Booking auto transport is the easy part. The 10 minutes you spend prepping your car before the carrier arrives are what actually keep your shipment smooth, fast, and dispute-free. Here is the checklist our dispatchers wish every customer followed.
Wash it before pickup
A clean car makes the pickup inspection accurate. Road grime hides scratches and dings, and a vague inspection report is the number one cause of delivery disputes. Wash the exterior the day before so existing cosmetic flaws are clearly visible and properly documented.
Photograph everything
Walk around the vehicle and take timestamped photos from every angle — all four corners, the roof, the wheels, and any pre-existing damage up close. These photos are your insurance if a disagreement ever comes up. Every Dreamline carrier also photographs your car before loading, but your own record never hurts.
Leave a quarter tank of fuel
Cars are driven on and off the trailer, not the whole way, so you do not need a full tank — and a full tank adds weight. A quarter tank is the sweet spot: enough to load and unload, light enough to keep the haul efficient.
Remove personal items and toll tags
- Take out everything loose: chargers, sunglasses, garage remotes, and paperwork
- Remove or bag toll transponders so you are not charged during transit
- Pull aftermarket electronics that are not bolted down
- Empty the trunk — carriers are not licensed to haul household goods
Cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not the contents inside it. Anything left in the cabin travels at your own risk.
Check for mechanical issues
Note any leaks, low tires, or a weak battery and tell your coordinator in advance. A car that does not roll, brake, and steer needs special equipment — disclosing it up front means the right truck shows up the first time instead of a rescheduled pickup.
Disable the alarm
A car alarm that goes off mid-route is a problem nobody on the road can solve. Disable it, or give the driver clear instructions to shut it off.
A five-minute walkaround at pickup, backed by your own photos, is the single best thing you can do to guarantee a clean delivery.
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