Inspect at Loading & Delivery
Protect your claim rights
What is the BOL?
The Bill of Lading is the official legal document that records your vehicle's condition at both pickup and delivery. It is completed electronically on the driver's phone at both ends of the shipment.
Digital & On-Site
The driver completes the BOL on their phone at pickup and again at delivery — right in front of you.
Condition Record
The BOL documents your vehicle's condition: every scratch, dent, and imperfection is marked and photographed.
Legal Document
Once you sign the BOL, it becomes the legal record of receipt. Anything not noted on it cannot be claimed later.
Critical: Note all damage on the BOL before you sign
Photographic Documentation Required
- 1 All sides, top, and bottom views of the condition of the Vehicle being shipped; and
- 2 The Vehicle as it is packed or secured for transit.
Failure to provide such photographic documentation upon request may result in denial of coverage for any loss or damage.
Photograph all sides, top, bottom, and how the vehicle is secured for transit — before it leaves.
Photograph the vehicle's condition and any damage upon arrival — before signing the BOL.
Inspection at Loading (Pickup)
The pickup inspection establishes your vehicle's condition before transit. This is your baseline — any new damage at delivery is measured against it.
Inspect in good lighting
If possible, inspect the vehicle in daylight or under bright lighting. Walk around the entire vehicle slowly — all four sides, roof, and undercarriage if accessible.
Take your own photos & video
Before the driver arrives, photograph every side of the vehicle, plus close-ups of any existing damage. Record a slow walk-around video. Date-stamped photos are your best evidence if a dispute arises.
Walk the vehicle with the driver
When the driver arrives, do the inspection together. The driver will mark all existing damage on the BOL on their phone. Confirm that every scratch, dent, chip, or crack you see is documented — don't rely on the driver to catch everything.
Verify the BOL matches reality
Review every item the driver has marked on the electronic BOL. If something is missing, ask them to add it. If the driver marked damage you don't see, ask them to point it out so you understand the baseline.
Sign only when accurate
Once the BOL accurately reflects your vehicle's condition, sign it on the driver's phone. You'll receive a copy. This signed BOL is the starting point for any future damage claim.
Do NOT sign the BOL until your inspection is complete
Inspection at Delivery
This is the most important step. Any damage not documented here, before you sign, cannot be claimed.
Take your time
Do not feel pressured. You have the right to inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing anything. A professional driver will understand and allow you the time you need.
Do a full walk-around with the driver
Walk around the entire vehicle with the driver present — all four sides, the roof, wheels, mirrors, glass, and bumpers. Compare what you see to the photos and BOL from pickup.
Inspect in good lighting
If delivery is at night or in poor lighting, ask the driver to position the vehicle under a streetlight or use your phone's flashlight. Poor lighting is not an excuse for missing damage.
Photograph everything — especially new damage
Take clear, close-up photos of any damage you spot, plus wide shots showing the location on the vehicle. Also photograph the overall vehicle from all sides. These photos are critical evidence for your claim.
Point out damage and have the driver note it on the BOL
If you see any new damage, you MUST point it out to the driver immediately. The driver will note it on the electronic BOL on their phone — including the location, type, and size of the damage. Do not accept verbal assurances like 'I'll take care of it later.' It must be on the BOL.
Verify the damage is recorded before signing
After the driver notes the damage, review the BOL on their phone. Confirm the new damage is listed and described accurately. Only then should you sign. If the driver refuses to note damage, do not sign — contact us immediately.
Sign and get your copy
Once the BOL accurately reflects the vehicle's delivered condition — including any new damage — sign it on the driver's phone. Request a digital copy be sent to your email before the driver leaves.
Quick do's and don'ts
Do
- Take date-stamped photos and video before pickup
- Walk the vehicle with the driver at both ends
- Inspect in good lighting — all sides, roof, glass
- Point out new damage immediately at delivery
- Make sure the driver notes damage on the BOL (on their phone)
- Verify the BOL is accurate before signing
- Request a digital copy of the signed BOL
- Contact us right away if the driver refuses to note damage
Don't
- Don't let the driver rush your inspection
- Don't sign the BOL before inspecting the vehicle
- Don't accept verbal promises — get it in writing on the BOL
- Don't inspect in the dark without a flashlight
- Don't skip photographing new damage
- Don't sign if damage you pointed out isn't noted
- Don't leave without a copy of the signed BOL
- Don't assume damage 'can be claimed later' — it can't
If damage is found at delivery
Follow these steps immediately — timing is critical.
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1
Point it out to the driver
Show the driver the damage before anything else. Be specific about the location and what you see.
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2
Have the driver note it on the BOL
The driver must document the damage on the electronic BOL on their phone — type, location, and size. This is mandatory.
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3
Take detailed photos
Photograph the damage up close and from a distance showing its location on the vehicle. Also photograph the overall vehicle from all sides.
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4
Verify the BOL reflects the damage
Read through the BOL entry on the driver's phone. Make sure the damage is accurately described before you sign.
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5
Sign the BOL (with damage noted)
Only sign after confirming the new damage is documented. Get a digital copy sent to your email.
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6
File your claim promptly
If you purchased Shipper's Interest Insurance, file your claim as soon as possible. If you declined, you'll need to file directly with the carrier's cargo insurance — we can help guide you.
Filing your claim
Which route you take depends on the coverage you chose at booking.