ATV and UTV Shipping: What Paperwork and Prep You Need Before Pickup

Before an ATV or UTV is picked up for transport, gather the ownership documents your carrier asks for, such as a title or bill of sale when applicable, and have pickup and delivery contact information ready. Prepare the vehicle by removing loose items and accessories, checking for leaks, confirming the carrier’s fuel requirement, and photographing the vehicle’s existing condition before the driver arrives. Disclose a non-running vehicle before booking so the carrier can plan the right equipment.

To prepare an ATV or UTV for shipping, gather the documents your carrier requires, remove loose items and accessories, examine for leaks, confirm the required fuel level, and photograph the vehicle before pickup. Keep proof of ownership or purchase documents available when applicable, and provide pickup and delivery contact information. If the ATV or UTV does not run, disclose that before booking so the carrier can determine the equipment needed for loading.

ATV and UTV transport is one of several shipping services Monarch offers, and the same paperwork and preparation basics apply whether you’re booking open or enclosed pickup. Use this checklist as a starting point, then read the sections below for the details for each item.

Key Takeaways

What Paperwork Do You Need to Ship an ATV or UTV?

The documents needed to ship an ATV or UTV depend on the shipment, the carrier, and whether you’re shipping domestically or across a border. Common items include proof of ownership when applicable, pickup and delivery contact information, and the Bill of Lading completed at pickup.

Proof of Ownership: Title or Bill of Sale

If you recently purchased the ATV or UTV and the title hasn’t transferred yet, keep the bill of sale or purchase agreement available and confirm with the carrier what documentation it accepts. For comparison, our guide to documents needed to ship a car across state lines explains the paperwork commonly used in auto transport. For questions about title and odometer records, NHTSA’s odometer fraud resources explain how title histories are used and where to start. 

Pickup and Delivery Contact Information

Give the carrier a direct phone number for both ends of the shipment, plus any details that affect access: gate or facility instructions, operating hours, or a backup contact if you will not be there yourself. This is what lets the driver reach you when they are close, instead of guessing at a delivery window.

Bill of Lading: What to Check Before Signing

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is the shipping document that records the vehicle’s condition and transport details at pickup. For Monarch shipments, the driver prepares the BOL on-site, you examine and sign it, and you use it again to check the vehicle’s condition at delivery. Review it carefully before signing: confirm the vehicle is correctly identified, its condition matches what you documented, and any existing damage is noted. Keep your copy for your records.

How to Prepare an ATV or UTV for Transport

A little preparation before pickup day makes the handoff faster and the inspection more accurate. Monarch’s pickup guidelines ask that you remove personal items from the vehicle before the driver arrives; the steps below build on that. 

1. Remove Loose Items and Accessories

Remove loose or easily damaged accessories that the carrier does not secure as part of the shipment: personal belongings, GPS units, phone mounts, coolers, storage boxes, and other unbolted gear. Also remove any plates, tags, and passes before pickup. This is worth doing for a practical reason: road and toll cameras read plates and transponders while the vehicle is on the truck, and a machine that is not being driven can still generate fines that end up with you. If you are unsure whether something should come off, confirm with the carrier.

2. Clean the ATV or UTV Before Pickup

Washing the vehicle beforehand makes it easier for you and the driver to inspect and document its condition before loading. Mud and dust can hide an existing scratch or a leak that would otherwise be visible.

3. Inspect for Fluid Leaks and Mechanical Problems

An ATV or UTV should be free of active fluid leaks before pickup. Look for oil, coolant, fuel, or brake fluid on the ground or around the engine. If the vehicle has a mechanical problem or does not run, tell the carrier before booking so it can plan the right loading equipment; the section on non-running vehicles below covers this in more detail.

4. Check the Fuel Level

Confirm the carrier’s fuel requirement before pickup. Some carriers specify around 1/4 tank or less rather than a full tank, but requirements vary, so validate the exact limit before pickup instead of assuming.

5. Check the Battery and Tires

If the ATV or UTV is operational, make sure the battery is charged and the terminals are secure, and ask the carrier whether it needs the battery disconnected for transport. Check that the tires are properly inflated and free of obvious damage, since flat or damaged tires can complicate loading and unloading.

