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4 min read · June 2026
How to prepare your car for transport (checklist)
The exact prep checklist we send customers before we roll up. Ten minutes now saves you a phone call from the driver.
The 10-point checklist
1. Fuel to under 1/4 tank. Enough to drive on and off the truck, no more — extra fuel is dead weight.
2. Wash it (or don't). Not required, but a clean car makes damage photos honest. We do our own photos regardless.
3. Photograph every panel. Front, rear, both sides, roof, wheels. Timestamped by your phone.
4. Remove valuables. Sunglasses, chargers, coins, aftermarket electronics, GPS units, dashcam SD cards.
5. Retract or fold antennas.
6. Disable toll tags and alarms that could trigger during transit.
7. Secure loose interior items. Boot liners, floor mats fine — but not floating soft drink bottles.
8. Note fluid leaks. If it drips, tell us. We can still move it, but we plan the load accordingly.
9. Provide one working key. We don't need spares.
10. Confirm access at both ends. Photograph the driveway if it's steep or tight.
Extras for special cases
Classic or high-value cars — request enclosed transport at quote time.
EVs — charge to 40–60%, we can't top up in transit.
Non-runners — clear steering lock, ideally handbrake off.
Modified cars — tell us ride height and any low-hanging parts.
FAQs
Do I need to be there for pickup?
Not necessarily. If you can leave the keys in a lockbox or with a neighbour and we've agreed the process in advance, we can collect unattended and text you photos.
Can I leave stuff in the boot?
A few personal items are fine, but heavy loads, fragile goods and anything valuable should come out. Nothing in the boot is covered by our vehicle transit insurance.
Ready to move something?