Collector Car Shipping

Before the carrier arrives, take high-resolution, time-stamped photos and video of your collector car from every angle. Cover the front, rear, both sides, wheels, undercarriage, interior, engine bay, and any specific areas with existing wear, patina, bodywork variations, or cosmetic details you want on record. This documentation is your baseline.

At pickup, the driver will complete a Bill of Lading condition report. Review it carefully and compare it against your photos. Note any discrepancies before signing. For a rare or one-of-a-kind vehicle, this documentation is your most important asset in the rare event that a damage claim needs to be filed after delivery.

A clean collector car allows for the most precise pre-transport condition inspection. Dirt, dust, and road grime on an original-paint vehicle can obscure micro-scratches, chips, or paint oxidation that might later appear to be transport damage. Washing the car before pickup protects your interests and gives the driver an accurate baseline.

Use a wash method appropriate for your vehicle’s specific finish. Original paint, single-stage lacquer, and preservation finishes all have different care requirements. The goal is not a show detail – it is simply a clean surface that accurately reflects the vehicle’s current condition before it leaves your hands.

Even in an enclosed trailer, active fluid leaks are a concern. Oil, coolant, brake fluid, or fuel seeping from gaskets or seals can damage the trailer floor and potentially affect other vehicles being transported. Before pickup, inspect the underside of your collector car for any active drips and address them, or disclose them to your SAC coordinator in advance.

Many vintage and collector vehicles have older rubber seals and gaskets that seep slightly during storage or low-use periods. If your car has a known seep, let your coordinator know so the carrier can bring absorbent mats and take appropriate precautions. Being upfront prevents delays on pickup day and ensures the right carrier is assigned.

If your collector car has an aftermarket alarm, GPS immobilizer, or hidden kill switch, disable or deactivate it before transport. Carrier vibrations during transit can trigger sensitive alarm systems, drain the battery over a long haul, and cause unnecessary disruptions when the driver needs to move the vehicle during multi-stop routes.

If your vehicle has a non-standard starting procedure, a hidden ignition switch, or a kill switch that the driver will need to bypass, provide clear written instructions to your SAC coordinator before pickup day. The driver must be fully briefed before loading – not discovering surprises after the car is on the trailer.

Remove all personal belongings, loose items, and removable aftermarket accessories from the vehicle before pickup. This includes anything stored in the trunk, interior, or under the hood that is not permanently installed. Items left in the vehicle can shift during transport and cause interior damage or go missing.

For collector cars with removable hardtops, detachable spoilers, or exterior trim pieces that are not fully secured, remove them and pack them separately. Note any removed items on the transport paperwork so both you and the carrier have a record. Inform your SAC coordinator of any special exterior features so the driver knows what to expect at loading.

Before transport, keep the fuel level at approximately a quarter tank. This is sufficient for loading, unloading, and short repositioning moves without adding unnecessary weight to the carrier load. For carbureted collector vehicles that may need slightly more fuel for reliable cold starts, a quarter to a third of a tank is a reasonable target.

If your vehicle uses a non-standard fuel blend – such as ethanol-free or leaded fuel substitute – note this in the transport instructions for the driver’s reference. Some vintage vehicles have sensitive fuel systems that behave differently during periods of low use, and giving the driver this information ensures smoother handling at both ends of the shipment.

Collector cars come with unique characteristics that standard carriers may not encounter every day – non-synchromesh transmissions, hand chokes, special suspension settings for loading, custom body panels with unusual clearance requirements, or original glass that requires extra caution. Before pickup, document every special requirement and share it with your SAC coordinator in writing.

The more information your coordinator has upfront, the better equipped the driver will be on pickup day. Things like whether the car rolls freely, whether it requires a push start, whether the doors stick, or whether the suspension needs to be in a specific mode for ramp loading – these are the details that prevent problems and ensure your collector car is handled exactly the way it should be.