Pickup and Delivery
Pickup and delivery are the two highest-stakes moments in any auto transport shipment. The Bill of Lading inspection is signed at both ends and becomes the legal record of the vehicle's condition. Payment is split between deposit (at booking) and balance (at delivery, often cash or certified check). Knowing the protocols in advance — what to inspect, what to sign, what to refuse — is the difference between a smooth delivery and a contested damage claim.
Pickup protocol — what to do
- Be present (or designate someone) for the inspection. Photo and video both sides, all four corners, roof, undercarriage.
- Walk the vehicle with the driver. Note every existing chip, scratch, dent, and wear point on the BOL.
- Remove all personal items, garage door openers, EZ-Pass transponders, and valuables.
- Leave a 1/4 tank of fuel. Less is acceptable; more is unnecessary weight.
- Sign the BOL only after every existing imperfection is noted in writing.
Delivery protocol — what to do
Inspect the vehicle in daylight if possible (or under strong artificial light). Compare current condition against the pickup BOL photos and notes. Note any new damage on the BOL before signing the final acceptance. Once you sign 'undamaged' on the delivery BOL, you generally cannot claim damage later. If damage exists, write it on the BOL and refuse to sign undamaged.
Payment timing
Industry standard: a small deposit (often $100–$300, sometimes higher for high-value shipments) at booking, with the balance due at delivery directly to the driver. Common payment methods at delivery: cash, certified check, money order. Some brokers accept full credit card payment up front, often with a 3–4% surcharge to cover processing.
What if no one can be present at delivery
Many carriers offer 'unattended delivery' to a secure location (garage, gated lot, etc.) with prior arrangement. The BOL is filled out by the driver alone and emailed to the customer for review. This shifts more risk to the customer; ensure photo documentation by the driver is comprehensive.
Common pickup and delivery problems
(1) Address inaccessible for full-size carrier truck — arrange a meet point 5–15 minutes away. (2) Driver arrives outside the agreed window — usually a 2–4 hour flex window is reasonable; longer should trigger broker communication. (3) Payment dispute at delivery — if the broker quote and driver expectation don't match, contact the broker immediately before signing.
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Pickup and Delivery — FAQs
What happens at pickup for car shipping?+
The driver inspects the vehicle with the owner present, photo-documents existing condition, and both parties sign the Bill of Lading recording the condition at pickup. The vehicle is then loaded onto the trailer.
What happens at delivery?+
The driver and customer inspect the vehicle together against the pickup BOL. Any new damage is noted on the BOL before signing. Final payment is collected (often cash or certified check), and the customer signs delivery acceptance.
Can I have someone else accept delivery for me?+
Yes — designate them in advance with the broker and provide their contact info. They sign the BOL on your behalf and pay the balance. Brief them carefully on inspection — they're recording the legal condition for you.
What payment is due at delivery?+
The balance after the initial deposit. Most carriers require cash, certified check, or money order at delivery. Some accept credit card with a 3–4% surcharge if arranged with the broker in advance.
What should I do if my car is damaged at delivery?+
Note every new damage point on the delivery BOL before signing. Photo-document immediately. Do not sign 'undamaged' or accept delivery as undamaged. Contact the broker the same day. See the Claims and BOL playbook for full protocol.
More from Carrier Operations
How a shipment moves from booking to assigned carrier — load board posting, carrier bids, dispatch acceptance, and the operational rhythm behind every shipment.
How the specific carrier for your shipment gets picked — vetting, dispatch math, and what 'assigned' actually means.
How damage claims work in auto transport — the Bill of Lading as evidence, claim timelines, and the carrier vs. broker insurance distinction.
The cargo insurance every FMCSA-licensed carrier must hold — limits, what's covered, what's excluded, and how to verify before booking.
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