Preparing your vehicle for long distance towing can mean the difference between a smooth, damage-free transport and a costly nightmare. Our team at Long Distance Towing has hauled tens of thousands of vehicles across every major U.S. route — and the calls we dread most are from customers who skipped the prep steps. This checklist covers everything you need to do before our truck arrives.
In 2026, long distance towing demand is at an all-time high. Seasonal relocations, cross-country job moves, estate vehicle transfers, and the booming used-car market are all driving volume up. We’re seeing record loads on routes like California to Texas, Florida to New York, and the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. And with that volume comes a harder truth: unprepared vehicles slow everything down — for us and for you.
So let’s get into it. Here’s exactly how to prepare your vehicle before we tow it long distance — whether it’s running, non-running, classic, lifted, or anything in between.
Why Vehicle Prep Matters More Than Most People Think
I’ve been in the towing industry for over 12 years. One thing I’ve learned: the prep work you do in the driveway saves you weeks of headaches on the other end. Unprepared vehicles can cause loading delays, trigger DOT inspections, create liability disputes, and in the worst cases — result in damage that’s impossible to pin down because nobody documented anything beforehand.
The good news? Proper prep takes 30–60 minutes. Most of it is just documentation and common sense. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Step 1: Document Your Vehicle’s Condition Before Pickup
This is non-negotiable. Before our driver arrives, take a full photo and video walkthrough of your vehicle. We’re talking:
- All four corners of the exterior — front, rear, driver side, passenger side
- Close-ups of any existing damage — scratches, dents, cracked glass, rust spots, missing trim
- Wheel wells and undercarriage (as much as you can safely photograph)
- Interior dashboard — including mileage reading on the odometer
- Sunroof, convertible top, or any accessories that could be affected in transit
Do this in daylight. Phone cameras are fine — just make sure the timestamps are on. Upload everything to Google Photos or iCloud so they’re date-stamped and backed up. Then email yourself the album link so you have a record with a clear timestamp.
Our drivers complete a Bill of Lading inspection at pickup, but your independent documentation is your best protection. In the rare event of a claim, photos taken before loading make everything cleaner.
Step 2: Fuel Level — Less Is More
Keep your fuel tank at 1/4 tank or less. This is a DOT recommendation and an industry standard across all legitimate long distance towing operations.
Here’s why it matters: fuel adds significant weight. A full tank of gas in a midsize sedan weighs roughly 100–120 pounds. On an open carrier hauling 8–10 vehicles, unnecessary fuel weight across multiple cars strains the rig and can push it toward DOT weight limits on certain highway corridors — especially in states like California and Illinois that run stricter axle-weight enforcement in 2026.
There’s also a safety angle. If the vehicle is loaded at an angle on a trailer (which is common for multi-car carriers), a near-full tank increases the risk of fuel evaporation or minor seepage around the filler cap. Keep it light.
Step 3: Check for Fluid Leaks
Park your vehicle on a clean section of driveway for 15–20 minutes. When you move it, check for any fresh drips or puddles underneath. Active fluid leaks — oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid — need to be disclosed to our team before loading.
Why? Because a leaking vehicle loaded on top of another vehicle on an open carrier can drip onto the car below it. That’s a liability dispute neither party wants to deal with. If your vehicle has a known leak, tell us upfront. We can often load it in a position that minimizes risk, or discuss enclosed transport options.
Minor seepage (a small oil spot after sitting overnight) is usually manageable. An active drip — especially transmission fluid or coolant — is a conversation we need to have before pickup day.
Step 4: Tire Pressure and Condition
Inflate all tires — including your spare — to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found on the door jamb sticker). Do not over-inflate. Proper tire pressure matters for two reasons:
- Loading safety: Flat or underinflated tires make it harder to safely drive your vehicle onto a carrier, especially on steep loading ramps.
- Strapping and tie-down security: Our drivers strap vehicles using wheel straps that wrap around the tires. Properly inflated tires give those straps a consistent, secure surface to grip.
If a tire is completely flat or the sidewall is cracked, let us know before pickup. A non-rolling vehicle changes our loading approach entirely and may require special equipment.
Step 5: Remove Personal Items and Valuables
This is the step people skip the most — and regret the most.
Remove everything from inside the vehicle. That means:
- Sunglasses, chargers, and electronics
- Toll transponders (EZ Pass, SunPass, etc.) — these can log false tolls if left in the vehicle
- Child car seats
- Important documents (insurance cards, registration)
- Aftermarket GPS units or dash cams
- Sports equipment, luggage, or clothing
- Cash, gift cards, or any valuables in the center console or glove box
Legally, long distance towing carriers are not licensed freight haulers. Personal items inside the vehicle are not covered under our cargo insurance. If something goes missing or breaks, there’s no claim pathway. Keep it simple — clean out the car.
