Pre-shipment inspection is necessary to ensure that your vehicle gets to its destination safely. During this “walk-around” inspection, any damage to the car will be documented and marked on the Bill of Lading. When the vehicle is delivered, you or your designated contact must do another inspection and compare it to the condition of the images taken at pick up. idgod
Pre-Shipment Inspection
What to expect when shipping a car? Performing an inspection before shipping is one of the things to be expected when shipping a car, and this step is essential. It allows car owners to identify any existing dents, scratches, or paint chips that may have been present before the vehicle was shipped and will serve as documentation in case of damage that occurs during transport. Conducting a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) requires submitting the car for an examination in its country of origin once production is 80% complete. Upon completion, the inspection agency will issue a report accompanying the shipment to its destination. Inspecting your car in daylight and open space is imperative when completing the PSI. It’s much harder to spot new damage in poor lighting or a dark garage. It’s also a good idea to take the vehicle for a test drive to familiarize yourself with its operation. It will help to expedite the “walk-around” at pickup and ensure that all existing items are noted on the Bill of Lading.
Pickup Inspection
During this inspection, ensure all promised “extras” are present, such as chains, air-conditioning, and a spare tire. Lastly, test drive the car to ensure it’s functioning correctly and that there are no new damages. The best time to conduct the pickup inspection is a day or two before the pickup date. This gives you plenty of time to examine every inch of your car. Bring a third person if you need more time to do the inspection. Their non-biased opinion can help you spot any dents or scratches that may have occurred during transit. After the inspection, you or your designated contact should go through a “walk-around” with the driver to compare the vehicle’s current condition to the pictures taken during the pickup inspection. This will prevent any disputes after the shipment is completed. In addition, you’ll have solid proof of the vehicle’s original condition if any damage occurs during shipping.
Delivery Inspection
During this inspection, both the driver and customer do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. It’s important to note any new damage during this time because if it was not pointed out at pick up and you try to file an insurance claim for it later, the trucking company will not accept it due to a lack of documentation of the car’s original condition. It’s also a good idea to bring your camera or phone to take pictures of the vehicle during this time, as it will be easier to spot any new scratches or dents that may have occurred during transport. This inspection should take place in the daytime to make it more convenient. An effective PDI takes between 1.8 to 5 hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. This process is essential for a smooth and quick delivery of a new car to the customer.
Final Inspection
Damage during shipping is uncommon, but if it does occur, it can devastate the car owner. To protect themselves from dishonest insurance claims, reliable auto transporters will conduct two inspections of vehicles – one at pickup and one at delivery. These inspections will be documented in the official Bill of Lading. The inspection report will prove all existing damages to the vehicle and provide proof that any new damage was not caused during shipment. This process can occur at the car owners’ door for door-to-door shipping or at the auto transporter’s terminal for terminal-to-terminal service. To ensure the accuracy of the inspection, it is best to perform the inspection during the day. This allows car owners to see the vehicles clearly and easily spot any minor scratches and dents that may have occurred during shipment.