Before the driver arrives
The goal is to hand off a clean, documented vehicle that a driver can inspect in five minutes and safely load.
- Wash the exterior — dirt hides scratches and dings that need to go on the bill of lading
- Empty the interior of personal items (see below)
- Fuel tank between 1/8 and 1/4 full — enough to load/unload, no more
- Photograph every side of the car in daylight, timestamped
- Note any pre-existing damage in writing
- Disable toll transponders and aftermarket alarms
Personal items: the real rules
Federal DOT rules do not authorize auto transport carriers to haul household goods. Anchor Down allows up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk, out of sight, at your own risk — but nothing valuable, nothing fragile, and nothing that could shift during transit.
- OK: floor mats, a small box of clothing, jumper cables
- Not OK: electronics, jewelry, firearms, cash, prescription medication, documents
Mechanical readiness
The car needs to be able to start, steer, and brake safely to be loaded on a standard trailer. If it can't, that's fine — we run inoperable vehicle transport with winches and specialty equipment. Just tell us in advance so we dispatch the right truck.
- Battery fully charged
- Tires inflated to spec
- No active fluid leaks
- Any known mechanical issues disclosed at booking
The bill of lading walkaround
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is your legal document. At pickup, walk around the car with the driver and note every scratch, ding, chip, and imperfection. Sign only after both parties agree. At delivery, do the same walkaround before signing off.
Any damage that appears in transit must be noted on the delivery BOL before you sign. Once you sign a clean delivery BOL, the carrier's liability ends — even for damage that shows up later.
Related state auto transport pages
Lane-specific pricing, pickup timing, and metros for every state referenced in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship items in the car to save on movers?+
Up to 100 lbs in the trunk is generally OK. Anything more risks fines to the carrier and delays for you.
What if my car doesn't start?+
That's fine — book inoperable transport at the time of quote so we dispatch a trailer equipped with a winch.
Do I need to be there for pickup?+
You or an authorized adult must be present to inspect the car and sign the bill of lading.