: Take off removable racks, antennas, and custom spoilers to prevent damage (this is not compulsory, but please tell us if your car has any custom changes).
- Disable Alarms: Turn off all alarm systems. Drivers cannot transport cars with active alarms sounding.
- Remove Tags: Take off toll passes (EZ-Pass, SunPass) to avoid accidental charges during transport.
- Clean the Car: Wash the exterior thoroughly. Dirt hides scratches, making the initial inspection inaccurate.
- Gas Tank Rule: Run your gas tank down to 1/4 full. This saves weight and meets DOT safety regulations.
Packing Personal Items (EasyGo Policy)
⚠️ Important Rule: Unlike many carriers, EasyGo allows you to pack personal items, but strict limits apply.
- Weight Limit: You may pack up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or cargo area.
- Placement: Keep items below the window line (trunk only). Nothing in the front seats.
- Prohibited: DO NOT pack firearms, plants, flammable liquids, or illegal substances.
- Secure It: Ensure items are packed tight to prevent shifting while the truck moves.
💡 Pro Tip: Take clear photos of your odometer and all four sides of the vehicle immediately before the driver loads it. This is your best protection!
Pickup & Delivery Day
- Inspection (Bill of Lading): Walk around the vehicle with the driver. Note EVERY scratch or dent on the paper form.
- Sign & Confirm: Sign the Bill of Lading only after you agree with the noted condition.
- Hand Over Keys: Give the driver the keys and ensure they have your delivery contact number.
- Delivery Inspection: At drop-off, compare the car's condition to your Pickup Bill of Lading before signing the final release.