Reading : 2 minutes
Jan 16, 2024


Are you handing your car over to a car shipping company but aren’t sure what you need to do to prep it correctly? Our quick and informative guide will teach you the basics, so by the time you drop it off, it’ll be a smooth and stress-free process.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Container

First things first: a kit car is a precious commodity, so choosing the right level of protection is a must.  Unfortunately, in an open container, scratched paint and dents can occasionally happen while your car is being transported (let alone flying debris!) Although it’s a bit more expensive, choose a closed carrier for transport. It will provide peace of mind that your kit car makes it there looking as good as it did when you dropped it off. An extra tip: take pictures of your vehicle. These pictures will provide you the proof you need should any damage occur.

Step 2: Remove Any Loose Parts and Valuable Items

It’s important to do whatever you can to minimize your car’s risk of injury before it makes its journey—no matter how short or long its drive may be! Fold your side mirrors in, place your antennae in the trunk, and secure any loose parts before shipping it off. Wash your vehicle (this will save you some work when it arrives at your destination). A clean vehicle can make sure that you don’t miss any noticeable damage before it’s picked up. In addition:

  • Check the tire pressure so they aren’t under or over-inflated
  • Check the fluids in the car
  • Make sure the car has a fully charged battery.

Being a kit car, it’s likely you won’t run into any of these issues, but protocol prior to it being picked up helps you to steer clear of any issues upon delivery.

Step 3: Make Sure the Shipping Company is Bonded and Insured

Part of what you pay us for is to verify that the carrier we put you on is covered by the requisite amount of insurance and that it is up to date. There is never any additional cost to the customer for this coverage, and their insurance is primary. That being said, be careful with any company that promises a ‘too good to be true’ price. It could mean they’re able to provide low transportation fees because they aren’t providing insurance like they should.

No Less Than the Best

At Ship A Car Direct, we pride ourselves on taking care of our customer’s vehicles with as much care as would with our own.  Whether you’re have a classic or vintage vehicle, we’ve got the perfect transport option and carrier for your unique needs! Contact us today and learn about our damage-free guarantee!

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