How Do You Properly Inspect Your Car Upon Auto Transport Delivery?

Auto transport delivery day arrives. Your car rolls off the truck. Excitement mixes with nerves. Damage happens. Roads are rough. Carriers haul thousands of miles. One bump too many, and your paint scratches. That's reality. Don't get caught flat-footed.

As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., an auto transport broker in Texas, I've seen it all. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. Our vetted insured carriers deliver from Houston to Los Angeles or coast to coast. But inspection? That's on you. Do it right. Protect yourself.

Skip this, and claims fail. Drivers rush. They want to unload and go. Brokers like us buffer you from that chaos. We use VIN scans at pickup. Stripe deposits secure the deal. Honest quotes, no hidden fees. 72-hour pickup windows keep things tight. Still, delivery inspection is your job.

Follow these steps. No fluff.

What Should You Do Immediately When Your Carrier Arrives?

Carrier pulls up. Stop everything. Walk out now. Don't let them start unloading.

Grab your phone. Have the Bill of Lading (BOL) ready. That's the document listing your car's condition at pickup. Both you and the driver signed it.

Inspect in good light. Daylight best. Rain? Reschedule if possible. Walk around the truck first. Note the trailer's condition. Loose gravel can chip paint.

Sign nothing yet. No delivery receipt until you check.

How Do You Ensure the Driver Doesn't Leave Before Inspection?

Drivers hurry. They've got schedules. Tell them upfront: "No inspection, no signature."

Politely firm. "I need time to check. Federal rules require it." DOT mandates joint inspection. Drivers know this.

If they push, call your broker immediately. At AMG, we coordinate this. Our team stays on the line. Driver won't leave with your car undelivered.

Block the truck if needed. Park your other car behind. Extreme? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

What Key Areas Must You Check on Your Vehicle?

Systematic check. Front to back. Top to bottom. Use a checklist.

• Exterior panels: Doors, hood, trunk, roof. Look for dents, scratches, dings. Run your hand over surfaces. Feel chips.
• Bumpers: Front and rear. Chips common from road debris.
• Wheels and tires: Gouges, curb rash, valve stems. Check pressure.
• Glass: Windshield cracks, mirrors, lights. Stone chips multiply on open carriers.
• Paint: Swirl marks from tar or bugs. Open car carrier transport costs less but exposes more.

Compare to pickup photos. Brokers like us provide them.

How Can You Tell New Damage from Pre-Existing Issues?

Pre-existing noted on BOL at pickup. New damage? Fresh paint scuffs lack rust. Dents sharper, no creases from age.

Dirt hides scratches. Hose it down first. AMG uses door-to-door car shipping how it works with clean handoff.

Timestamped photos at pickup help. We do VIN scans for proof.

Why Is Checking the Undercarriage and Interior Critical?

Undercarriage: Rocks punch holes. Exhaust hangs loose. Jack it up if safe. Or crawl under.

Interior: Seats torn from shifting loads. Dashboard cracks. Odors from leaks. Check floors for water. Open multi-car transport for families risks this.

Non-running vehicles? Battery terminals corrode. Fluids low.

Ignore these, claims denied. Carriers say "pre-existing." Prove them wrong.

How Do You Use the Bill of Lading Correctly at Delivery?

BOL is your contract. Driver notes condition at pickup. You verify at delivery.

Walk together. Point out issues. Driver notes them now. Both initial.

New damage? Describe precisely: "3-inch scratch left rear door."

Sign only after. BOL becomes evidence.

What Happens If the Driver Refuses to Note New Damage?

They do. Often. "Not my fault." Or "Too minor."

Insist. Document anyway. Photos first. Then note it yourself. Sign with caveat: "Damage noted, driver refused to acknowledge."

Call broker. We pressure carriers. Our relationships ensure compliance. Vetted insured carriers only at AMG.

What Documentation Should You Gather Right Away?

Photos. Videos. Everything.

• Full 360-degree shots.
• Close-ups of damage.
• BOL copy, signed.
• Driver's license, truck info.
• Timestamp and GPS.

Email to broker instantly.

How Do Timestamped Photos Strengthen Your Position?

Proof. Undeniable. Shows date, time, location.

Claims process speeds up. Insurers pay faster. No "he said, she said."

AMG clients get this guidance upfront. Part of our trusted car shipping broker reviews.

What Are Your Next Steps If Damage Is Found?

Don't panic. Act fast.

1. Note on BOL.

2. Take photos/videos.

3. Get driver's contact.

4. Notify broker within 24 hours.

File claim with carrier's insurer. Broker helps. We file for you.

Expect 30 days. Deductibles apply. Minor? Might not be worth it.

Prevent issues: Choose enclosed for luxury cars. Or classics. We offer both.

Why Choose AMG Transport Co. for Your Next Shipment?

Roads beat cars. Carriers focus on driving. We handle the rest. Frontend sales. Backend coordination. Fraud protection in this shady industry.

Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. Honest quotes. No games. Vetted carriers with solid safety records.

Ship SUVs, sedans, exotics. Cross-country or Texas to California. Multi-car discounts for families.

Don't risk it alone. Get a free quote today. We'll make it painless.

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