When it comes to moving high-end vehicles, enclosed transit is the gold standard. Whether you’re transporting a vintage Ferrari, a sleek Bentley, or a brand-new Rolls-Royce, choosing enclosed shipping ensures your prized possession is shielded from the elements and road debris. But before your carrier arrives, it’s important to know the right steps to prepare luxury cars for enclosed transit to avoid delays, damage, or costly oversights. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Inspect and Document Your Luxury Car’s Condition
The first and most essential step in preparing your luxury car is performing a thorough inspection. Even with the safest transport options, having a record of your vehicle’s current state ensures accountability on both sides.
What to do
- Washing the car to reveal scratches, dents, or paint flaws
- Take high-resolution photos from multiple angles
- Note any existing damage on a printed checklist
- Capture close-ups of rims, bumpers, side mirrors, and undercarriage if accessible
Why this matters: These records will serve as proof in case of any rare incident during transport. At Shipping Your Car, we encourage our clients to document their vehicle as part of our transparent and secure shipping process.
Secure and Remove All Loose Items from the Vehicle
Luxury vehicles often come equipped with premium features like custom interiors, entertainment systems, or added accessories. While enclosed trailers minimize risk, items inside your vehicle can still shift during transit.
How to remove or secure
- Custom or aftermarket accessories that are not factory-installed
- Loose items like radar detectors, sunglasses, charging cables
- Garage door openers, toll tags, or parking permits
- Valuable documents or personal belongings
Also, ensure that convertible tops are tightly closed and secured. Any movement inside the car, even minor, can cause internal damage or trigger alarms.
Pro tip: Disable your car alarm before pickup. Sudden movements or bumps in transit could set it off and drain the battery.
Check Fluids, Battery, and Tire Pressure
While your vehicle won’t be driven long distances, it still needs to be in good working order for loading and unloading. This ensures a smooth process for the driver and reduces the risk of delays.
Here’s your pre-transport maintenance checklist
- Ensure all fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid) are topped off
- Check for and fix any noticeable leaks
- Ensure the battery is fully charged
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI
If your car has air suspension or low ground clearance, inform the transporter ahead of time. Enclosed transport trailers often use hydraulic lift gates or ramps designed for such vehicles, but giving notice helps them prepare accordingly.
Limit Fuel and Disable Toll Tags
Another simple but often overlooked preparation step involves managing your car’s fuel and electronics. Most shipping companies recommend keeping no more than a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle.
Why this matters
- Less fuel means less weight, which reduces transport risk and cost
- Full tanks can pose a safety hazard under certain conditions
Also, if your vehicle has automatic toll transponders, turn them off or remove them. Otherwise, you could be charged during the trip if the trailer passes through toll roads.
Fun fact: At Shipping Your Car, we’ve seen clients accidentally rack up toll charges due to active transponders—even though their cars weren’t being driven. Avoid this costly mistake with a quick check.
Communicate Special Instructions and Confirm Pickup Details
Luxury cars aren’t always plug-and-play. Some have unique startup sequences, push-button ignitions, valet modes, or anti-theft systems that require specific handling. Make sure your shipping company is aware of any quirks or instructions your car may have.
Important details to share
- How to start and stop the engine
- Whether the car rolls freely in neutral
- How to deactivate security systems?
- Any recent issues like a sticky brake or dead remote battery
Also, confirm the pickup and delivery addresses in advance and clarify whether the truck can access your location. If space is limited, plan for an alternate meeting spot with safe clearance for loading.
At Shipping Your Car, we always coordinate closely with our clients to plan the safest and most convenient pickup process—especially for valuable and delicate vehicles.
Protect Your Investment with Proper Preparation
Enclosed transport is the safest and most refined way to move a high-end car. But even the best equipment and drivers benefit from a well-prepared vehicle. By following these practical steps for preparing luxury cars for enclosed transit, you minimize risk, streamline logistics, and ensure your vehicle arrives exactly as it left.
At Shipping Your Car, we treat every luxury vehicle with the care it deserves. From initial inspection to final delivery, we guide you through every phase of the process so you can relax while we handle the road.
Trust your car with experts who understand its value. Book your enclosed transport with us today for service that’s as polished as your ride.
