Drivers who are moving great distances, like going from Alaska to the continental United States, often don’t want to deal with the stress of getting their car to their new home. Thankfully, auto shipping services take care of this important responsibility, ensuring the safe delivery of your vehicle no matter how long the journey. But, how should you get your car ready for shipping?

You might not expect it, but the first thing you should do to get ready for auto shipping is to wash your car. This is because a clean car is much easier to inspect, something that will be helpful to both you and the shipper. Once you’ve cleaned your car, take photos of any pre-existing scratches or dents. The shipper will do this as well, but it is always a good idea to have some extra documentation for yourself in the rare case that your car is damaged during shipping.

Next, you’ll want to take care of a few simple maintenance tasks. For winter shipments, be sure that your car has antifreeze that is rated to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also check on the condition of other vehicle fluids, as well as your tires and battery. 

When delivering the vehicle, the gas tank should be less than 1/4 full to reduce weight. You should also inspect your car and remove any personal valuables before dropping it off. It is also recommended that you remove loose parts, like the antenna or a custom spoiler.

Finally, make sure you have an extra car key that you can provide to the auto shipping team, as they will need to use it to get your vehicle on and off the truck. Don’t forget to provide the vehicle ID number, which is needed for the bill of lading.

Do you need to ship your vehicle? In business since 1951, you can trust Wrightway Auto Carriers in Anchorage, AK, to safely deliver your car, no matter how complicated the logistics may seem. To learn more about what these auto shipping experts can do for you, or to request a shipping quote, visit them online or call (907) 277-4549.