Shipping your car is one of the smartest decisions you can make when relocating, purchasing a vehicle from out of state, or heading to a seasonal home. But many vehicle owners make avoidable mistakes simply because they did not prepare their car properly before handing it over to the carrier. Knowing what to remove from your car before shipping it can save you money, protect your valuables, and help ensure a hassle-free transport experience.

At ABC Auto Shipping, we have helped thousands of customers ship their vehicles across the country. Here is a complete guide to what needs to come out of your car before it goes on the truck.

Read: Shipping a Car for the First Time? Read This Before You Do

Why Removing Items from Your Car Before Shipping Matters?

Before diving into the checklist, it helps to understand why carriers ask you to clean out your vehicle in the first place.

Auto transport carriers are licensed and insured for the vehicle itself, not for personal items inside it. If a loose bag shifts during transit and scratches your interior, or if belongings go missing, the carrier’s insurance will not cover those losses. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits shipping household goods in a transported vehicle, which means carriers can face fines if personal items are found inside.

Beyond liability, extra weight from personal items can throw off vehicle load balancing on open carriers, create shifting hazards on winding routes, and even trigger additional fees with some transport companies.

Personal Belongings and Valuables

The first and most important category is personal belongings. This includes anything that has monetary or sentimental value to you.

Remove all electronics such as GPS devices, dash cameras, laptop computers, and portable chargers. Toll tags and E-ZPass transponders should come out as well, since the vehicle may pass through toll zones during transport and trigger charges on your account.

Sunglasses, wallets, spare keys, credit cards, and important documents should never be left in a car during shipping. The same goes for prescription medications, jewelry, and any irreplaceable items. Even a spare set of clothes or gym bag should come home with you.

Removable Aftermarket Accessories

Aftermarket accessories can be damaged in transit or may cause damage to other vehicles on the carrier if they are not factory-secured.

Items to remove include:

  • Custom spoilers or hood ornaments that are not bolted on
  • Removable roof racks and crossbars
  • Bike racks, ski racks, and cargo carriers
  • External antennas that extend beyond the roofline
  • Portable car shades or sunshades stored on the dash

Factory-installed items that are mechanically attached do not need to be removed. If you are unsure whether something is secure enough for transport, contact ABC Auto Shipping, and we can advise you before pickup day.

What to Do with Your Garage Door Opener and Toll Tags?

This is one of the most commonly overlooked items on any car shipping checklist. Garage door openers clipped to the visor or stored in the center console should always be removed before transport. If the vehicle is being driven onto or off a carrier near your neighborhood or stored at a local lot during any transit delay, an accessible garage remote creates an unnecessary security risk.

Toll transponders are equally important to remove. Carriers typically drive through multiple states and may pass through toll plazas. If your E-ZPass or SunPass device is still in the car, you could be billed for tolls the driver incurs. Pull the device off the windshield and store it at home until your car arrives.

Fuel Level Requirements for Auto Transport

Most auto transport companies, including ABC Auto Shipping, require that your gas tank be no more than a quarter full at the time of pickup. A full tank adds significant weight, which affects carrier load limits and fuel efficiency across the fleet.

Keeping the tank at or below one quarter also reduces fire risk in the unlikely event of an incident during transit. You will have enough fuel to drive the vehicle on and off the carrier and to the nearest gas station upon delivery.

Loose Items Inside the Cabin and Trunk

Even items that seem harmless can cause problems during long-haul transport. Vehicles on open carriers experience road vibration, wind exposure, and temperature changes over hundreds or thousands of miles.

Clear out the following from inside the cabin and trunk:

  • Umbrellas and collapsible chairs
  • Reusable grocery bags and tote bags
  • Sports equipment such as balls, bats, or helmets
  • Tool kits or car emergency kits (unless mounted and secured)
  • Floor mats that are not clipped into place
  • Loose change and small items in cup holders or the center console

A simple rule of thumb is this: if it would roll, slide, or fall if you braked hard, it needs to come out before shipping.