One exception: a set of jumper cables or a basic emergency kit in the trunk is generally fine and sometimes helpful. Just keep any loose items in a secured bag in the trunk, not the cabin.
Step 6: Secure or Remove External Accessories
Anything attached to the outside of your vehicle that can vibrate loose at highway speeds needs to be removed or secured before loading. Common problem accessories include:
- Roof cargo boxes or ski racks — remove them entirely if possible
- Bike racks — especially hitch-mounted ones; remove before pickup
- Spoilers or aftermarket body kits that aren’t factory-secured
- Loose side mirrors or mirror covers
- Antenna extensions — retract or remove
- Hood ornaments or emblems on classic vehicles that may not be fully secured
Convertible tops should be fully closed and latched. Sunroofs should be in the fully closed position. If you have a soft-top convertible, make sure the latches are secured — we go through weather at highway speeds and an improperly latched soft top can be damaged or cause damage to other vehicles on the carrier.
Step 7: Disable the Alarm System
This sounds simple, but we deal with this issue more than you’d think. A vehicle alarm that triggers during transport is not just annoying — it can drain your battery, and a dead battery on delivery means we can’t drive the vehicle off the carrier. That creates delays for our entire load.
Before pickup, either disable your vehicle’s alarm system or provide the key fob that controls it. If your vehicle has an aftermarket alarm (Viper, Clifford, etc.), note the disable code or procedure for our driver. Most of the time, simply handing over the key fob with the vehicle is sufficient — but if the alarm is hypersensitive, take extra steps to disable it.
Step 8: Make a Spare Key (Optional but Smart)
If you’re shipping a vehicle long distance while relocating — meaning you won’t be there at the destination — make sure the receiving party has a key to accept the vehicle. We’ve had deliveries held up because the destination contact couldn’t open the car to verify condition at drop-off.
If there’s only one key, consider making a copy before shipping. Replacement smart keys for modern vehicles can cost $300–$600 at dealerships in 2026 — not something you want to deal with after a cross-country move.
Step 9: Know Your Vehicle’s Quirks
Every vehicle has something. A sticky parking brake. A temperamental start procedure. A door handle that requires a firm pull. Tell us.
When our driver is loading your car at 6:00 AM in a truck stop parking lot alongside nine other vehicles, they don’t have time to troubleshoot. The more information you give us upfront — in writing, in the notes field when you book — the smoother everything goes.
Common things to disclose:
- Manual transmission — especially if it’s been lowered or has a stiff clutch
- Push-button start (make sure driver has the key fob in their pocket, not just in the car)
- Air suspension — specify if it should be at ride height or lowered for loading
- Lifted trucks — confirm carrier height clearance in advance
- Diesel engine — note if there’s a long glow plug warm-up cycle in cold weather
- Non-running or partially running vehicles — see our full guide on this
Step 10: Confirm Pickup and Delivery Logistics
This isn’t about the vehicle itself — but it’s part of the prep. Make sure you’ve confirmed:
- Pickup address accessibility: Can our 75-foot truck access your street? Low-hanging trees, narrow lanes, and residential cul-de-sacs can force a terminal pickup. Flag this before day-of.
- Contact availability: Someone must be present at pickup AND delivery to sign the Bill of Lading. This is a legal requirement.
- Delivery window: Long distance towing operates on estimated delivery windows — typically 2–7 days depending on distance. Confirm your receiving party is available.
- Payment: If any balance is due on delivery, have it ready. Cash or digital payment (Zelle, Venmo) is standard for many drivers. Confirm with us in advance.
Special Scenarios: What Changes for These Vehicle Types
Classic and Collector Cars
If you’re shipping a classic, muscle car, or collector vehicle worth $25,000+, we strongly recommend enclosed transport. Beyond that, do a thorough fluid check, make sure the battery is fully charged (or bring a tender if storing), and over-document with photos. Classic cars often have quirks that modern cars don’t — brittle wiring, non-standard fuel, carbureted engines that flood easily. Write all of it down for our driver.
Electric Vehicles in 2026
EV shipping has its own protocol. Charge your vehicle to 50–70% state of charge before pickup — not fully charged, not near zero. A full charge on a lithium battery that sits for several days in varying temperatures can degrade the pack slightly. Around 50–70% is the battery’s most stable storage range. Also disable any scheduled charging programs so the vehicle doesn’t try to charge itself while on the carrier.
