When it comes to the transport of your vehicle there are some simple things that you can do to make your Auto Transport experience easier. The biggest and most important thing is to have your car prepared correctly before having American Dream Transport pick it up. This will save you time and money in the long run. It will also cut down on the amount of time that the car will have to be inspected and will insure that your Auto Shipping experience is a success. We at American Dream Transport care about our customers and we want you to have the best car shipping experience possible. Here are some quick and painless tips to get you on your way to having a successful Car Transporter experience.

MODIFICATIONS: It is very important to notify American Dream Transport Services if your vehicle is NOT standard.  If you have customized your vehicle, added a camper top, or modified it in any way that will affect the overall length, height, weight, or ground clearance you must notify us of these changes when you get a quote.  These modifications may affect what type of trailer we can put your vehicle on and may affect the cost.

CLEAN VEHICLE: Your vehicle will need to be inspected by the Car Transporter before loading and unloading. To make the vehicle easier to inspect, please insure that the vehicle is clean. The exterior should have little to no dirt while all upholstery should be visible inside the car. The inspection of the vehicle is for your benefit. If something was to happen to the vehicle during the auto shipping and it was not damage noted before transport, the transporter would take full responsibility. Another inspection will be administered at the destination.

PERSONAL ITEMS:  Remove all personal items from your vehicle.  Auto Transport Companies are not licensed to carry household goods, nor are they covered under the carrier’s insurance.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Please be sure to provide a number where you can be reached at all times. This will enable the Driver to easily contact you in case of an emergency and for directions.  In addition make sure the driver has the same information for the contact at the delivery location.

KEYS: Make sure you have a complete set of keys for our driver (ignition, trunk and glove box keys). This is also a requirement from the DOT. In the event that the driver is questioned, this will keep him in compliance with the all transport regulation.

MANUALS/BILL OF SALE: If you are sending any manuals, title, bill of sale, extra set of keys or anything else that needs to be delivered to the receiver, make sure you give those items to the carrier and they log them in on their Inspection Form/Bill of Lading.

TIRE PRESSURE:  Tires should be inflated to their recommended pressure level to insure safe loading and unloading.

ALARM SYSTEM:  Disable all alarm systems. Although alarm systems should be disabled, please inform us of any alarms and provide instructions for operating the alarm should it be necessary.

GPS SYSTEMS: Car phones and many GPS systems are removable. Remember to remove these items from your car.

ANTENNAS: If you have antennas for your CB, radio, or cell phone that can be removed, take them down. When possible, lower your retractable antennas to ensure they don’t get broken off.

TOLL PASSES:  If you have E-Z pass, make sure it is deactivated or removed before pickup.

SPOILERS/FOG LIGHTS: Remove anything that is removable from the exterior of your car. This will help the driver with loading and give you added assurance that your auto accessories will not be damaged.

LUGGAGE/BIKE RACKS: If you have luggage racks, bike racks, ski racks, or any racks on your vehicle that aren’t permanent take them down.  If they are not permanent standard features of your vehicle they will not be covered under the carrier’s insurance and should be removed.

CRACKED GLASS: If your vehicle has any chips, nicks, and scratches in the windshield, windows or mirrors it is preferable that those be repaired prior to shipping as they may worsen with the jarring your vehicle gets while on the trailer.  If you cannot get them repaired prior to shipping make sure they are noted on the driver’s Inspection Sheet/Bill of Lading. 

FUEL:  Before your vehicle is loaded on the Car Transporter make sure that you only have a quarter of a tank of gas. This is to ensure that the car has enough gas for loading and unloading by the Car Hauler company.

COLD WEATHER PREPARATION: Remember, that if moving in colder climate to make sure that you check all antifreeze and fluids in your vehicle before moving. This will insure that no part of the engine will be harmed during the cold starts in frigid temperatures. The transport company is not liable for any mechanical failures that may happen to your vehicle during loading or unloading.

RELAX: Relax, and take a deep breath. We at American Dream Transport move hundreds of cars every month all over the country. If you have taken the time to complete these simple steps before shipping your car your vehicle will be ready for transport.