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...

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...