Simple Steps to Prepare Your Car for Transport (And Avoid Delays)
You’ve booked your transport with La Chingona Trucking, and we are on our way. But is your vehicle ready to go? Shipping a car isn’t quite like parking it at the mall. To ensure your vehicle is insured properly and arrives safely, there are a few things you need to do before the driver arrives. Follow this checklist to avoid extra fees or pickup delays.
1. Clean the Vehicle (Exterior Only) We don’t need a detail job, but a quick wash makes a huge difference.
-
Why? When we pick up your car, we perform a detailed 22-point inspection. If the car is covered in mud or thick dust, we cannot see existing scratches or dents.
-
The Rule: A clean car means an accurate inspection report, which protects you in case of a claim.
2. The “Quarter Tank” Rule Please do not fill the gas tank to the top.
-
Why? A full tank adds unnecessary weight to the trailer (gas weighs about 6 lbs per gallon). However, don’t leave it completely empty, either—we need enough fuel to drive it onto the trailer and unload it at your driveway.
-
The Sweet Spot: Leave the gas gauge at 1/4 tank.
3. Remove Personal Items & Toll Tags This is the #1 mistake customers make.
-
No Household Goods: By law, our insurance covers vehicles, not personal belongings. If you pack the back seat full of boxes, they are not insured, and they add weight that can cause DOT fines.
-
Remove Toll Tags: Take your TxTag or EZ-Pass off the windshield. If you leave it on, it might ping every toll gantry we drive under between Austin and Dallas, charging your account unnecessarily.
4. Check for Leaks & Mechanical Issues
-
Leaks: If your car leaks oil or transmission fluid, please tell us beforehand. We will place the car on the bottom deck or use protective mats so it doesn’t drip on other vehicles or the road.
-
Tires: Ensure tires are inflated. If a tire is flat, we can air it up, but we need to know in advance.
5. Disable Alarms There is nothing worse than a car alarm going off on the trailer while we are driving down I-35 at 70 mph.
-
The Fix: Please disable any aftermarket alarm systems or provide the remote to the driver.
Paragraph: Conclusion A little preparation goes a long way. By following these steps, you ensure your driver can load up quickly and get your vehicle home safe and sound. See you at the pickup!
Major Texas Auction Locations We Service
We provide priority transport to and from all major salvage and insurance auction yards across the Lone Star State. If you have won a vehicle at any of these locations, we can handle the recovery.
Copart Texas Locations
- Copart Austin – 201 Jackson Ln, Manor, TX 78653
- Copart San Antonio – 11510 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
- Copart Dallas – 505 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75061
- Copart Houston (North, South, and Central)
- Copart Corpus Christi – 303 Archer Rd, Robstown, TX 78380
- Copart Fort Worth – 4501 N Beach St, Fort Worth, TX 76137
IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) Texas Locations
- IAA Austin – 2100 Patterson Industrial Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660
- IAA San Antonio – 11049 I-35 N, San Antonio, TX 78233
- IAA Dallas – 3720 Dalworth St, Arlington, TX 76011
- IAA Houston – 16602 East Fwy, Baytown, TX 77521
Independent & Specialty Auctions
- ADESA Austin – 2101 Ferguson Ln, Austin, TX 78754
- Manheim Texas Hobby – 8215 Kopman Rd, Houston, TX 77061
- Alliance Auto Auction Austin – 15500 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Texas Vehicle Registration: Step-by-Step
If you have recently purchased a vehicle or moved to the state, follow these steps to obtain your Texas plates and registration:
Step 1: Vehicle Inspection
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before it can be registered. If you live in a designated “Initial Emissions County” (like Travis or Williamson), you will also need an emissions test.
- Find a station using the Official DPS Station Locator.
- The inspector will provide a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), which is uploaded digitally to the state database.
Step 2: Texas Insurance Coverage
You must show proof of insurance that meets the Texas Minimum Liability Requirements ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
Step 3: Application for Title (Form 130-U)
You must visit your County Tax Assessor-Collector office to complete the registration. Bring the following:
- Your current out-of-state or auction title.
- A completed Form 130-U Application.
- Proof of the safety inspection and insurance.
- Payment for the 6.25% sales tax and registration fees.
Special Requirements for Salvage Titles
Purchasing a vehicle with a Salvage or Non-Repairable title requires an extra step. These vehicles are not road-legal until they pass a specialized Rebuilt Salvage Inspection.
Since these vehicles often cannot be legally driven to the inspection station, **La Chingona Trucking** specializes in transporting these units to the required facilities so you can get your “Rebuilt” title and back on the road.
