How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A smooth pickup starts before the truck arrives. Use this guide to get your vehicle, keys and handoff details ready for open or enclosed car shipping. Start with the essentials below, then use the pickup checklist on shipping day. If the car’s condition or pickup arrangements have changed, tell Onyx before the carrier arrives.
Start with these car shipping preparation essentials
Confirm vehicle details
Prepare keys
Clear loose items
Document condition
Auto transport preparation requirements
Report condition & modifications
Confirm the year, make and model on your order. Tell Onyx about low ground clearance, oversized tires, lifts, roof equipment or a car that cannot start, roll, steer or brake. These details determine the equipment and carrier needed; report changes before pickup.
Secure accessories
Remove temporary roof and bicycle racks. Secure loose trim and fragile accessories, and close windows, sunroofs and convertible tops. Tell the driver about low spoilers or special loading instructions; do not remove permanent parts without qualified guidance.
Keep fuel low
For gasoline and diesel vehicles, Onyx’s terms call for no more than one-quarter tank. Leave enough fuel for loading and unloading; do not hand over an empty tank. Ask the carrier for separate EV charging instructions.
Prepare alarm instructions
Disarm the alarm or give the driver clear instructions for turning it off. Explain unusual starting procedures and provide a working key or key card. Remove house keys and other unrelated keys from the ring.
Arrange the handoff
Be available for both inspections, or arrange an authorized representative. Confirm working pickup and delivery phone numbers, the agreed meeting point and any location access hours before the truck arrives.
Check access
Tell us about narrow streets, low branches, gates and parking restrictions. Door-to-door service means as close as safely and legally accessible. Agree on a suitable nearby meeting point if the truck cannot reach your address.
Personal belongings: know the limits
Packing allowance
One bag or suitcase up to 100 lb, in the trunk or storage area. Notify Onyx and the carrier before loading.
Your responsibility
Items travel at your own risk; carriers may reject unsafe or unlawful belongings. Remove valuables.
Items you must not pack
- Weapons & ammunition
- Explosives
- Flammable products
- Live pets & plants
- Alcohol
- Illegal goods
Record your vehicle’s condition
At pickup
Walk around the car with the driver before loading. Compare the inspection notes with what you can see, including scratches, dents, glass and wheels. Photograph the car and odometer, sign an accurate condition report and keep your copy of the Bill of Lading.
At delivery
Inspect the vehicle with the driver before signing at delivery. Compare it with your pickup photos and report. Record any new damage on the Bill of Lading, take clear photographs and retain the signed copy. Contact Onyx promptly if you notice a concern.
Useful car shipping preparation tips
Clean the exterior
Wash off dirt that could hide scratches or dents. An ordinary exterior wash is enough; expensive detailing is not necessary. Leave time for the car to dry so the pickup inspection is easier.
Prepare the keys
Provide the key or key card needed to start, unlock and move the car. Test it before pickup. Keep a spare if available, and explain any special ignition, parking-brake or access procedure.
Remove toll tags
Remove or deactivate toll transponders according to the toll provider’s instructions. Take out garage remotes, valuables and personal documents. Check storage pockets and the trunk before handing over the keys.
Report vehicle issues
Check tire inflation, battery condition and visible leaks. Tell Onyx about starting trouble, brake or steering problems, warning lights or a flat tire. Do not describe a vehicle as operable if it cannot be loaded normally.
Electric vehicle guidance
Ask the assigned carrier for the required charge level; it varies by vehicle and transport arrangement. Provide the key card and manufacturer instructions for transport mode if needed. Report battery damage or charging faults before booking; do not attempt high-voltage repairs.
Shipping a non-running or auction vehicle?
Call Onyx before booking an auction or non-running vehicle. Confirm whether it rolls, steers and brakes, whether keys are available, and whether loading equipment is needed. For auction pickups, have the lot number, release paperwork and pickup contact ready, and confirm the vehicle is released. Discuss unloading arrangements at the destination as well as loading at origin.
Your vehicle shipping checklist
How to prepare your car for shipping: common questions
Our Terms of Service allow one bag or suitcase weighing no more than 100 lb in the trunk or storage area. Notify Onyx and the carrier before loading. Items travel at your own risk; the carrier may refuse unsafe or unlawful belongings. Remove valuables and prohibited items.
Tell us before pickup and whenever its condition changes. Explain whether it rolls, steers, and brakes, and whether keys are available. Non-running vehicles may need different equipment or handling, which can affect pricing and carrier arrangements.
Tell our team that your vehicle is electric and confirm the assigned carrier’s charging and loading instructions. The one-quarter-tank requirement applies to fuel-powered vehicles, not an EV battery charge percentage.
The carrier may arrange a nearby meeting point that is safe and accessible for the transport truck. Discuss narrow streets, access restrictions, low branches, or other obstacles with our team before pickup.