Getting your vehicle ready for transit is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth shipping experience. Here's what you should do:
Remove personal items and accessories. Take out anything loose inside your car—phones, documents, valuables, and personal belongings. On the exterior, remove or secure any aftermarket parts, roof racks, or antennas that could be damaged or fall off during transport.
Empty or secure your fuel tank. Keep your gas tank between a quarter and half full. This is enough fuel for the carrier to load and unload your vehicle safely, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
Check your battery and fluids. Make sure your battery is in good condition and all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) are at proper levels. Your vehicle needs to run for loading and unloading.
Disable toll passes and alarms. Remove any toll tags or transponders from your windshield, and disable car alarms if possible. These can cause problems during transport.
Have your keys ready. Provide the carrier with working keys so they can move your vehicle as needed during loading and unloading.
Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you and creates a clear record of its condition before shipping.
For more details on the entire shipping process, check out our guide on How To Ship A Car. The California-to-Oregon route is short enough that weather rarely impacts delivery, but it's always good to understand what to expect.