Shipping a car to a new location when you’re moving is not an easy task. It’s one of the largest items you will ship, and there’s a lot to think about. Here are seven things you should consider when you must ship your vehicle to a new location.

1. Make Sure It’s not Stolen
This may sound funny since you know you purchased it, but it’s a real issue. If you don’t have proof of ownership, you’ll have problems trying to ship the vehicle. Also, you may have a lien against the vehicle or someone else listed on the title, which could impact your ability to relocate the vehicle.

2. No Fuel in the Gas Tank
You don’t want to have any fuel in the gas tank once you drop it off at the terminal. Emptying the tank makes it safer for travel to prevent potential for explosion in an accident.

3. Does the it Run?
Not all shipping companies will accept a vehicle if it doesn’t run. It causes delays and extra work to move it since it can’t be driven. You will want to check with your chosen shipping company to find out if they will handle your non-drivable vehicle. For those companies that do take cars that don’t run, expect to pay higher fees because of the extra work involved.

4. Can You Pack Personal Items in the Vehicle?
Most of the time, the answer to this question is “no.” Shipping companies don’t want to be responsible for the theft of personal items or deal with the hassle of illegal goods. There’s also the problem that the vehicle may be overweight if you have it packed with too much stuff.

5. Do You Need to Store it?
If you need to store your vehicle either before it’s shipped or after it arrives at the destination, you’ll have to consider your options beforehand. You will incur an additional cost, so you may want to compare quotes or even consider having it delivered or picked up if this expense is cheaper.

6. Will There Be a Change in Ownership?
If you are selling the vehicle or you’re buying one and arranging for shipping, you must consider the requirements that come with a change in ownership. You’ll need to have a bill of sale, showing the new owner and other pertinent information to the shippers. Otherwise, the vehicle may be considered stolen if the person picking it up is not listed as an owner.

7. Consider Loading Procedures
Your vehicle is an expensive personal item that you are responsible for. You should find out about loading procedures for the shipping company you’re using. Different vehicles have specific requirements for loading. For instance, you may need to have the sideview mirrors removed on large trucks or other vehicles. There are height restrictions which motorhomes will have to meet. If you’re shipping a luxury or classic vehicle, you’ll want extra care to be given to ensure there is no damage which would result in a loss of value.
It’s a good idea to talk with a knowledgeable shipping company about what you should know on shipping a car before you begin the process.