Proper preparation ensures your vehicle arrives safely in Miami and helps avoid delays during pickup in Los Angeles. Here's what you need to do:
Clean and Inspect: Wash your car thoroughly, inside and out. This makes it easier to document any existing damage with photos before shipping. Take clear pictures from multiple angles as a record of your vehicle's condition.
Remove Personal Items: Carriers are not insured for personal belongings, and extra weight can incur additional fees. Remove all personal items, toll passes, garage door openers, and any loose objects from the interior. If you must leave items inside, keep them in the trunk and under 100 pounds total.
Secure or Remove Accessories: Take off or secure any exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could be damaged during transit. Retract or remove your antenna if possible.
Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your car has enough fuel (about a quarter tank) for loading and unloading, but not a full tank to avoid excess weight. Verify that your battery is fully charged and all fluid levels are adequate.
Disable Alarms: Turn off your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport, which can drain your battery.
Provide a Working Key: Make sure you have a spare key available for the carrier driver. The key should start the vehicle and allow access to all necessary controls.
For more comprehensive preparation tips, see our guide on how to ship a car. If you're transporting a luxury or classic vehicle across the country, you might also consider enclosed trailer shipping for added protection during the cross-country journey.