Preparing your vehicle properly ensures a smooth transport experience on the 2,100+ mile journey from Seattle to Dallas. Here's what you need to do:
Clean and Document: Wash your car thoroughly (inside and out) and take dated photos from all angles. This helps you document its condition before shipping and makes the inspection process easier.
Remove Personal Items: Clear out all personal belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Carriers typically aren't insured for personal property, and extra weight can affect shipping costs.
Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your gas tank is only 1/4 full (reduces weight and fire risk), but verify fluid levels are adequate and your battery is fully charged so the carrier can load and unload your vehicle.
Disable Alarms: Turn off any car alarms to prevent them from going off during the multi-day transit.
Secure or Remove Accessories: Take off or secure any external accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers. Retract mirrors if possible. For convertibles, ensure the top is properly secured.
Note Existing Damage: Document any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues. If your vehicle is particularly valuable or you're concerned about weather exposure on this cross-country route, consider enclosed transport for added protection.
Have Keys Ready: You'll need to provide at least one set of keys to the driver at pickup.
For a complete preparation checklist and additional shipping tips, visit our how to ship a car guide.