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You’ve been tracking your vehicle’s journey across the country, and now the moment has arrived—your car is about to be delivered. Whether you’ve used open trailer shipping or opted for enclosed transport protection, knowing how to properly inspect your vehicle upon delivery is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring everything went smoothly during transit.
At EasyGo Logistics, we understand that your vehicle is more than just cargo—it’s a valuable asset that deserves careful attention. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through the vehicle inspection process, step by step, ensuring you know exactly what to look for when your car arrives at its destination.
Why Vehicle Inspection Upon Delivery Matters
The delivery inspection isn’t just a formality—it’s your opportunity to document your vehicle’s condition and identify any potential issues that may have occurred during transport. While professional vehicle shipping services USA maintain high safety standards and full insurance coverage, a thorough inspection protects both you and the carrier by establishing clear documentation of your vehicle’s post-transport condition.
Think of this inspection as your final quality check. Just as you wouldn’t sign for a package without checking its contents, you shouldn’t accept your vehicle delivery without a proper examination. This process typically takes just 15-20 minutes but can save you hours of hassle down the road if any concerns need to be addressed.
Pre-Delivery Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Before your vehicle arrives, take a moment to prepare for the inspection process. Have your original pre-shipping inspection report and photos ready for comparison. If you’re receiving your vehicle during evening hours or in poor weather conditions, arrange for adequate lighting—a flashlight or your phone’s flashlight feature can help you spot details you might otherwise miss.
Keep your delivery paperwork organized and easily accessible. This includes your Bill of Lading, which serves as your receipt and inspection checklist. Having a pen ready to make notes directly on this document will streamline the process. If possible, clear the delivery area of any obstacles that might prevent you from walking completely around your vehicle during inspection.
The Step-by-Step Vehicle Inspection Process
Start with the Big Picture
When the carrier arrives and begins unloading your vehicle, resist the urge to rush. Take a moment to observe the overall condition as it comes off the trailer. Does anything immediately stand out as different from when you shipped it? Trust your first impressions—they’re often correct.
Walk around your vehicle slowly, maintaining a distance of about three feet. This perspective allows you to notice any major dents, scratches, or alignment issues that might not be visible up close. Look for symmetry in body panels and check that all doors, the hood, and trunk align properly with the body.
Exterior Inspection: Every Detail Counts
Begin your detailed exterior inspection at the driver’s side front corner and work your way clockwise around the vehicle. This systematic approach ensures you won’t miss any areas. Run your hand along the body panels—sometimes you can feel imperfections that aren’t immediately visible to the eye.
Check each panel for scratches, dents, or paint damage. Pay special attention to vulnerable areas like bumper corners, side mirrors, and wheel wells. These spots are most susceptible to minor contact during loading and unloading. Examine the windshield and all windows for chips or cracks, no matter how small. Even tiny chips can spread quickly and become expensive repairs.
Inspect your wheels and tires carefully. Look for any scratches on alloy wheels, check tire pressure visually, and ensure all hubcaps or center caps are present and secure. Don’t forget to check the roof—use a stepladder if necessary or ask the driver to assist you in checking this often-overlooked area.
Interior Inspection: Protecting Your Personal Space
Open each door and check the interior systematically. Start with the driver’s seat area, checking for any damage to the seats, dashboard, or steering wheel. Verify that all your personal items (if any were left in the vehicle) are accounted for and haven’t shifted during transport.
Test all electronic functions: turn the key to the accessory position and check that the radio, air conditioning, power windows, and locks all operate correctly. Check the odometer reading and compare it with your pre-shipping documentation. While some additional mileage is normal (usually under 50 miles for loading and unloading), excessive mileage should be questioned and documented.
Look under the floor mats and in the trunk for any signs of moisture or leaks. Check that the spare tire, jack, and any tools are still secure in their proper locations. Ensure the glove compartment, center console, and any storage areas remain in the same condition as before shipping.
Under the Hood: Mechanical Verification
Pop the hood and conduct a basic mechanical inspection. You’re not performing a full diagnostic, but you should check for any obvious issues. Look for any fluid leaks on the ground beneath the engine—these would appear as fresh spots or puddles. Check that battery terminals are secure and free from excessive corrosion.
Verify fluid levels if you’re comfortable doing so. The oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid should be at approximately the same levels as when you shipped the vehicle. Look for any disconnected hoses or wires, though this is rare with professional transport services.
Start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds. The engine should start smoothly and idle normally. If your vehicle was shipped during cold weather, allow a moment for the engine to warm up before making judgments about its performance.
Documentation: Your Protection and Peace of Mind
As you conduct your inspection, document everything meticulously. Take photos from multiple angles, ensuring good lighting captures any areas of concern. These photos should be time-stamped and taken before the carrier leaves your delivery location.
