Preparing your vehicle properly helps ensure it arrives in Texas in the same condition it left Oregon. Here's what you need to do:
Remove personal items and accessories. Take out anything loose inside your car—toll passes, GPS devices, phone chargers, and personal belongings. Remove exterior accessories like roof racks, spoilers, or custom mirrors that could get damaged or fall off during transit.
Clean your vehicle. Wash the inside and outside. This makes it easier to spot any existing damage before pickup and helps the carrier inspect it properly.
Check your fuel level. Keep your tank about a quarter full. This is enough for the carrier to move your car on and off the truck, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
Ensure the battery works. Make sure your car starts and runs. The carrier needs to be able to move it onto the transport truck.
Have keys ready. Provide at least one working key to the carrier. Don't hide spare keys inside the vehicle.
Document the condition. Take photos and videos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs during shipping.
Check your insurance. Review your policy to understand what's covered during transport. You may want to consider vehicle shipping insurance for added peace of mind.
For more details about the full shipping process, check out our How To Ship A Car guide.