Inspection and Bill of Lading

Auto transport inspection and proper Bill of Lading

Auto transport is not a complicated process. However, we understand that shippers can be stressed and overwhelmed by it because transporting a vehicle is not something people do every day. In fact, most of our customers are first time shippers and it is completely understandable that they feel tense at booking. That’s why we have developed this website where customers can find a ton of a useful information. We have a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section where customers can find answers to the most common auto transport questions and a Blog where we constantly publish tips and interesting articles.

We would like to share some very important information here. We would like to talk about proper pick-up/delivery inspection and what a valid Bill of Lading must look like when customers sign it.

The pick-up and delivery inspections are two of the most important operations a customer should do together with the auto transport carrier driver.

When the inspection is done it is important to mark everything on the Bill of Lading, which is the official document and a binding contract.

 

What is pick-up and delivery inspection? How to do a proper inspection?

 

Auto transport is a process that could take anywhere from two to ten days, or even more if shipping from Hawaii or to Alaska. As a customer you should keep in mind that you are part of the process. Once you have booked with us over the phone your job is not over. When you call us to arrange the transport we explain the whole process and include information in the emails we send, however, customers tend to not read them all. This is normal because we know everybody is busy with work and family.

We urge our customers to read every email we send and try to be present at the pick-up and delivery of their vehicle.

After booking of the order we send a confirmation email containing the order summary and detailing the next steps, along with important facts to keep in mind. First, we advise customers to keep their phones with them when the time for pick-up/delivery comes close. It is important that the car carrier can get in touch and arrange the pick-up/delivery date and time. Carriers usually call 12-24 in advance and then another 2-3 hours before they arrive.

In these emails we also explain how payment works and that carrier insurance does not cover items loaded in the vehicle or damages caused by any items inside the vehicle. When we dispatch a truck to pick-up a vehicle, we send a dispatch confirmation email with more important information for customers to read.

 

What is and how to do a proper inspection at pick-up and delivery?

 

What happens is that many customers leave it to the trucker or do not do an inspection at all, and this is wrong. Any type of moving services usually require customers to be involved in the process. Just like when you are moving to a new house and have to overlook everything, when you are shipping a car you have to do a few basic things besides paying and waiting.

It is crucial that you do a proper inspection together with the trucker. In fact it is a simple process that takes about 10 minutes.

     

      1. It is recommended that pick-up and delivery happen during the day, at daylight, in order for you and the driver to conduct a proper inspection of the vehicle. 

      1. It is also recommended that you have prepared your vehicle for transport, which includes washing and checking for mechanical problems such as any leaks. 

      1. The trucker must have a legit Bill of Lading where he or she will mark any preexisting scratches and dents. It is recommended that you take pictures at pick-up and delivery. 

      1. You have to walk around the vehicle with the truck driver and carefully check for any preexisting damages that have to be marked on the document. 

      1. This is a crucial part of the shipping process that will guarantee legitimate actions on the side of the carrier’s insurance, in case of damages during transit. 

      1. It is highly recommended that you ask the driver to mark down your current mileage’s odometer, as well as that you take pictures of it at pick-up.

    If pick-up or delivery takes place in the evening you have to make sure sufficient light is available to do a proper inspection of the vehicle. In the evening it could be harder to see any scratches that may have happened during transit. We recommend that you meet with the car carrier at a well lit location such as a parking lot where the inspection can be done and documents signed.

    Damages are not an expected part of the process, but they can happen. That is why it is important to have done a proper inspection and marked everything on the Bill of Lading. When you have a legit Bill of Lading, signed by both parties, then you have a legal document to file a claim, if necessary.

    What does a Bill of Lading look like? Below we have uploaded a copy of the real document so you can see what a legitimate Bill of Lading must look like.

    BOL

    This is the type of document you should receive from the car carrier at pick-up and delivery. A Bill of Lading should always has this middle vehicle section where you and the trucker can mark any damages and dents. If there are any new scratches to your vehicle you must mark them on the document in the proper area of the image and write down in the comments an exact description of the new damage.

    Also, it is highly recommended to take pictures at delivery, just the way you did at pick-up, especially if there is new damage. Additionally, please keep in mind that after the inspection, if there is a balance due, legally you still must pay the trucker even if there is an issue with the vehicle. An insurance claim and payment of freight charges are two entirely different transactions. Later, with the Bill of Lading and the pictures you can submit a claim to the insurance and the process will be taken care of in a professional manner.

    At delivery if you have any disagreements with the carrier you can always call Corsia Logistics. We are here to assist you with everything. Furthermore, please remember that:

       

        • It is your right to inspect your vehicle at the time of delivery and it is your right to mark on the Bill of Lading any issues you find with your vehicle.

