One of the most important questions to ask when booking auto transport service is whether or not drivers inspect vehicles.
The answer is yes. All professional transporters inspect vehicles as a routine part of the process to protect their, and your, interest in the vehicle.
Inspections establish the condition of the car. Thorough inspections help avoid disputes regarding the transport company. This guide informs on inspecting, what to expect when someone inspects you, and what you can do to make the inspecting process stress-free.However, if you are shipping your car, Car Shipping Source provides reputable resources and vetted carriers subject to strict inspection requirements.
Understanding the Pre-Transport Inspection
Before driving your vehicle onto the carrier, however, the driver should conduct a vehicle inspection, often referred to as a Bill of Lading (BOL) inspection.
What the Driver Checks:
- Exterior condition: scratches, dents, paint chips, scuffs
- Windshield & windows: cracks or damage
- Lights and mirrors: operational status and condition
- Tires: inflation and tread level
- Operational condition: whether the vehicle can steer, brake, and roll
- Accessories: spoilers, roof racks, antennas
- Odometer reading: mileage at pickup
Your Role During This Step:
- Walk around the vehicle with the driver
- Confirm recorded damage
- Ask questions if anything seems unclear
- Sign the Bill of Lading only when you’re satisfied with the notes
Why This Matters:
- This inspection protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing issues and protects the carrier from false claims.
- It sets the baseline for comparison at delivery.
How Vehicles Are Documented Before Loading
Modern carriers can require a wide-ranging inspection for a number of reasons, including:
- Digital inspection apps
- Timestamped photos
- Pre-loaded checklists
- Video walkarounds
What You Receive:
Most carriers will give you an electronic or paper version of the BOL with this condition.
This is your proof the vehicle was in its current state prior to shipping.
Expert Tip:
Be sure that you photograph the scene from every direction and under good light. This will preserve the documentation and prevent future doubt.
The Post-Transport Inspection: What Happens at Delivery
When it arrives at its destination the driver will then do a post-transport inspection comparing the initial BOL to the condition of the car after transport.
The Driver Will:
- Unload the car safely
- Park it in a visible location for inspection
- Walk around it with you
- Compare the condition against the pickup notes
- Document any changes (if present)
Your Responsibilities at Delivery:
- Be present or assign someone you trust
- Carefully check all recorded areas
- Test drive a short distance if needed
- Sign the delivery section of the BOL
- Only sign after confirming everything matches the original record
Important:
- If new damage is found, do not sign the BOL as “clean.”
- Instead, note the damage with the driver and follow the claims process.
How Inspections Protect You Throughout Transit
Many customers do not realize how critical these inspections are until something goes wrong. The inspection provides a paper trail and several types of protection.
They Prevent Disputes
Carriers, as well as customers, can therefore refer back to the BOL to see the condition.
They Support Insurance Claims
If your car is damaged in transit, the inspection shows:
- When the damage occurred
- That it wasn’t pre-existing
- That the carrier had custody at the time
Under federal law, carriers within Car Shipping Source must have insurance, for which a BOL is required for claims.
They Improve Accountability
Drivers know that everything is recorded, so there is an incentive to drive safely.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Accurate Inspections
Preparing the car properly will also make the inspection process easier and more accurate for them.
Clean your car inside and out
This makes scratches or dents easier to notice.
Remove personal items
Loose objects may obstruct and obstruct viewing during inspection.
Check fluid leaks
Drivers will also note that leaks can impact loading.
Document your car yourself
Take at least 15 to 20 photos.
Disable alarms
Uninterrupted loading and unloading of freight.
Bonus Tip:
With aftermarket bumpers, a lowered suspension, or a wrap on your car, inform the driver of each before inspection.
What Happens If Damage Is Found?
Damage can occur in spite of a safe rating for the carrier, though rare. If you suspect this:
Do This Immediately:
- Point out the damage to the driver
- Ensure it is marked clearly on the BOL
- Photograph the damage from multiple angles
- Request the carrier’s insurance claim instructions
What You Should Never Do:
- Never sign the BOL as “delivered in good condition” if you notice anything unusual
- Never delay reporting—claims filed promptly
Reputable companies will make things easier. Car Shipping Source uses carriers with formal claims procedures.
Final Thoughts
So, do drivers inspect vehicles before and after? Absolutely. It is an important step during the process that protects all parties involved in the shipping and transportation process, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
You will plan for your auto transport better and ensure it goes smoothly, easily, and safely, the more you know about inspections and how they work. Car Shipping Source is a great place to find reliable carriers focused on inspection if you are preparing to ship a car.
