Preparing your vehicle for the cross-country journey from Los Angeles to Atlanta is straightforward but important. Here's what you need to do:
Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing scratches or dents with photos. This creates a clear record for the inspection process at pickup and delivery.
Remove personal items: Take out all personal belongings, toll transponders (like FasTrak), and any loose items from the interior. Carriers aren't insured for personal property, and extra weight can affect shipping costs.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Ensure your car is in good running condition with no leaks. Your vehicle needs to roll freely for loading and unloading.
Disable alarms: Turn off any car alarms to prevent them from going off during transport, which could drain your battery.
Secure or remove accessories: Take off or secure any aftermarket accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could be damaged or come loose during the 2,000+ mile journey.
Leave about a quarter tank of gas: This is enough for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight.
Provide a working key: Make sure you have a spare key available for the driver.
For more detailed preparation steps, check out our comprehensive guide on how to ship a car. If you're transporting a high-value or classic vehicle, you might also want to consider enclosed transport for added protection on this cross-country route.