Automobile Transportation Nation

Key warning indicators like bulges, low tread, or uneven wear that should be fixed in advance. When preparing your vehicle for auto transport, most people focus on documenting its condition and removing personal items. But one step that often gets overlooked is checking the tires . Even though your car will not be driven long distances during transport, it still needs to roll safely on and off the carrier. Damaged or worn-out tires can create delays, safety issues, and even extra costs.  Top Things to Look For: Signs of a Flat Tire Here are the key warning signs to look for before shipping your vehicle. Low Tread Depth Tire tread is what gives your vehicle grip. If the tread is worn too thin, your tires may not have enough traction to safely drive up or down the carrier ramps.  Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tire. Visible Bulges or Bubbles Bulges or bubbles on t...

When you prepare your vehicle for auto transport, there are plenty of important steps to take. You might clean out personal items, photograph the car’s condition, and double-check that it is ready to load. Yet one small but often overlooked precaution is removing the license plates before shipment.  Top 4 Reasons Why Removing the License Plate is a Good Idea It is not a requirement, but it is highly advised because it protects you from several avoidable risks. The Risk of Physical Damage Auto carriers move multiple vehicles at once, and the process involves ramps, straps, and tight loading spaces. In this environment, license plates can be bent, scratched, or even shaken loose during transport. While it may not seem like a big issue, replacing or repairing damaged plates is inconvenient and adds unnecessary costs once the car reaches its destination. Administrative Headaches License plates are directly tied to your registration and identity. If a plate is lost in transit, you ...

How Keeping a Clear Loading Area Helps When shipping your car through an auto transport service, it’s easy to focus on things like paperwork, vehicle prep, and scheduling but there’s one step that often gets overlooked: making sure the loading area is clear and accessible. It may seem simple, but this one task can make or break your pickup experience. A blocked driveway or crowded street can delay your shipment, frustrate your driver, or even put your property at risk. Here's why a clear loading area is essential and how you can prepare for a smooth pickup. Large Trucks Need Room to Operate Auto transport carriers, especially those handling multiple vehicles, are large and often require ample space to safely maneuver. Tight corners, narrow driveways, or parked vehicles along the street can make it difficult or even impossible for a carrier to get into position. If the driver can't safely access your location , you may be asked to meet at an alternative site, which can delay yo...

Ensure Your Car’s Condition Is Properly Documented Before Transport When preparing to ship your vehicle using an auto transport service , one of the most important steps you can take is to thoroughly photograph your car before it leaves your possession. These images serve as visual proof of your vehicle’s condition prior to shipment and can be critical if you need to file a damage claim after delivery. Taking Pictures of Your Vehicle Before Auto Transport To help you do this properly, here’s a detailed breakdown of exactly what to photograph before handing over your keys. 1. Capture Full Exterior Views Start with wide-angle shots of the entire car. Take photos of the front, back, both sides, and corner angles. These images should clearly show the overall condition of your vehicle, including paint condition and body panels. Be sure to get a few shots from slightly above and slightly below eye level for better context. 2. Document All Existing Damage If your vehicle has any visible damag...

Clean Cars Protect Claims: Here’s Why It Matters  When shipping a vehicle , the pickup inspection is one of the most important steps. It’s the moment when the carrier documents your car’s current condition like scratches, dents, paint chips, and more. But what happens if your vehicle is covered in dirt, road dust, or rain spots ? 4 Great Reasons Why a Clean Car Matters You could be setting yourself up for trouble. Here’s why a clean car equals a clear inspection , and how failing to wash your car before pickup can cost you later. 1: Dirt Can Hide Minor Damage  Even a thin layer of dust or grime can easily mask small scratches, chips, or scuffs on your vehicle’s surface. If these flaws aren’t visible at the time of pickup: They won’t be marked on the Bill of Lading (B.O.L.) The carrier can’t be held responsible later You lose the ability to file a valid damage claim ✅ If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen—at least not from the carrier’s point of view. 2: Poor Visibility A...

Keeping F uel Level at or below ¼ Tank  Carriers prefer lighter vehicles to reduce weight and ensure safety during transport. But how do you safely burn off or remove excess fuel without wasting it? Here are some practical tips. Why You Need a Low Fuel Level Auto transport carriers operate under strict weight limits , and even a few extra gallons of gas can make a difference, especially when several vehicles are being hauled at once. Keeping fuel below ¼ tank helps: Lower the overall weight of the truck Reduce safety risks from fuel leaks or pressure buildup Avoid delays during pickup or loading How to Burn Off Excess Fuel Without Wasting It Run Errands Locally:  A simple and efficient way to reduce fuel is to take your car out for short drives before pickup. Combine your daily tasks like grocery runs, school drop-offs, or work commutes to burn off fuel gradually. Take a Scenic Route:  If your tank is still half full or more, consider taking a longer route...