Your Car Transport Guide

One of the most important parts of shipping your car happens before it ever leaves the driveway: the vehicle inspection. Auto transport drivers carefully document your car’s condition at pickup and again at delivery.  Auto Transport Driver Vehicle Inspection Checklist The process of documenting an item's condition before transport has been practiced for ages .   This inspection protects both you and the carrier by creating a written record of your vehicle’s state before transport. But what exactly are drivers looking for?  Let’s break down the typical checklist. Exterior Condition Drivers start with a close walk-around of your vehicle, noting any visible issues such as: Scratches, dents, or paint chips Cracks in the windshield or other windows Rust spots or areas of damage on bumpers, doors, or fenders Loose or missing parts like trim, mirrors, or hubcaps These details go on the Bill of Lading , a document both you and the driver sign, confirming the vehi...

Shipping a car might look simple from the outside: a truck arrives, loads your vehicle, and delivers it to your new location. But for auto transport drivers, the job involves a lot more than just driving from point A to point B.  From navigating narrow streets to dealing with weather, regulations, and schedules, drivers face daily challenges that customers don’t always see.  What the Driver Wants You to Know Here are a few things auto transport drivers wish customers understood and how small actions from you can make their job (and your delivery) smoother. Tight Streets Aren’t Easy for Big Trucks Most auto transport carriers are huge on up to 75 feet long and carrying multiple cars at once. Getting a truck that size into tight neighborhoods , cul-de-sacs, or streets with cars parked on both sides can be nearly impossible. Drivers often ask to meet at a nearby parking lot, shopping center, or wide street. This isn’t to inconvenience you but rather it’s to ensure your car can ...

One of the biggest questions customers have about auto transport is how close the truck can actually get to their home. While most companies advertise “door-to-door service,” the size of the truck often determines just how close to your front door the driver can realistically deliver.  This raises the question: do smaller carriers offer better door-to-door service than full-size haulers? The Challenge with Full-Size Carriers Standard auto transport trucks are massive, often carrying 7–10 vehicles at once. These full-size carriers can be up to 75 feet long and sit 13 feet high, which creates several challenges in residential areas: Tight turns and cul-de-sacs can be impossible to navigate Low bridges and tree branches may block access Weight restrictions on local roads may prevent entry Limited parking space in neighborhoods makes loading and unloading risky For these reasons, full-size carriers often meet customers at wider, safer spots nearby—such as a shoppi...

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is one of the most important legal documents in transportation. It serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier, a receipt for the goods being transported, and proof of ownership.  Origin of the Bill of Lading While today it is a standard part of auto transport, the origins of the Bill of Lading stretch back hundreds of years to the era of maritime trade. Origins in Maritime Trade  The Bill of Lading emerged during the expansion of global trade in the Middle Ages. Merchants shipping goods across seas needed a formal record of what was loaded onto a vessel. Early BOLs were handwritten documents given to the shipper, listing cargo details, port of departure, destination, and the condition of the goods. These documents served two main purposes: they confirmed that the shipper had handed over the goods, and they established the carrier’s responsibility for delivering them safely. Legal Recognition and Standardization  As international commerc...

 Auto transport insurance provides essential protection when shipping your vehicle across the country or even just a few states over. However, many customers are surprised to learn that not everything is covered under a standard policy.  What’s NOT Covered by Auto Transport Insurance  To avoid misunderstandings and give you better peace of mind, here’s a closer look at what’s typically not covered by auto transport insurance. Personal Belongings Inside the Vehicle  While it might seem convenient to pack your car with clothes, electronics, or other personal items , those belongings are not protected by the carrier’s insurance. If they’re lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, the responsibility falls on the vehicle owner and not the transporter. It’s always best to remove all non-essential items before your car is picked up. Pre-Existing Damage  Insurance only covers damage that occurs during transport. That means any scratches, dents, or issues that existed be...

When you book auto transport, you might deal with more than one point of contact—and that can get confusing. One of the most common questions customers ask is: Who do I call for updates. The broker or the driver?   The Difference in Driver Communication and Broker Updates Knowing the difference between these two roles can help make the whole experience smoother and less stressful.  The Broker’s Role  The broker is the company you initially book with . They’re your main point of contact at the start of the process. Brokers coordinate the shipment, find a carrier for your route, and handle most of the logistics behind the scenes. They’ll give you the price quote, explain your options, and keep you updated on scheduling—like when your car is assigned to a driver. Brokers are also who you contact if you have questions before pickup, need to make changes, or want general information about your shipment status.  The Driver’s Role (Carrier)  Once your vehicle is assi...

If you’ve ever wondered why your car carrier couldn’t come directly to your door or had to meet you a few blocks away, then you’re not alone. While door-to-door auto transport is standard in the industry, it doesn’t always mean a truck will pull up to your exact address.  Top Reasons Why Auto Carriers Avoid Certain Areas There are several valid reasons auto transport carriers avoid certain roads or neighborhoods, and they all come down to safety, logistics, and legal restrictions. Weight Restrictions  Many residential streets and local roads have weight limits that large transport trucks simply can't exceed. Exceeding these limits can result in heavy fines for the driver and potential damage to the road itself. Carriers are required to follow posted weight regulations, which often means avoiding narrow streets, older bridges, or smaller communities with tight road infrastructure. Low Bridges and Overpasses  Auto transport trucks, especially multi-level carriers can sta...