What to Expect on Pickup Day

Pickup day is the most important step in car shipping. Here's exactly what happens, what to have ready, and how to make sure your vehicle is protected from the start.

Before the Driver Arrives

Your carrier will call or text you 3-12 hours before arrival to confirm the pickup window and address. Keep your phone accessible during your scheduled window.

Have ready:

• One set of keys (ignition, doors, trunk)
• Your copy of the booking confirmation
• A valid photo ID for yourself or your authorized representative
• Personal items removed from the car (except trunk items under 100 lbs)

When the Driver Arrives

Step 1: Verify the Carrier

Before handing over keys, confirm the driver's identity matches the carrier information we sent you at dispatch. Check:

• Driver's name matches your confirmation
• Company name and USDOT number displayed on the truck cab doors
• Truck's DOT number matches what we provided

If anything doesn't match, call us immediately at (760) 932-2886. Do not release the vehicle until we verify.

Step 2: Complete the Vehicle Inspection Together

Walk around your vehicle with the driver. Check every surface:

• All four sides of the body
• Hood and roof
• Front and rear bumpers
• Mirrors and glass
• Wheels and tires
• Interior dashboard and upholstery

Note every pre-existing scratch, dent, chip, or ding on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Take your own photos simultaneously.

Step 3: Review and Sign the Bill of Lading

Read the BOL carefully before signing. Confirm:

• Your name and address are correct
• The vehicle VIN, make, model, and color are accurate
• All noted damage matches what you observed
• Odometer reading is recorded

Only sign when you're satisfied. Request your copy and keep it until delivery.

Step 4: Hand Over the Keys

Give the driver one set of keys. Keep your spare. The carrier will only drive your vehicle to load and unload it, not during transit.

What Happens Next

After pickup, your vehicle is secured on the trailer using wheel straps. You'll receive a dispatch confirmation with the driver's contact information and estimated delivery window. Updates are sent via phone, text, LiveChat or email, whichever you prefer.

If You Can't Be Present

You can authorize a trusted person (18 or older, valid ID) to handle pickup. Let us know their name and contact number in advance so we can update the carrier.

Q&A

Q: Can the driver pick up without anyone present?

No. Federal regulations require the Bill of Lading to be signed in person. Someone must be available to complete the inspection.

Q: What if my car alarm goes off during loading?

Tell the driver how to disable it before they load the vehicle. Leaving a note on the dash is a good backup.

Q: What if the carrier truck can't reach my street?

Large carriers (75-80 feet long) can't always navigate narrow streets or low bridges. The driver will arrange a nearby meeting point, a large parking lot or wide intersection. This is common in cities and won't affect your quote.

Q: Should I take a video during inspection?

Yes. A walk-around video with timestamps provides the strongest documentation for any potential damage claim.

Q: What if it's raining at pickup time?

Weather doesn't stop pickups unless conditions are severe. The driver will load your car safely in rain. If you're concerned about weather exposure, consider enclosed transport.

Questions about pickup? Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat at webautotransport.com. Email: info@webautotransport.com | USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded