Classic Car Shipping

Before the carrier arrives, photograph your classic car thoroughly from all angles – front, rear, both sides, wheels, undercarriage, interior, engine bay, and any areas with existing wear, patina, or cosmetic issues. Use time-stamped photos and video for a complete record.

Compare your documentation against the Bill of Lading completed by the driver at pickup. If anything is inaccurate or missing from the inspection report, note it before signing. For a vehicle that may be one of a kind, this documentation is your most important protection in the event of any dispute after delivery.

A clean vehicle allows for the most accurate pre-transport condition inspection. Dirt and grime on a classic car can conceal existing scratches, chips, rust spots, or paint inconsistencies that may later appear to be transport damage. Washing the car before pickup protects you and gives the driver an accurate baseline.

Pay close attention to lower body panels, chrome trim, and wheel wells. For vehicles with original paint or patina you want to preserve, use a gentle wash method appropriate for the finish. The goal is visibility and documentation accuracy, not a show-quality detail.

Even inside an enclosed trailer, fluid leaks are a concern. Active oil, coolant, or fuel leaks can damage the trailer floor and potentially affect other vehicles in transport. Before pickup, inspect your classic car for any drips or seeping and address them if possible, or disclose them to your SAC coordinator in advance.

For vintage vehicles with older gaskets and seals that may seep slightly, let your coordinator know so the carrier can take precautions. Being upfront about your vehicle’s condition ensures the right carrier is assigned and prevents surprises on pickup day.

If your classic car has an aftermarket alarm system, remote immobilizer, or kill switch, disable it before transport. Carrier vibrations and temperature changes during transit can trigger sensitive alarm systems, draining the battery and causing unnecessary disruption.

If your vehicle has a hidden kill switch or a non-standard starting procedure, provide clear written instructions to your SAC coordinator so the driver is fully briefed. For vehicles with original ignition systems that require specific starting procedures, communicate every detail in advance.

If your classic car has a removable hardtop, a convertible soft top that is not fully sealed, or any exterior accessories that could shift or come loose during transport, secure or remove them before pickup.

Remove any loose trim pieces, hood ornaments, or mirror accessories that are not permanently secured. Pack them separately and label them. For vehicles with original glass that may be fragile or cracked, let your coordinator know so the carrier can exercise extra caution during loading and unloading.

Keep the fuel level at around a quarter tank before transport. This is enough for the driver to move the vehicle during loading and unloading. For carbureted classic cars that may need slightly more fuel for reliable cold starts, a quarter to a third of a tank is a reasonable target.

If your classic car runs on a non-standard fuel blend or requires premium fuel for starting, note this in the transport instructions. Some vintage vehicles have fuel system sensitivities when sitting for extended periods – inform your SAC coordinator of any known quirks that the driver should be aware of.

Classic cars are full of unique characteristics – non-synchromesh transmissions, manual chokes, finicky clutches, sensitive suspension components, or bodywork that overhangs the standard trailer ramp angle. Before pickup, communicate every special handling requirement to your SAC coordinator in writing.

The more detail you provide, the better prepared the driver will be. If your vehicle requires a specific approach to get it onto a ramp, needs to be pushed rather than driven, or has suspension components that cannot support certain configurations, these are critical details that need to be shared before transport day.