6. Photograph the ATV or UTV Before Pickup

Photograph the front, rear, both sides, and top, along with close-ups of any scratches, dents, cracked plastic, or damaged accessories. Take photos before the carrier arrives, not after loading. These photos, together with the Bill of Lading, are your record if you need to document a change in condition at delivery.

ATV and UTV Pre-Pickup Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure your ATV or UTV is ready before the carrier arrives. Requirements can vary by carrier and shipment, so confirm any paperwork, fuel limits, and special loading needs in advance. Completing these steps helps document the vehicle’s condition and avoid preventable pickup delays.

What Should You Do at ATV or UTV Pickup?

Inspect the Vehicle With the Driver

Walk around the vehicle with the driver before it loads. Compare what you see against your pre-shipping photos, and point out anything that should be recorded, so the condition on file matches what is actually there.

Review the Bill of Lading

Check that the vehicle is correctly identified and that its condition, including any existing damage, is described accurately before you sign. This is the document you will compare against at delivery, so read it carefully rather than signing quickly.

Keep Your Shipping Records

Hold on to the Bill of Lading, your pickup photos, the quote, the booking confirmation, and the carrier’s contact information until the shipment is complete. If you have questions about the vehicle’s condition, see what to do if it’s damaged during shipping. 

What If the ATV or UTV Does Not Run?

A non-running ATV or UTV can often still be shipped, but you must disclose it before booking so the carrier can plan the right equipment. The basic requirement is the same as for cars: to go on a standard car hauler trailer, the vehicle must be able to roll, brake, and steer.

What Equipment May Be Needed?

Depending on the vehicle’s condition, the driver may need a winch to pull the ATV or UTV onto a standard trailer, or a flatbed with a loader service if the vehicle can’t roll, brake, and steer. Not every truck carries this equipment, which is why disclosure matters.

Tell the transport company that the vehicle is inoperable before pickup so the carrier can determine whether additional equipment is required. A driver who arrives without the right gear may not be able to load the ATV or UTV.

Does an ATV or UTV Need Special Preparation for Enclosed Transport?

The basic preparation stays the same for enclosed ATV shipping: paperwork, photos, loose items removed, no active leaks, the right fuel level, and the battery and tires checked.

Enclosed transport offers extra protection from weather and road debris and may be worth considering for valuable or custom ATVs and UTVs. The carrier may also ask about dimensions, tall accessories, or anything that affects loading clearance inside a covered trailer, since enclosed trailers generally have less interior room than an open carrier. Confirm these details when you book so we can assign the right trailer.

What Can You Leave on an ATV or UTV During Transport?

Items to Remove

Confirm With the Carrier

If an item isn’t permanently secured or specifically covered by the carrier’s terms, don’t assume it can stay on the vehicle. When in doubt, ask before pickup day rather than finding out from the driver at the curb.

Common ATV and UTV Shipping Preparation Mistakes

Most ATV and UTV shipping problems before pickup come from overlooked details that are easy to address in advance. Avoid these common mistakes to help the carrier prepare the right equipment, complete the vehicle inspection, and reduce the risk of pickup delays or disputes about pre-existing damage.

Get an ATV or UTV Shipping Quote

Once your paperwork and vehicle are ready, request a quote for Monarch’s ATV and UTV transport service, which covers open and enclosed shipping for quads, side-by-sides, and other off-road vehicles nationwide. You can also use the shipping calculator to see pricing for your route before you book.

ATV vs. UTV: Does the Preparation Process Differ?

The core preparation steps are the same for both, but dimensions and accessories tend to matter more for a UTV.

A UTV, or side-by-side, is often larger than an ATV and may have a roof, windshield, doors, a cargo bed, or aftermarket equipment. Those features take up more trailer space and can affect loading, so accurate dimensions and a clear list of removable accessories matter more for a UTV shipment. Monarch’s guide to ATV and UTV shipping costs and methods covers how these differences determine pricing.

FAQs About ATV and UTV Shipping