Parking Passes, Insurance Cards, and Registration

Many drivers store their registration and insurance documentation in the glove compartment. While some carriers may ask you to leave a copy of the registration in the vehicle for identification at weigh stations, you should remove originals and replace them with photocopies if required.

Remove all parking permits and residential parking passes from the windshield or sun visor. These can trigger parking citations in the destination city if the carrier delivers the vehicle to a lot or storage facility while awaiting your pickup.

Car Seats and Child Safety Equipment

Child safety seats should always be removed before auto transport. These seats are not installed for transit safety; they are designed to protect passengers in a moving vehicle. During shipping, a car seat is simply a loose object that can shift, fall, or be damaged.

If you have a rear-facing infant seat, a convertible seat, or a booster seat, remove it and transport it separately. This also protects you financially since car seats are not covered under carrier insurance.

Special Items That Require Extra Attention

Certain items require more than just removal. They require disposal or proper handling before your vehicle is picked up.

Propane tanks, even partially empty ones, cannot be inside a transported vehicle under any circumstances. The same applies to fireworks, flammable aerosols, and any pressurized containers. These are classified as hazardous materials under DOT regulations and can result in your shipment being refused or canceled.

If you have a handicap placard or rearview mirror ornament that is permanently affixed, it can generally remain. But decorative mirror items that dangle or swing should be removed to prevent interior scratches during vibration.

Also Read: What Can You Leave in Your Car During Auto Transport?

How to Prepare Your Car the Day Before Pickup?

Preparing your car properly does not have to be overwhelming. Follow this simple checklist the day before your carrier arrives.

Step 1. Remove all personal belongings, electronics, and documents from the cabin, trunk, and glove compartment.

Step 2. Detach toll transponders, parking passes, and garage door openers.

Step 3. Bring the fuel level down to approximately one-quarter of a tank.

Step 4. Remove any removable aftermarket accessories or roof-mounted equipment.

Step 5. Conduct a walkaround inspection and photograph any existing scratches, dents, or damage from multiple angles.

Step 6. Disable any car alarms or notify your carrier of the alarm code, since carriers may need to move the vehicle on and off the truck.

Step 7. Fold in your side mirrors if they are power-retractable, which reduces the vehicle’s width profile on an open carrier.

Also Read: 10 Steps to Prepare Your Car for Open Carrier Shipping

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Preparation

What happens if I leave personal items in my car during shipping?

If you leave personal items in your car during shipping, those items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. The carrier is only insured for the vehicle itself. Items may be lost, damaged, or shift and cause interior damage that also goes uncovered. Most carriers reserve the right to remove unauthorized items or charge additional fees.

Can I leave the car empty and completely clean?

Yes, and that is actually the recommended approach. A completely empty vehicle is the easiest to inspect before and after transport. It reduces the risk of damage claims and gives you full peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

Is it okay to leave my spare tire and jack in the trunk?

Yes. Factory-installed spare tires and jacks that sit in their designated compartments are generally acceptable to leave in place. These are part of the vehicle’s standard equipment and are secured in factory-installed storage.

How much fuel should I leave in the car for shipping?

Most auto transport companies recommend leaving no more than one-quarter of a tank of fuel in the vehicle. Some companies may accept up to half a tank, but a quarter tank is the industry standard and keeps weight and safety risks to a minimum.

Will the carrier check my car for personal items?

Many carriers do a basic visual inspection at pickup, but they are not required to perform a thorough search. It is your responsibility as the vehicle owner to ensure the car is cleared of personal belongings and prohibited items before transport.

Also Read: How to Save Money on Auto Transport Services?

Ship Your Car with Confidence Using ABC Auto Shipping

At ABC Auto Shipping, we believe a well-prepared vehicle leads to a smooth, worry-free transport experience. Our team is available to walk you through the entire preparation process before your pickup date. Whether you are shipping across two states or coast to coast, we provide transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and door-to-door delivery options.

Ready to get started? Get an instant free auto shipping quote or call our team to learn more about what to expect on shipping day.