How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping Checklist

1. Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly Wash the exterior so the driver can clearly document any existing scratches, dents, or damage. A clean car also makes post-delivery cleaning easier. Vacuum the interior and wipe down surfaces.

2. Fuel Level – Keep It at 1/4 Tank Leave approximately a quarter tank of gas. This is enough for the driver to load and unload the vehicle safely while keeping overall weight down. Never ship with a full or nearly empty tank.

3. Remove Personal Belongings

• Federal regulations limit personal items to 100 lbs maximum (stored in the trunk).
• Remove all loose items, electronics, child seats, floor mats, and valuables.
• Carriers are not responsible for personal property.

4. Disable or Remove Toll Devices Take off or deactivate E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, or any automatic toll transponders to prevent unwanted charges during transport.

5. Check and Document Vehicle Condition

• Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
• Note any existing damage (scratches, cracked glass, missing parts).
• Ensure all lights, signals, and basic functions work (especially important for inoperable vehicles).

6. Remove Aftermarket Accessories Take off bike racks, spoilers (if easily removable), roof racks, antennas, or any protruding items that could interfere with loading.

7. Battery & Mechanical Prep

• For running vehicles: Ensure the battery is charged.
• For inoperable vehicles: Inform us in advance — we’ll assign carriers with winch capability.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Charge to approximately 50% and confirm key fob access.

8. Provide Proper Documentation

• Have your driver’s license or ID ready.
• Keys (including spare if requested).
• Proof of insurance and registration.

9. Tire Pressure & Basic Maintenance Inflate tires to the recommended PSI. This helps with safe loading onto the carrier.

Marine Barge Shipping Preparation (For Coastal & Island Routes)

Prepping for the Open Water

Whether you own a nimble center console or a luxurious motor yacht, thorough pre-departure preparation is the difference between an unforgettable trip and a frustrating maritime breakdown. Proper craft preparation spans three core pillars: mechanical reliability, safety gear, and hull integrity.

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Essential Maintenance for Boats and Yachts

First, always start in the engine room. For modern marine engines, check essential fluid levels—engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant—while inspecting high-stress components like belts, hoses, and raw-water impellers for wear. Inspect the electrical system next; marine batteries drain quickly over idle periods, so verify terminals are clean and charge levels are solid. Don’t forget to check the bilge pump and float switch, as they serve as your primary defense against taking on water.

Second, perform a thorough safety inventory. Confirm life jackets (PFDs) are easily accessible, undamaged, and correctly sized for all passengers on board. Verify that marine fire extinguishers are fully charged and mounted properly. Check expiration dates on visual distress signals, like flares, and ensure your VHF radio and navigation electronics (GPS, depth sounders) pull precise location data.

Finally, examine the exterior hull and rigging. For powerboats and yachts, ensure thru-hull fittings and sea cocks open and close smoothly. Inspect the propeller for line wraps or nicked blades, and double-check that the drain plug is securely installed before launch. If you operate a sailboat or large vessel, inspect standing rigging for fraying and test all winches and lines under light load.

Taking thirty minutes for a structured pre-launch checklist protects your investment, keeps your guests safe, and guarantees smooth sailing every time you push off the dock.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping: Proper vehicle preparation before transporting standard cars, oversized boats, trailers, or heavy machinery is the single biggest factor in preventing highway accidents, costly transit delays, and mechanical damage. Whether you are moving a sedan across state lines or hauling an oversized boat on a multi-axle trailer, proper preparation keeps cargo secure, keeps weight legal, and protects your investment.

1. Safety & Weight Distribution

• Center of Gravity: Heavy loads like oversized boats or industrial trailers shift a tow vehicle’s handling dramatically. Distributing weight so that 10–15% of the total load sits on the trailer tongue prevents trailer sway—a major cause of rollover accidents.
• Overdimensional Limits: Transporting oversized loads (wide, tall, or heavy) requires strict adherence to state DOT permits, height clearances, and route restrictions to avoid striking bridges or power lines.

2. Load Stabilization & Clearance

• Loose Gear & Shrinkwrap: Winds at 65 mph turn loose covers, canvas tops, or unsecured boat equipment into hazardous highway debris. Shrinkwrap must be heavily taped and vented, or bimini tops completely stowed.
• Tire & Brake Checks: Oversized loads put extreme stress on trailer tires, wheel bearings, and electric or surge brakes. Underinflated tires overheat rapidly and blowout under heavy tons.

3. Financial & Legal Protection

• Pre-Existing Damage Auditing: Cleaning a boat, car, or heavy trailer and taking detailed photos prior to transport creates a clear condition report. This speeds up claims if transit damage occurs.
• Permit & Escort Compliance: Moving oversized cargo without preparing proper oversized permits or hiring escort vehicles leads to heavy fines and impounded rigs.

The Golden Rule of Prep: If it can move, shift, or catch wind at highway speeds, lock it down, remove it, or secure it before the rig pulls out.