With EV adoption still surging in 2026 — particularly Tesla, Rivian, and GM EV platforms — we handle EVs on nearly every load now. Know your vehicle’s specific towing/transport notes from the manufacturer. Some EV models have specific instructions about transport mode or axle lift protocols.
Lifted Trucks and Oversized Vehicles
Lifted trucks above 7 feet in height may not fit on standard open carriers. Contact us before booking so we can assign the right equipment. Height modifications also affect strapping points — our drivers need to know where to safely place wheel straps on a lifted vehicle without contacting suspension lift blocks or aftermarket components.
The Quick Pre-Tow Checklist (Print This)
Here’s the condensed version you can check off the day before pickup:
- ☐ Photograph all four sides + interior odometer reading
- ☐ Fuel tank at 1/4 or less
- ☐ Check for active fluid leaks (park on clean surface)
- ☐ Inflate all tires to correct PSI
- ☐ Remove all personal items and valuables
- ☐ Remove or secure external accessories (roof rack, bike rack, antenna)
- ☐ Disable or configure vehicle alarm
- ☐ Note any vehicle quirks in writing for the driver
- ☐ Confirm pickup address accessibility
- ☐ Confirm someone is available to sign at pickup and delivery
- ☐ For EVs: charge to 50–70%, disable scheduled charging
What Happens If You Don’t Prep?
Real talk: our drivers can’t always wait. If a vehicle has a flat tire, active fluid leak, or an alarm that won’t stop — and we can’t resolve it in a few minutes — we may have to leave it behind and reschedule. That means a new dispatch, a new wait window, and potentially a rate adjustment depending on your contract terms.
Beyond scheduling, the bigger risk is claim disputes. Undocumented pre-existing damage with no photos? That’s a he-said-she-said situation that never ends well. The 30 minutes you spend prepping and photographing today is worth hours of frustration avoided on the other end.
Ready to Book? Here’s What to Expect Next
When you book with Long Distance Towing, we send a pre-transport checklist via email as part of your booking confirmation. Our dispatch team follows up 24–48 hours before pickup to confirm logistics. On pickup day, your driver completes the Bill of Lading inspection and you both sign it — that document is your protection for the entire transit.
We’ve moved vehicles from Maine to Miami, Seattle to Phoenix, and everywhere in between. With 2026 shaping up to be one of the busiest years in the industry, we’re booking out further than ever — so the earlier you prep and confirm, the smoother your move goes.
Questions before your pickup? Call our team directly or use our online quote form. We’re carrier operators — not brokers — so when you call us, you’re talking to the people who actually drive the trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave personal items in my car during long distance towing?
We strongly recommend removing all personal items before transport. Towing carriers are not licensed freight haulers, which means personal items inside the vehicle are not covered by cargo insurance. Small, secured items in the trunk (like a set of jumper cables) are generally fine, but anything valuable should be removed entirely.
How much fuel should be in the tank when my car is towed?
Keep your tank at 1/4 full or less. A full fuel tank adds unnecessary weight, which affects carrier compliance with DOT weight limits on certain routes. It also reduces risk from fuel evaporation or minor seepage during angled loading on multi-car carriers.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes — someone must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading. This document records your vehicle’s pre-transport condition and serves as legal proof of delivery. You can designate a representative (family member, dealer contact, etc.) as long as they’re authorized to sign on your behalf.
What if my vehicle has a known fluid leak?
Disclose it before booking. Active fluid leaks can drip onto vehicles below yours on an open carrier, causing disputes. Our team can work with minor seepage by adjusting load position, or recommend enclosed transport as an alternative. Hiding a leak and having it discovered at loading creates delays and potential liability issues.
How do I prepare an electric vehicle for long distance towing?
Charge your EV to 50–70% state of charge before pickup — this is the optimal storage range for lithium batteries. Disable any scheduled charging programs. Check your manufacturer’s documentation for specific transport or tow mode instructions, as some EV models (especially newer platforms in 2026) have specific protocols for carrier transport.
How far in advance should I book long distance towing?
In 2026, we recommend booking 5–10 business days in advance for standard routes, and 2+ weeks for less-common corridors or specialty vehicles. Peak seasons (spring PCS moves, summer relocations, fall snowbird migration) book out even faster. The earlier you lock in your dates, the better pricing and scheduling flexibility you’ll have.