        • After inspection you are still legally bound to pay the trucker the transport fare, even if there is an issue with the vehicle.

      It is very important that you do a proper inspection of your vehicle, especially at delivery. If a new damage has occurred during transit you will need a Bill of Lading signed by both you and the trucker in order to submit an insurance claim. If you need any assistance at pick-up or delivery please call us at 818-850-5258 and we will help. Our agents work with you from start to end, every step of the auto transport process. Thank you!

       

      Corsia Logistics team works hard every day to ensure reliable expedited car shipping service. Our customer reviews prove that.

      5-Star Rated Car Shipping Company

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      and here's what they say

      Simon Moore
      Great company
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      Looking for a logistics company, to ship my car, from California to Illinois,my first search, then Corsia showed up, skeptical. Call and a very friendly secretary: Elena. She guided me through, I scheduled and as she explained, all when smooth as scheduled Very happy I did the right choice. I'll recommend this great Company to anyone that is thinking to relocate a vehicle. Thanks Corsia logistics for your honesty and professionalism!
      Elizabeth Woodward
      High five's all around!
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      Corsia was highly recommended by a friend in the automobile industry. We needed to transport a cargo van from Seattle to Florida. We contacted Corsia who quickly arranged transport within just a few days. Communication was outstanding! Just a few email confirmations and we were all set. Mike was great and arrived right on time and delivered to Florida on schedule. Tip-avoid the hornets nest of auto brokers on line and just contact Corsia for a truly great experience!
      Carrol Tiffany
      Amazing
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      Corsia has been amazing. Their prices are really competitive but more importantly their customer service has been 5-Star. Elena followed up with me every step of the way, making sure there was no miscommunication between me & the driver. We are using them to ship a 2nd vehicle & would not hesitate to use them again!
      Tony Boyd
      Definitely recommend
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      I have recently used Corsia for long time family car with sentimental value that was moved I have recently used Corsia for shipment of my vehicle from Oregon to Arizona by recommendation from other family member who also used Corsia in the past. I am very pleased on the service and the communication throughout shipment. Ken was my direct contact and kept me informed along the move The car was picked up and delivered as communicated. I did use a enclosed mover and the driver was also clean cut professional and treated car as his own. I would definitely recommend Corsia again with the experience I have had. Thank you. T
      JW
      Top notch
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      Top notch Transport - Porsche 997 Top notch! As easy and efficient as one could possibly imagine. Great customer service.. thank you Luke. Great prices. Check. Timely communications. Check. Clean transport trailer. Check. Supremely careful driver. Check. Timely arrival. Check. Don't mess around elsewhere, just call Corsica and feel confident your transports needs are going to be exceeded. My Porsche 911 rode like a Queen in her enclosed chariot. I've never needed a transport company before, and I surely will use them every time. Do yourself a favor, seriously. Call now.
      Geet Mp Haryana
      Reliable, efficient
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      Corsia rep (Elena) was very proactive. Helped ship a car from CA to GA. She checked in with me via email quote and several phone calls to find me the best possible quote for the fastest available service. After several communications, Corsia was able to schedule a vehicle pickup the next day. The driver communicated well, and the vehicle arrived in final destination faster than we expected in perfect condition. I highly recommend using Corsia's reliable, efficient service.
      Cay Liptak
      Clean, efficient, wonderful
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      Thanks, Corsia! Pickup was so clean, efficient, and wonderful -- my only recommendation is to make sure you schedule it during the day so you can fully review the car in the daylight. Drop off was equally wonderful, and the whole trip went down without a hitch (pun intended!). Seriously, Corsia delivered my Jeep from CT to California with no issues or bumps in the road!
      Csaba Kovesdy
      Truly positive experience
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      Corsia Memphis to LA, mid-size SUV. I looked at 4 different companies amd Corsia was the most responsive of them. While being responsive, they were not unduly aggressive: when I indicated that I need to wait a month before making a decision they stopped contacting me and only came back with a reminder when I really needed it. Once I decided to engage Corsia they found me a transport within two days and the car was delivered (from Memphis to LA) in another two days. I had a truly positive experience.
      Kelly Torres
      Highly recommend
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      Working with Corsia Logistics was a great experience. Working with Corsia Logistics was wonderful. They were able to find a driver right away to transport our car. They were in constant communication as to when the car was getting picked up and dropped off. The driver also communicated with me as to when he would arrive. I would highly recommend Corsia Logistics.
      Amy Nelson
      Excellent Organization
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      Corsia was an excellent company to work with while I transferred my car across the US. A friend of mine suggested I use them as they had been very organized and trustworthy with her own car. I researched a few different place but decided to go with Corsia and I'm so glad I did! Any questions I had throughout the process they answered quickly and clearly. I would definitely use them again in the future and recommend them for others to use.
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