What Happens During Pickup and Delivery in Auto Transport?

Auto transport pickup and delivery can make or break your experience. Scams lurk everywhere. Damage claims turn ugly fast. As a Texas auto transport broker at AMG Transport Co., I've seen it all. Know the process. Protect yourself. We'll walk you through it step by step.

Brokers like us handle the frontend sales, coordination, and backend systems. Carriers drive the trucks. They avoid people for good reason: non-payers and endless headaches. We vet insured carriers. Use VIN scans for security. Offer honest quotes with Stripe deposits. And 72-hour pickup windows. Door-to-door nationwide vehicle shipping from Texas to anywhere.

What Preparation Should You Complete Before Pickup?

Prep right. Or regret it. Start early.

How Do You Document Your Vehicle's Condition?

Take photos. Lots of them. Every angle. Dents. Scratches. Interior. Tires. Underneath if possible. Timestamp them. Note mileage. Existing damage. Fuel level.

Upload to us at AMG. We do VIN scans. Matches your docs. Proves condition pre-transport. Crucial for claims.

Use a checklist:

• Front, rear, sides: full shots.
• Close-ups of flaws.
• Odometer reading.
• Accessories noted (antennas down, spoilers secured).

This fights scams. Fraudsters fake damage. Your proof shuts them down.

What Vehicle Adjustments Are Required?

Carriers hate extra work. Make it easy.

• Remove personal items. Illegal. Risky.
• Empty gas tank to 1/4. Safer. Lighter.
• Disable alarms. Or provide code.
• Fold mirrors if possible.
• Keys ready. Spare too.
• Non-running? Tell us upfront. We handle shipping a non-running vehicle.

For SUVs or sedans, no big difference. But luxury? Consider enclosed auto transport.

What Happens During the Pickup Inspection?

Driver arrives. Time to inspect.

What Is the Bill of Lading and How Do You Review It?

Bill of Lading (BOL). Your contract. Details vehicle condition.

Driver notes issues. You agree. Sign it.

Review every line:

1. VIN matches?

2. Mileage correct?

3. All noted damage listed?

4. Fuel level accurate?

5. Extras mentioned?

Don't rush. Walk around together. Point out flaws. Driver writes them. Both initial.

At AMG, our vetted carriers follow this. No shortcuts. Protects you coast to coast, like Houston to LA.

How Does the Driver Load Your Vehicle?

Inspection done. Loading starts.

Open carrier? Ramp up. Drive or winch on. Secure with chains. Soft ties for paint.

Enclosed? Same, but inside trailer. Better for classics or exotics.

Watch it. Ensure proper straps. No overhang. Brakes off.

Driver tests run. Then gone.

| Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |

|--------------|------------------|

| Cheaper. Exposed to elements. | Pricier. Protected. Ideal for luxury. |

| Most cars. | Classics, exotics. |

| Faster load. | Secure, private. |

What Should You Verify Upon Delivery?

End game. Stay sharp. Tired drivers rush.

How Do You Spot New Damage Before Signing Off?

Unload first. Full walk-around.

Compare to photos. Check:

• Dents, scratches.
• Paint chips.
• Glass cracks.
• Tires, wheels.
• Underbody.

Take new photos. Note changes on BOL.

Sign only existing damage. Or "subject to inspection."

AMG's 72-hour pickup means tight schedules. But delivery? Take your time.

What If the Driver Refuses to Note Damage?

Push back. Firmly.

"Note it. Or no signature."

Call dispatcher. Us at AMG. We back you.

Refusal? Don't sign. Take pics. File claim fast.

Carriers insured? Verify FMCSA. We do. No fly-by-nights.

Scams: Driver says "fine." Later denies. Your docs win.

Why Choose AMG Transport Co.?

Roads dangerous. Industry fraud-filled. Brokers buffer rates. Guide you.

We do sales. Coordination. Systems. Carriers drive.

Texas-based auto transport broker. Nationwide door-to-door. Vetted carriers. VIN scans. Stripe deposits. Honest quotes. No hidden fees.

Ship from Texas to California? Relocating to Florida? Multi-car for families? We got it.

Cross-country? 5-10 days typical. Know what affects car shipping cost per mile.

Make us your no-brainer choice. Get a quote today.

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