Now that you've looked into the auto transport company and its reputation as well as what you will need for interstate or international shipping methods, it is important to actually prepare your car for transportation. No matter who ships your vehicle, you are, in the end, responsible for actually preparing your car and although it doesn't take much time to do so, it will save a lot of grief in the long run.

Make a routine inspection of your vehicle prior to the movers coming and get your vehicle washed. This allows for easy identification of any damage prior to shipping and any that may happen after shipping. Also, get a small service check over done on your vehicle to ensure your battery is charged, tires are inflated and top up all fluids, brakes, etc.

Requirements:

 Service check – Make sure your vehicle is good on the go, ton-up, fluids, brakes, etc.

Battery check – Make sure the battery of vehicle is charged, you don’t wish to look for cables once your vehicle is arriving at the port of final destination.

Empty your vehicle – Some people choose to take items and boxes into there vehicle, you should know that if any damages or stolen items have applied to you while transport the insurance coverage will not reimburse you on your loss. The overseas insurance on vehicles cover damages that may apply on vehicle only and not on boxes or goods stored in the vehicle. Customs do not support this as well.

Gas Tank – The gas tank required to be bellow the red line with a gallon of gas to move the vehicle from on point to another while it’s waiting for departure or arrived at final port. If shipping company will require emptying your vehicle pls. note that draining charges may apply.

Titles – US customs will not clear any vehicle out of the US Borders with out an original title of vehicle, if there is not title you will require to proof customs by checking with the local DMV. note: Your name on passport need to match the name on title and the bill of lading provided by your shipping company.

Bill of Sale – If the vehicle is new it’s recommended to have the bill of sale with the rest of the paperwork.

Letter from the Bank – If the car is leased you will require a bank letter that there is no lean on the title otherwise US Customs will not clear the vehicle for export.

Customs Regulation – The US Customs requires all vehicle empty prior shipping for inspection if may be required. 

Inspection of vehicle – When you receive an inspection with your carrier, always check for all the items you have in the vehicle to be signed by the inspector or the company. Such as radio, Jack, Spear tier, vehicle repair tools, etc. if you have a GPS attached on your vehicle it’s recommended to remove it, if you have any other items hanging in the vehicle be sure to remove them as well.

Alarm – The Alarm should be de-activated

Wash – All vehicles must be inspected prior transported overseas, in order for the shipping company to inspect the vehicle it should be clean and clear to spec for scratches or light bumps on vehicle for insurance prepuces.

Point your custom broker – Reputable shipping companies will offer you the following services for custom clearance of your vehicle on the point of destination. If you have your custom broker advice the information to your shipper they will send all documents for clearance process to the broker. This will save time and extra fees at port.