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What Auto Transport Drivers Look for During Vehicle Inspections

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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...

Why Auto Transport Carriers Avoid Certain Roads and Neighborhoods

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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...

Top Questions Customers Ask About Shipping Cars with Belongings

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  When you're preparing to ship your vehicle , it’s natural to wonder whether you can pack a few personal items inside.  Top Questions to ask about Personal Items  Customers often ask about the dos and don’ts of shipping belongings along with their cars, and getting clear answers helps build confidence and avoid last-minute surprises. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic. Can I ship personal items inside my car?  Yes, but with limitations. Most auto transport carriers allow you to ship personal items inside the vehicle as long as they’re under a certain weight—typically up to 100 lbs—and stored securely in the trunk or below window level in the backseat. These items should not be valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable, and you ship them at your own risk . Can I ship clothes in the car?  You can ship clothing items as long as they fall within the allowed weight limit and are properly stored. Clothes are one of the more comm...

The B.O.L. Explained: What to Look for Before You Sign

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In the world of auto transport , the Bill of Lading (B.O.L.) is more than just paperwork. It's your official contract and inspection report rolled into one.  Whether you’re shipping your car across the state or across the country, it’s critical to understand what’s on the B.O.L. and why it matters before you sign anything . What to Look for on the BOL Here’s a breakdown of the key details to review at pickup and delivery to protect yourself and your vehicle. 1: Vehicle Condition Notes The B.O.L. includes a detailed inspection report documenting your car’s condition at pickup. This section should note: Any existing scratches, dents, paint chips, or rust Cracks in glass or damaged trim Any aftermarket parts or loose components ✅ What to do: Be present at the time of pickup if possible Walk around the vehicle with the driver and verify the condition report Take clear photos of all sides of the vehicle before signing At delivery, use the original inspec...