What to Look For During Your Auto Transport Pickup and Delivery Inspections

Alright, let's talk brass tacks. You're shipping a car. At some point, someone is going to pick it up, and someone is going to drop it off. Both times, you're looking at your vehicle. This isn't just a friendly wave. This is a critical step. Skipping it is asking for trouble. As a Logistics Manager here at AMG Transport Co., and someone who knows the ins and outs of both the broker and carrier side, I've seen it all. You need to know what you're doing.

The roads are dangerous. Carriers have enough on their plate. They rely on us, their auto transport broker, to handle the customer side of things. This includes making sure you understand your role in protecting your investment. This isn't just about us finding you affordable car shipping without hidden fees. It's about you being smart.

Why Inspections Matter. Period.

This isn't optional. It's your vehicle. It might be your classic car transport enclosed carrier or your family SUV going cross-country car transport from coast to coast. Either way, you need to make sure it arrives as it left. Damages happen. Sometimes they're minor. Sometimes they're major. Your inspection is your proof. Without it, you're out of luck. This is your insurance. Don't gloss over it.

Carriers aren't saints. Some are great. Some are terrible. Some will look for any excuse to avoid a claim. Your meticulous inspection is your defense against that. And guess what? People don't always pay their bills. That's a big reason some carriers avoid dealing directly with customers. We handle that. We also make sure the carriers we work with are vetted and insured. They need to be invested in taking care of our clients, because we're invested in them.

The Pickup Inspection: Your First Line of Defense

Before that truck even puts your car on it, you need to conduct a thorough inspection. This is the baseline. This is what your car looks like before it gets moved by an open car carrier transport or an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. Do not rush this. The driver might be in a hurry. You shouldn't be.

What to Check at Pickup:

• Exterior Body: Walk around the entire vehicle. Slow down. Look at every panel. Dents, scratches, dings, paint chips. Note them all. Don't miss anything. Pay special attention to bumpers, fenders, and side mirrors. If you're shipping a non-running vehicle, this is even more crucial. Those can get jostled more.
• Windshield and Windows: Cracks, chips, or any existing damage. Look from different angles. Sunlight can hide things.
• Tires and Wheels: Check for scuffs, significant wear, or curb rash. Are the tires inflated properly?
• Undercarriage: If possible, take a quick look underneath. Is there any obvious fluid leakage? Is anything hanging down?
• Interior: While you won't be checking every nook and cranny, quickly verify the dashboard isn't cracked, and the seats aren't torn. Remove all personal belongings. This is non-negotiable. Carriers are not responsible for personal items.
• Mileage: Note the odometer reading. This confirms the vehicle wasn't driven unnecessarily.
• VIN Number: Verify it matches your paperwork. At AMG Transport Co., we often use VIN scans to ensure accuracy from the start.

Documenting Everything at Pickup:

• Take Photos and Videos: This is non-negotiable. Before it leaves, take high-quality, clear photos and videos of every angle of your car. Focus on any existing damage, no matter how small. A good practice is to film a continuous walk-around, narrating any identified damage. Timestamped photos are ideal. Store these safely.
• Bill of Lading (BOL): This is the crucial document. The driver will mark pre-existing damage on it. You must agree with what they mark. If you see something they don't, point it out. Get it documented. This isn't a suggestion; it's a requirement. This document is like gold when it comes to any future claims. Make sure you get a signed copy.

The Delivery Inspection: Your Last Chance for Proof

This is where your preparedness pays off. Your vehicle has traveled, perhaps a long distance, like from Houston to Los Angeles, or from Texas to California. The car shipping services Texas offers include this critical step. Don't get excited and just wave the driver off. This is the moment to compare.

What to Check at Delivery:

• Repeat the Pickup Inspection: Do the exact same thing you did at pickup. Walk around the entire vehicle. Use your photos and videos from pickup as a reference. This is critical. Compare point by point.
• Look for New Damage: This is the big one. Are there new scratches? New dents? New cracks in the glass? Has anything on the undercarriage changed? If you're shipping an SUV vs sedan, remember damage points can differ. Be thorough. For enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars, you expect a pristine delivery. Hold them to it.
• Tires and Wheels: Recheck these. No new scuffs or damage.
• Fluid Leaks: If your car was driven off the truck, check the spot it was parked for any fresh leaks.
• Operational Checks (if safe): Briefly check that doors open and close, trunk works, and windows operate. Don't take it for a joyride immediately.

Documenting Everything at Delivery:

• Photos and Videos: Again, take comprehensive photos and videos of your car before you sign anything. This clearly shows its condition upon arrival. If you find new damage, get close-ups. Get wide shots showing where on the car it is. Timestamp these too.
• Bill of Lading (BOL) Again: The driver will present the BOL for you to sign, confirming delivery. If you find any new damage, no matter how small, it must be noted on the BOL before you sign it. Write "New damage: [describe damage and location]." This is your only leverage for a claim. If you sign it clean and then find damage later, you have no case. Zero. This is why a trusted car shipping broker reviews their process with you. We want you protected.
• Driver Acknowledgment: Have the driver initial or sign next to any new damage notations on the BOL. If they refuse, note that they refused to acknowledge. They often won't refuse if it's clear damage.
• Contact AMG Transport Co. Immediately: If there's new damage, contact us directly. We are your vehicle logistics company Texas based, and we're here to help you navigate this. We work with our vetted carriers to resolve these issues promptly.

The Broker's Role: Your Guiding Light

This might sound like a lot of work. It is. But it's your work to protect your asset. We, as your auto transport broker Texas, act as that crucial link between you and the carrier. We're not just about getting you multi-car transport for families or single-car transport vs multi-car load cost. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, the backend systems. All the things carriers don't want to deal with. They're focused on the road, and rightfully so. They don't want your problems. We do.

We provide honest quotes. We utilize Stripe deposits for secure transactions. We ensure the carriers we work with have good auto transport safety records and reputation. We aim for a 72-hour pickup window, because we know you need your car moved efficiently. When you're asking how to choose a reliable auto transport broker or which is the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves, remember that experience matters. We bridge the gap.

Conclusion: Don't Get Caught Off Guard

Inspecting your vehicle during pickup and delivery isn't just best practice; it's essential. It protects you. It protects your investment. It ensures accountability from every party involved. Don't rely on assumptions. Document everything. Be thorough. This detailed approach is what saves you headaches and money down the line.

At AMG Transport Co., we believe in empowering our customers. We're not just moving cars; we're providing peace of mind. We're the experienced car shipping broker you can trust, whether you're trying to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles or relocating to Florida ship car from Texas. We handle the complexities of nationwide vehicle shipping door to door so you don't have to. When you need car shipping done right, know that we're your partner.

Ready to get an honest quote and experience the difference a dedicated auto transport broker makes? Visit us today.

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Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.