Getting your vehicle ready to ship goes beyond just reserving a transport. It starts with an inspection. A thorough vehicle inspection ensures that your vehicle’s state used during auto transport is documented and protected through pictures. In case of moving, purchasing a car from out of state, shipping a car to your family, or transporting a prized model, this step is essential.
To ensure good vehicle transport at CarShippingAuto.com, we understand the importance of accuracy and transparency. A thoroughly documented inspection protects both you and the carrier and decreases the chances of a dispute. Moreover, you will rest easy knowing that everything is insured. This guide shares the importance of the inspection, the right way to do it and what will happen on pickup day.
The Necessity of Vehicle Inspection Before Auto Transport
A vehicle inspection is a documented assessment of your vehicle before transportation. It involves taking pictures and a detailed record of your vehicle’s condition. This record is also known as a vehicle condition report (VCR). This document is for your protection so that they can liquidate your grievances quickly.
Advantages of an Inspection Before Transport
- Creates a baseline condition report
- Safeguards you against damage claim requests
- Assists drivers in securing and loading your car
- Recognizes previously existing problems that may cause challenges in the transport process
Step 1: Enhances interaction between yourself and the shipping company
After a proper inspection, both the parties may start the shipping process.
Make sure your vehicle is clean for inspection.
Many people think that a clean car does not really matter except for cosmetic reasons. But this does help a bit during inspection.
- Cleaning is essential
- Dirt and dust can cover up damage to the car paint.
- This helps your car look exactly as it is in real life.
Don’t forget about both inside and out! Any personal belongings cannot be loaded inside the vehicle but a clean interior can help identify any damage already present.
Step 2: Take Detailed Notes of Damages.
Photographic documentation is one of your strongest protections.
What to Click
The vehicle has clearance on all four sies.
- Detailed images of any dents, scratches, or scrapes.
- Bumpers in front and back.
- Roof, hood, and boot.
One word each: tire, wheel, rim.
- Dashboard, Steering Wheel, and Seat Area.
- Distance travelled.
- If accessible underbody.
- Verify using time-stamped photographs.
- Recording Videos.
A short walk-around video offers additional clarity for claims purposes. Make sure the vehicle is well-lit and easily visible.
Taking 5 to 10 minutes at this step can save you time, effort and stress later.
Step 3: Examine mechanical and safety issues
Before you auto transport your car, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is mechanically fit for the loading as well as unloading.
Check Your Car.
- Takes off immediately.
- Contains a fully charged battery.
- Steering functions correctly.
- Brakes work good.
- Tires are fully inflated and even.
- Does not leak significant fluids.
Although your car doesn’t need to be mechanically perfect, it must be able to get on and off the trailer safely. Inform the transport company in advance if your vehicle is not running as special equipment may be required.
Step 4: Eliminate Personal Belongings and Adornments.
According to auto transport regulations personal belongings must not be stored inside the car. Removing the contents will affect weight, safety and insurance.
Get Rid of the Following
- Electronics such as chargers, GPS units, dash cams
- Things that may break easily
Unfiled documents
- Deodorants or hanging accessories
- Handcrafted add-ons that may separate during transport
If you have installed any aftermarket accessories like spoilers, bike racks, antennas, etc., then remove or secure them tightly.
Step 5: Inspect your vehicles’ fluid levels and prepare car for transport
Before shipping your vehicle, fill the fuel tank and check its other levels for safety.
Key Points
- Maintain only a quarter of your gas tank.
- Examine the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid.
- Check without any leak active.
- Pump up the tires with air.
- Switch off or disable your alarm system.
Taking these actions will avoid loading and travelling issues.
Step 6: Check the Bill of Lading (BOL).
The document utilized during transport is a bill of lading. You will find the vehicle inspection report, transport information, and shipping contract.
Contents of BOL
- Condition Documents
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Details about vehicle (VIN, Make, Model)
- Info about previous damage
- Your and the driver’s signatures
Check out BOL at pickup and again before delivery. Do not sign it if you feel it is incorrect or incomplete.
Step 7: Conduct a Final Walkthrough with the Driver.
When the carrier arrives, a proper joint inspection will be done by you and the driver.
During this Manual
- Check all recorded damage.
- Look at your own photo documentation.
- Ensure the condition that was recorded is accurate
- If you have any doubts, ask away.
- The driver will do the same at the time of delivery to check the vehicle.
What Happens During the Post-Transport Inspection?
Upon delivery, your vehicle undergoes another inspection to confirm its condition matches the pre-transport report.
After Delivery:
- Take a round of the vehicle with the driver.
- Look at your pictures to see the difference.
- Examine for additional dents, scrapes or damage.
- Verify that odometer reading is correct.
- Report any problems to the Bill of Lading right away.
- Be sure to note any damage before signing the BOL.
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Car Shipping Auto: We believe in transparency, reliability, and customer protection. Every customer is walked through the entire inspection process for a smooth and safe transport.
Our Services.
- Carriers with full license and insurance.
- Unambiguous interaction from the very commencement till the end.
- Clear examination processes.
Expert drivers.
- Home pickup and drop.
- Options for enclosed and open transport.
- Our prices are competitive and transparent.
When you choose a reputable company from the industry, you can have peace of mind once your car is picked to when it is delivered.
Inspecting the Package to Ensure a Safe Shipping Experience.
Having your vehicle inspected will allow you to find out small issues before auto transport people come to pick up your vehicle. In summary, this is the best way to protect your vehicle before transport. It safeguards your interests; clarifies the responsibilities of the carrier, and fosters seamless operations from collection to delivery.
By evaluating your auto properly, taking pictures of the condition of your automobile, looking through the BOL, and working with a reputable company like CarShippingAuto.com you can take the stress out of the vehicle shipping scene.
Ready to book your transport? Get a personalized quote from Car Shipping Auto today; we are there every step of the way.
