What Happens on Car Shipping Pickup Day?
Pickup day for your car shipping arrives. It's the moment you've waited for. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., I've seen it all. Brokers like us handle the frontend sales, coordination, and backend systems. Carriers drive the trucks. They don't want the headaches. Roads are dangerous enough.
Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door starts here. Expect a vetted, insured carrier from our network. We use 72-hour pickup windows and honest quotes. No surprises. Here's what happens, step by step. Follow this to avoid issues.
What Should You Have Ready Before the Carrier Arrives?
Prep matters. Carriers won't wait. Have everything set.
Do I Need to Clean My Car and Remove Personal Items?
Yes. Clean the car inside and out. Dirt hides damage. Remove all personal items. No clothes, no tools, no trash. Liability is on you if items go missing. Fuel tank quarter full. Tires at proper pressure. That's it.
We scan VINs upfront at AMG. Ensures the right vehicle. Stripe deposits lock it in. No games.
What Documents and Keys Must I Provide?
Keys. All sets. Spare if you have it. Current registration. Insurance proof. Bill of lading ready to sign.
Carrier needs access. Park in an easy spot. No gates, no steep driveways. Tell neighbors if needed. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: we coordinate this.
How Does the Vehicle Inspection Process Work?
Inspection first. Always. Protects everyone.
Carrier walks around your car. Notes existing damage. Dents, scratches, rust. You do the same.
What Is the Bill of Lading and Why Does It Matter?
Bill of lading (BOL) is the document. It's your proof. Both parties sign it. Lists condition at pickup. Mismatches at delivery? BOL wins disputes.
Sign only what you agree. No rushing. Take time.
Should I Take My Own Photos During Inspection?
Damn right. Photos from all angles. Timestamp them. Before and after loading. Upload to our portal if using AMG. We track it.
What Happens During the Actual Loading?
Inspection done. Time to load.
Carrier ramps the truck. Open or enclosed based on your choice. Open car carrier transport cost less. Enclosed for luxury cars protects better.
Vehicle secured with straps or chains. Tight but not damaging. Wheels chocked.
How Long Does Pickup Typically Take?
30 to 60 minutes. Depends on access. One car? Quick. Multi-car load? Longer.
Our 72-hour windows mean carriers show on time. Delays happen. Weather. Traffic. We communicate.
What If There Are Loading Issues Like Low Clearance?
Measure height first. Tall SUVs? Warn us. Low branches or garage? Move the car.
Non-running vehicle? Tell us upfront. Winch needed. Costs extra.
| Issue | Fix |
|-------|-----|
| Low clearance | Trim branches or park street |
| Non-op vehicle | Arrange winch, pay fee |
| Oversize load | Notify broker early |
| Bad access | Use flatbed alternative |
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid on Pickup Day?
Mistakes cost time. Money. Headaches.
- Full gas tank. Spills happen.
- Personal items left. Gone forever.
- Skipping inspection. No proof later.
- Poor parking spot. Delays fees.
What If I'm Not Home or Running Late?
Authorize someone. Spouse. Neighbor. In writing. Carrier needs signature.
We're not home? Reschedule. Eats your window. Fees apply.
As Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide, we guide you. Vetted carriers only. Auto transport safety record matters.
Conclusion: Make Pickup Day Smooth with AMG Transport Co.
Pickup day tests everyone. Prep right. Inspect thoroughly. Brokers like AMG handle the rest. We buffer carriers from problems. Keep rates reasonable. Strong customer experience in a fraud-filled industry.
VIN scans. Stripe deposits. Insured carriers. Honest quotes. 72-hour pickups. That's us.
Ready for door pick-up and delivery car transport service? Get a free quote today. No risk. All reward.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.