You’ve booked a transport. The driver is rolling toward Granbury. Now what?

A smooth pickup starts before the truck arrives. If you’ve never shipped a vehicle before, the process is simple—but skipping one step can cost you time or money. Here’s a checklist that covers the basics. No fluff.

Clean the Vehicle Inside and Out

Wash it. Vacuum it. Wipe down the dash and seats.

A clean vehicle makes the pre-trip inspection honest. The driver will photograph every panel, tire, and window. Dirt hides dings and scratches. If you don’t clean it first, you might argue over a mark that was already there.

Remove all personal items. That includes floor mats, phone chargers, sunglasses, and the spare change in the cup holder. TWT’s drivers are not responsible for loose items. Anything left inside is your problem.

Document the Condition

Take your own photos before the driver arrives. Shoot every angle: front, rear, both sides, roof, and interior. Get close-ups of any existing damage—scratches, dents, cracked glass, worn tires.

Write down the odometer reading. Note the fuel level. If your vehicle has a check engine light, mention it to the driver. Honesty up front prevents disputes later.

The driver will do the same inspection when they arrive. Compare notes. Sign the bill of lading only after you agree on the condition report.

Secure Loose Parts

Walk around your vehicle. Anything that can flap, rattle, or fall off needs to be secured.

Retract antennas. Lower power antennas if possible.
Remove or tie down loose trim pieces, spoilers, or aftermarket body kits.
Fold in side mirrors on wider vehicles.
Tighten gas caps and oil filler caps.
Check the hood latch. A hood that pops open at highway speed is a disaster.

If you have a convertible, make sure the top is fully closed and latched. Same for sunroofs and T-tops.

Check Fluids and Battery

Your vehicle will sit on a trailer for hours or days. It won’t be driven, but it needs to be able to start and roll.

Top off coolant, oil, and windshield washer fluid.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion. Clean them if needed.
Make sure the battery has enough charge to start the vehicle at delivery. A dead battery means a winch load—which is fine, but it adds a loading fee.

If your vehicle has a known fluid leak, tell the driver. They’ll position the vehicle to keep the mess off the trailer.

Disable Alarms and Toll Passes

Nothing annoys a driver more than a car alarm that goes off at 3 a.m. in a truck stop parking lot.

Turn off or disable aftermarket alarms.
Remove toll passes (EZ Pass, TxTag, etc.) from the windshield. The driver doesn’t need them, and they can fall off during transport.
If your vehicle has a remote start, disable it. The driver won’t use it, and it can accidentally activate.

Prepare the Keys

You need two sets of keys: one for the driver and one for you. The driver will need a set to move the vehicle on and off the trailer.

Put the driver’s set in a labeled envelope or bag. Include a note with your name, phone number, and the delivery address. Tape it to the windshield or hand it directly to the driver.

Keep your spare set with you. You’ll need it at delivery.

Remove or Secure Accessories

Anything that isn’t bolted down should come off.

Remove bike racks, roof boxes, and cargo carriers.
Take off removable trailer hitches.
Unplug any aftermarket electronics (dash cams, radar detectors, GPS units).
If you have a spare tire mounted on the back or roof, remove it or make sure it’s bolted tight.

Loose accessories can fly off on the highway. They can also damage your vehicle or the one next to it.

Know the Pickup Location

The driver needs a clear, safe spot to load your vehicle.

If you’re at a residence, clear the driveway. Move other cars, trash cans, and yard equipment.
If you’re at a dealership or auction lot, confirm the vehicle is accessible. No blocked gates, no locked fences.
If you’re on a busy street, the driver may need to load from a side street or lot. Call ahead and discuss the logistics.

TWT covers Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arkansas. If your pickup is in a tight spot, let us know when you get a quote. We’ll plan accordingly.

Inoperable Vehicles

If your vehicle doesn’t run, tell us before the driver arrives. TWT’s trailers have winch capability, but loading a non-runner takes extra time and equipment. That means a loading and handling fee.

Make sure the vehicle can roll. Flat tires need air. Brakes that are locked up need attention.
If the steering wheel is locked, unlock it. The driver needs to steer the vehicle onto the trailer.
Leave the transmission in neutral. The driver will handle the rest.

The Day of Pickup

Be there. Or have someone you trust be there.

The driver will call you when they’re 30 to 60 minutes out. Be ready. If you’re not there, the driver may have to move on to the next job. That can delay your delivery by days.

When the driver arrives, walk the vehicle together. Review the photos. Sign the bill of lading. Keep your copy.

Then let them work. Loading a vehicle onto a wedge trailer or gooseneck takes skill. Stand back and stay out of the way.

After Delivery

When your vehicle arrives, inspect it again. Compare the condition to your photos. If something is wrong, note it on the delivery receipt before you sign.

TWT’s drivers are professionals. Most deliveries go off without a hitch. But a pre-pickup checklist keeps everyone honest and your vehicle safe.

Need a quote? Start here. We’ll get you on the schedule.

How to Prep Your Vehicle for Transport: A Pre-Pickup Checklist