Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Texas to California is straightforward and takes just a few steps:
Clear out personal items. Remove everything from your car—documents, electronics, valuables, and toll passes. Carriers aren't responsible for items inside your vehicle, so take what matters with you.
Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos and note any existing damage, dents, or scratches. This protects you and gives your carrier a clear baseline for pickup.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Make sure your battery, oil, coolant, and other fluids are topped off. Proper tire pressure helps your car roll smoothly onto the trailer.
Disable alarms and remove custom accessories. Turn off car alarms so they don't drain the battery or annoy your driver. Remove spoilers, roof racks, or other aftermarket parts that could get damaged or fall off during transit.
Provide a working key. Make sure your carrier has access to a spare key in case they need to move the vehicle on the trailer.
Ensure your car runs. Your vehicle needs to be in working condition to load and unload. If it's not drivable, let your carrier know in advance.
For more detailed guidance, check out our How To Ship A Car guide. These simple preparations help ensure your car arrives safely in California ready to go.