First-Time Car Shipper Checklist

Written by Tempus Logix Staff

October 6, 2026

Everything a first shipment needs, in the order you need it. Nothing here takes long. The ones people skip are the photographs and the quarter tank.

Table of Contents

Before You Book

[ ] Decide open or enclosed. Open suits almost every daily driver.
[ ] Note whether the vehicle runs and drives. If not, it must be declared.
[ ] Measure anything unusual. Lift kits, roof racks, oversized tires.
[ ] Check access at both ends. Can a long truck reach the street and turn?
[ ] Decide who will hand over and receive the vehicle.
[ ] Get three quotes and compare what each includes.
[ ] Ask for the USDOT or MC number and whether carrier insurance is verified.

Once Booked

[ ] Confirm the collection window and who to call.
[ ] Put your coordinator’s number in your phone.
[ ] Leave margin before any flight or lease deadline.
[ ] Read the transport agreement, especially the claim deadline.

The Week Before Collection

[ ] Wash the vehicle. The inspection can only record what is visible.
[ ] Photograph all four sides, both ends, the roof, each wheel, the odometer, and the interior.
[ ] Photograph every existing mark close up.
[ ] Remove all personal belongings. They are not covered.
[ ] Take out anything heat-sensitive or freezable, depending on the season.
[ ] Reduce fuel to about a quarter tank.
[ ] Remove or retract roof boxes, bike racks, aftermarket spoilers, and loose trim.
[ ] Fold mirrors and retract the antenna.
[ ] Disable the alarm and remove or deactivate the toll transponder.
[ ] Check tire pressures and the battery.
[ ] Check for leaks and mention any you find.
[ ] Prepare one set of keys to hand over.

Collection Day

[ ] Be available across the whole window.
[ ] Inspect with the driver in shade or overcast light, never bright sun.
[ ] Check every existing mark is on the condition report.
[ ] Check the recorded odometer, plate, and VIN.
[ ] Note anything you could not inspect properly.
[ ] Photograph your signed copy before the driver leaves.

Delivery Day

[ ] Be available, or have your designated person available.
[ ] Walk the vehicle before signing anything.
[ ] Compare it against the pickup report and your photographs.
[ ] Rinse off road film if you can, or note that it limited the inspection.
[ ] Record any new damage on the receipt before signing.
[ ] Photograph anything you find, the same day.
[ ] Check the odometer.
[ ] Pay the balance by the agreed method and keep the receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gets forgotten most?
Photographs before collection, and reducing the fuel level.

Do I need to be present at both ends?
You or someone you designate in advance. Whoever signs accepts the vehicle.

How much fuel should be left?
About a quarter tank. Enough to load and unload.

Can I leave the child seat in?
Remove it. Anything not fixed to the vehicle counts as a personal item.

Should I service the car first?
Not necessary. Just check the battery, the tires, and for leaks.

Why Ship With Tempus Logix

Tempus Logix is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120, and BBB accredited. Every carrier we assign is vetted and its insurance verified before a vehicle is collected, and vehicle owners carry a zero deductible on covered damage.

First-time shippers deserve a quote that holds. We price loads at a rate carriers actually accept, explain what the figure covers before you commit, and tell you plainly when a date looks tight, rather than booking it and renegotiating later.

New to this? Start with our first-time car shipping guide.

Related Guides

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Need a vehicle moved? Get a free quote with our auto transport quote calculator or call a transport coordinator at +1 (866) 607-8459.

First-Time Shipper Checklist