If you notice any damage, no matter how minor, note it clearly on the Bill of Lading before signing. Be specific in your descriptions—instead of just writing “scratch,” note “2-inch scratch on driver’s side rear door, below handle.” The carrier should acknowledge these notes and sign alongside your observations.
Never feel pressured to rush through the inspection or sign documentation before you’re completely satisfied with your review. Professional carriers understand the importance of this process and will allow you adequate time. If the driver seems impatient, politely but firmly insist on completing your thorough inspection.
What to Do If You Find Damage
Discovering damage doesn’t have to be stressful if you handle it properly. First, remain calm and professional. Document the damage thoroughly with photos and detailed notes on the Bill of Lading. Ensure the driver acknowledges and signs off on any damage notes before they leave.
Contact your shipping company immediately to report the damage and initiate the claims process. Reputable vehicle shipping services USA like EasyGo Logistics maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and have established procedures for handling claims efficiently. Provide all documentation promptly and maintain copies of everything for your records.
Avoid making repairs before the claim is processed, as this could affect your coverage. The insurance company may want to inspect the damage themselves or direct you to specific repair facilities. Keep all communication documented and follow up regularly until your claim is resolved.
Special Considerations for Different Vehicle Types
Luxury and Classic Cars
If you’ve shipped a luxury or classic vehicle using enclosed transport, pay extra attention to the finish and any custom modifications. These vehicles often have special paint or delicate trim that requires careful inspection under good lighting. Check that any special instructions you provided were followed, such as specific tie-down points or battery disconnect procedures.
Motorcycles
Motorcycle inspections require checking for scratches on fairings, ensuring handlebars are straight, and verifying that mirrors and turn signals remain properly adjusted. Check that any saddlebags or accessories are secure and undamaged. Verify that the battery maintains proper charge if the bike was shipped for an extended period.
Non-Running Vehicles
If you shipped a non-running vehicle, your inspection focuses differently. Verify that the vehicle remains in the same non-running condition without additional damage from loading or unloading. Check that any special equipment used for loading, such as winch points, didn’t cause damage to the frame or body.
Best Practices for a Smooth Delivery Experience
Schedule your delivery for daylight hours whenever possible. Natural light makes it much easier to spot potential issues. If evening delivery is unavoidable, have proper lighting ready and consider asking for an additional inspection opportunity the following day if you have any concerns.
Have a trusted friend or family member present during delivery if possible. A second set of eyes can be invaluable, and having a witness to the vehicle’s condition provides additional documentation if needed. They can also help with taking photos while you conduct the hands-on inspection.
Keep weather conditions in mind. If your vehicle is delivered during rain or snow, some aspects of the inspection may be compromised. In these cases, note on the Bill of Lading that a complete inspection wasn’t possible due to weather, and conduct a thorough follow-up inspection as soon as conditions improve.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
As the customer, you have the right to a thorough inspection before accepting delivery. You’re not obligated to sign for your vehicle until you’re satisfied with its condition. However, you also have the responsibility to be present (or have an authorized representative present) at the scheduled delivery time and to conduct your inspection promptly.
Most carriers allow what’s called a “noted delivery,” where you sign for the vehicle but note any concerns on the Bill of Lading. This protects both parties and allows you to take possession of your vehicle while preserving your right to file a claim if necessary. Understanding this balance helps ensure a professional and efficient delivery process.
The Value of Choosing the Right Shipping Partner
Working with established vehicle shipping services USA that prioritize customer satisfaction makes the entire process, including delivery inspection, much smoother. Professional carriers arrive prepared with proper documentation, allow adequate inspection time, and handle any concerns professionally.
At EasyGo Logistics, our experienced team understands that the delivery inspection is the final step in earning your complete satisfaction. We encourage thorough inspections and stand behind our service with comprehensive insurance coverage. Our dedicated agents remain available to assist with any questions or concerns throughout the delivery and inspection process.
Conclusion: Your Vehicle, Delivered with Confidence
Inspecting your vehicle upon delivery doesn’t have to be daunting. With this systematic approach and attention to detail, you can confidently verify your vehicle’s condition and document any concerns properly. Remember, the few minutes you invest in a thorough inspection protect your investment and ensure any issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
The key to a successful inspection lies in preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Don’t rush the process, document everything carefully, and communicate clearly with your carrier about any concerns. By following these guidelines, you’ll complete your vehicle shipping experience with confidence and peace of mind.
Whether you’re shipping across state lines or across the country, whether you chose open trailer transport for value or enclosed shipping for maximum protection, the delivery inspection remains your final quality assurance step. Take it seriously, but don’t stress—with the right approach and a reputable shipping partner, your vehicle delivery should be a smooth and satisfying conclusion to your shipping journey.
Ready to experience stress-free vehicle shipping with a company that values thorough inspection and customer satisfaction? Contact EasyGo Logistics at (888) 387-6204 to discuss your vehicle shipping needs. We’re here to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and that you have complete confidence in its condition upon delivery.