What Happens on Auto Transport Pickup Day?

Pickup day. It's the moment your car shipping journey kicks off. No more quotes or emails. The truck pulls up. Things get real fast.

As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker, I've seen it all. First-time shippers panic. Veterans know the drill. Either way, preparation matters. Mess it up, and delays hit. Or worse.

We'll walk you through it step by step. From prep to pull-out. This guide keeps your shipment smooth. Especially for door-to-door car shipping nationwide.

Prep Your Vehicle Before Pickup Day

Don't wait for the driver. Get ready days ahead.

• Clean the car inside and out. Dirt hides damage. Take photos from every angle. Timestamp them.
• Remove personal items. No loose stuff. Gas tank quarter full max. Tires at proper pressure.
• Fix issues. Note dents, scratches, or mechanical problems now.
• Gather docs. Title, registration, keys. Spare key if smart.

At AMG, we scan your VIN upfront. Confirms details. No surprises.

Pro tip: Park in an accessible spot. Wide street or driveway. No tight gates. Drivers hate backing up trailers.

Driver Arrival: What to Expect

Pickup within your window. At AMG, we lock 72-hour pickup times. Honest quotes, no bait-and-switch.

Truck shows up. Open or enclosed carrier. Depends on your choice. Open for standard rides. Enclosed for luxury cars.

Driver introduces himself. ID check. Carrier name matches your paperwork? Good.

He's got the Bill of Lading (BOL). Core document. Details your vehicle, origin, destination.

Vehicle Inspection: The Critical Step

This is key. Protects you and the carrier.

Driver walks around your car. You do too. Note every flaw.

Use the BOL or a separate form. Mark dings, rust, cracks. Digital photos help.

Common spots:

| Area | What to Check | Why It Matters |

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

| Exterior Body | Dents, scratches, paint chips | Baseline for delivery claims |

| Glass | Chips, cracks | Road hazards worsen them |

| Tires/Wheels | Pressure, curb rash | Ensures safe loading |

| Underbody | Rust, leaks | Hidden damage shows later |

| Interior | Seats, dash, upholstery | Though less common |

Agree on notes. Initial both copies. One for you, one for driver.

AMG vets carriers. All insured. Safety records checked. We buffer you from bad actors.

Signing the Bill of Lading

Review everything. VIN matches? Locations right? No errors.

Sign it. This starts the transport process. Driver signs too.

Pay balance if due. At AMG, Stripe deposits secure early. Balance on pickup or delivery.

Hand over keys. Driver tests lights, brakes quick. All good? Load up.

Loading Your Vehicle on the Carrier

Truck has ramps. Driver secures your car.

• Front wheels first usually.
• Straps or chains lock it down.
• No tilting. Pros handle it.

Watch. Ask questions. Multi-car loads common. Yours fits the route.

Non-running vehicle? Tell us upfront. Winch ready.

SUV or sedan? Costs differ. But loading same.

Final Checks and Pull-Out

Driver recaps. Confirms details. Gives you contacts.

GPS tracking if available. AMG coordinates every step.

Truck rolls. You're done.

Avoiding Pickup Day Delays

Delays suck. Here's how to dodge them.

1. Weather. Rain or snow? Reschedule if bad.

2. Access. Bad address? GPS fails. Provide exact coords.

3. Vehicle not ready. Half-full gas? Loose items? Driver walks.

4. Payment hiccups. Deposits via Stripe fix this.

5. Carrier no-show. Brokers like AMG enforce 72-hour windows.

Cross-country hauls take time. Houston to LA? 7-14 days typical.

Why Brokers Beat Going Direct

Carriers focus on roads. Not customer service. They skip sales, coordination. That's us.

Direct? Risky. Many won't take retail. Or charge more. Non-payers burn them.

Brokers build carrier relationships. Vetted partners invested in our clients.

AMG Transport Co., backed by carrier parent AMG Endeavors. We know both sides.

Door-to-door nationwide. Open carrier pros: cheaper. Enclosed: protects exotics.

First-Time Shipper Tips

Nervous? Normal.

• Ask for carrier info upfront.
• Track daily.
• Inspect on delivery same way.

AMG handles fraud risks. Trusted broker reviews back us.

Relocating? Texas to Florida? We got you.

Conclusion: Choose AMG for Pickup Peace

Pickup day doesn't have to stress you. Follow these steps. Partner with pros.

AMG Transport Co. makes it simple. Vetted insured carriers. 72-hour pickups. Honest quotes. VIN scans. Stripe secure.

No hidden fees. Reliable nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

Ready to ship? Get a free quote today. We'll handle the rest.

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