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Vehicle Shipping Tips

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Getting ready to ship your car? Sherpa aims to deliver a better vehicle shipping experience for all of our valued clients – snowbirds making their biannual north-south journeys, families making momentous cross-country moves, auto collectors traveling to the next big show, and car buyers scouring the country for the best deal for their desired vehicle and shipping themselves their new prize.

A carrier completing a Bill of Lading in front of a white car.

Here Are Some Tips for a Smooth, Seamless Auto Shipping Experience:

Before Pickup Day

1. Give Your Vehicle a Quick Checkup

1. Give Your Vehicle a Quick Checkup

There are a few things our professional carriers need from you before they take possession of your vehicle:

 

  • Gather keys to vehicle, including for gas cap and trunk if required
  • Inform us of any aftermarket modifications
  • Gas tank ¼ to ½ full
  • Good tire pressure
  • Working driver’s door and window
  • Working brakes
  • Charged battery
  • No leaks

2. Limit and Stow Your Personal Belongings

Before pickup, limit and stow your personal belongings. Your shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the trunk area or below the window line. However, we recommend that you remove anything valuable from the vehicle!

If your shipment includes ocean transport, your vehicle must be completely emptied of personal belongings.

3. Remove Accessories and Aftermarket Parts

It’s worth taking time to remove or disconnect any exterior or interior accessories that could be damaged during loading or transit:

 

  • Turn off all alarm systems
  • Remove non-retractable antennae
  • Remove dash-mounted and interior aftermarket accessories
  • Take down luggage, ski and bike racks

4. Remove Toll Responders

Don’t forget to grab your garage door opener, music collection and other personal items. Yes, even your toll transponder (e.g., EZ Pass).

On Pickup Day

On Pickup Day
 

5. Confirm Delivery-day Contact Information

You’ll review paperwork when the carrier picks up your car, confirm the delivery address, and provide the name and contact information for the person who will receive the car at its destination. It’s a good idea to supply more than one phone number.

6. Take Note of Your Vehicle’s Condition

The hand-chosen carrier will walk around your vehicle with you to note all existing damage to your car’s exterior. It’s always a good idea to take photos or video of the vehicle on pickup day to have an additional record of its condition at hand-off. Be sure to ask the driver for a copy of the Bill of Lading.

7. Sit Back and Relax!

Your vehicle is in the hands of experienced professionals who will transport it with meticulous care, safely and in a timely manner.

On Delivery Day

On Delivery Day

8. Perform a Careful Inspection

We are confident that we offer the highest level of service in the auto transport industry, and you should carefully inspect your vehicle upon its arrival. Review the Bill of Lading and compare notes with the pictures you snapped on pickup day.

We trust you will find that your car has been shipped with impeccable care and attention to detail. Take time to assure yourself that your vehicle has arrived undamaged.

In the unlikely event that your vehicle has been damaged, be sure it is clearly noted on the Bill of Lading.

9. Sign Off and Enjoy Your Ride!

When you are fully satisfied with your vehicle’s condition at arrival, your professional auto transporter will ask you to sign the Bill of Lading, which confirms a successful delivery.

10. Treat Yourself to a Car Wash on Us

With our Clean Car Guarantee, you can get your car washed for free. Get your car cleaned within seven days of arrival and we’ll reimburse you (up to $20) for the expense.

Don’t forget that you can call our knowledgeable staff at any point during the auto transport process. We are happy to answer questions about preparing to ship your vehicle and we’ll stand by you from pickup day through delivery day, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Motorcycle Shipping Tips

Clean Your Motorcycle
 

Are you shipping a motorcycle? Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transport:

 

1. Clean Your Motorcycle:

Start by thoroughly washing your motorcycle. Cleaning your bike allows you to inspect it for any existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or other issues. Taking photos of your bike from multiple angles after cleaning can serve as a record in case any claims are needed later.

2. Document Existing Damage:

Perform a thorough review of your motorcycle for any pre-existing damage. Note any scratches, dents, or other imperfections and document them with photographs. This documentation will be helpful in case of any disputes or claims regarding the condition of your bike upon delivery.

3. Remove Personal Items and Accessories:

Remove your motorcycle’s personal items, loose parts, or accessories before shipping. This includes saddlebags, GPS units, custom mirrors, and anything else that could be damaged or lost during transport.

4. Check Tire Pressure and Fluids:

Ensure your motorcycle’s tires are properly inflated to prevent any damage during loading and unloading. Additionally, check fluid levels and ensure there are no leaks. If there’s an existing leak, have it repaired before shipping, as it could cause problems during transit.

With Sherpa, your motorcycle will be shipped as a rolling chassis, which means all fluids can be retained.

5. Secure Loose Parts:

Any parts that cannot be removed should be secured to prevent them from moving during transport. This includes handlebars, side mirrors, and any other components that could shift or be damaged in transit.

6. Disable the Alarm:

If your bike has an alarm system, be sure to turn it off before shipping. An active alarm can be triggered during transit, which can be a nuisance and may drain the battery. Make sure to put your vehicle in Transport Mode.

By following these preparation steps, you’ll help ensure that your motorcycle arrives at its destination in the same condition it was in when it was picked up, making the transport process smooth and stress-free.

Ready To Ship Your Car?

Call us at 877-850-1231