Bill Of Lading - Vital For Auto Shipping

The process of transporting a vehicle is a very daunting task. Nevertheless, with the right information this won’t be a problem for you. Luckily for you, that is what this article is all about.

The bill of lading is the most important legal document to have when transporting a vehicle. A bill of laden is much more than just a receipt of transportation; it is an inspection report, a sheet containing terms and conditions and a dispatch report all in one. The bill of lading provides you certain protections with regards to your shipment, but there are also other things it does not protect you from. As a first timer to vehicle shipment it is important for you to understand what this document does or does not cover.

Whether you are new at the car shipping (you have never shipped a car before) or you have done it before and therefore know what a bill of lading is, you should not forget to always get a bill of lading whenever you ship your vehicle. A typical bill of lading has the following features:

1. Header: This displays the name of the company, their address and contact information clearly at the top of the bill of lading. Other information it provides are the order number, the data and the name of the driver.

2. Pick up and delivery information: Stated here will be the destination of the vehicle. In this instance, the bill of lading functions as a dispatch paper. The pick up and drop off location of your vehicle will be stated here, including contact information for the pickup and delivery location just in case the two are different.

3. Vehicle information: All information about the vehicle being shipped will be found under vehicle information. The vehicle owner has to provide information such as the year, vehicle make and model (luxury and vintage cars cost more to ship), license plate number, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), the current mileage of the vehicle (the carrier driver needs to know the distance it can travel), the size of the vehicle as well as the weight (it is important as it will affect the final charge for the shipping). Aside from the above mentioned, additional information about the vehicle should be provided. Not all carriers require all this information, but provide it all the same. Besides, it is better for everything about the vehicle to be accounted for. Although car swapping or theft is very unlikely, you just have to make sure.

4. Vehicle condition: This is often located below the vehicle information. It is very important if you want your vehicle to arrive the exact same way you left it. Federal laws mandate auto transport drivers to be present and carry out inspections at pickup as well as delivery. The car is inspected, and any damages that were present at the time of pickup will be listed here. New damages that occur during the shipping will be marked at the point of delivery. Note all major as well as minor damages during inspection; they could be scratch, dings or dents. Ensure that the bill of lading is an accurate representation of the state of the vehicle. Depending on the type of vehicle you are shipping, this part of the bill of lading differs. It is often patterned to fit the brand or type of vehicle. Whether the vehicle is an SUV, cargo, minivan, pickup trucks, all types of vehicles have their particular specifics in the bill of lading. You should be mindful of how the damages will be accounted for. Note, enclosed carriers are expensive than standard carriers. Do specify the one you want.

5. Terms and conditions: The carrier’s terms and conditions section of the bill of lading is the part that requires your complete attention. Know that this is not

something you want to brush aside. Be careful not to sign any document or agreement until you have read it and you understand the content. If your shipment is booked through a brokerage, the terms and conditions would most likely be different from the broker’s. Therefore, it will be in your best interest to read the terms and conditions of both companies thoroughly to understand what you are getting yourself into. The terms and conditions of auto transporters may be different in verbiage, length and content. Therefore, it is vital for you to read terms and conditions. Understand what is and what is not covered by the terms and condition so that you do not put yourself in an embarrassing or awkward situation. For you to avoid any altercations or situations that have become very common in the car shipping industry; it is crucial to pay attention to the legal aspects of the contract from your carrier before you sign the agreement.

6. Signature: This is the final part of the bill of lading. It will carry your signature as well as the signature of the carrier driver. Your signature on any document signifies that you have read it and you understand its content and agree with all the conditions contained in the bill of lading. Your signature on the document is legally binding therefore; do not sign until the inspection has been made. And if you have any questions or doubts, wait till you are clarified before signing. Signatures of both the driver and you are required at the pickup and drop off locations. As such, unless you agree with the terms and conditions and sign the bill of lading, your vehicle will not be loaded onto the carrier’s truck and the transportation process will not commence.

Agree on the payment method bearing in mind that several factors affect the eventual charges on your shipping which you cannot afford to be ignorant about. These factors include the model, size, type, weight of the car, the distance to the destination and sometimes the season or weather conditions. You also need to agree on a realistic time frame for the delivery of your vehicle.

Source: Auto Shipping Quotes