Your carrier’s job is to move your car safely. Your job — all fifteen minutes of it — is to hand over a car that’s ready to be moved. Here is the exact checklist our dispatchers give every customer.

1. Wash it, then photograph it

A clean car shows its real condition. Walk around it in daylight and photograph every panel, the roof, and the wheels. These photos pair with the driver’s inspection at pickup and settle any condition question later — in your favor, because they’re timestamped.

2. Fuel at a quarter tank

Carriers are weight-rated, and a full tank is dead weight. A quarter tank is plenty for loading and unloading. If your car is electric, charge to roughly 40–60% and tell us — EV handling differs slightly.

3. Everything out that isn’t part of the car

Carrier insurance covers the vehicle, not its contents. Remove personal items, garage openers, toll tags, and anything loose. A spare tire and factory tools can stay.

4. Mechanical honesty

Note leaks, a weak battery, a tire that loses air, brakes that stick. A car that doesn’t roll, steer, and brake ships differently and costs differently — surprises at pickup help nobody. Disable alarms, fold mirrors, retract antennas, and have both keys ready.

5. Be reachable

Keep your phone on during your pickup window. The driver calls ahead; a missed call can mean a missed truck. Done all five? You’ve just made your shipment boring — and boring is exactly what you want.