A car shipment has two important handoffs: when the carrier receives the vehicle and when the receiving person takes it back. Planning the condition record before either meeting gives everyone a clearer reference. The Bill of Lading, often shortened to BOL, belongs in that plan alongside photographs and the shipment agreement. Read the actual document you are given, because forms and procedures can differ.
Set up a shipment folder
Create a folder that the pickup and delivery contacts can access. Save the agreement, coordinator details and the assigned carrier's information there. Add a clearly labeled place for pickup photos, the pickup BOL, delivery photos and the delivery record. You can keep local copies on a phone so poor reception does not make the information unavailable at the meeting.
Decide who will be present at each handoff. If a relative, seller or other authorized person is helping, explain what you need from them before pickup day. Give them the relevant documents and a direct way to reach you. A handoff is a difficult time to introduce responsibilities that nobody discussed earlier.
Prepare photos that are easy to compare
Take clear photographs of the vehicle's overall appearance and closer views of existing marks. Use a consistent sequence around the car so the delivery contact can repeat it. Include the areas you are concerned about, such as a low front bumper, wheels or an aftermarket part. Keep the original files rather than relying only on compressed images inside a message thread.
Good photos support a record, but they do not replace reading it. Check that the vehicle details and the stated condition on the pickup document match what you are reviewing. Ask about unclear marks, abbreviations or diagrams before signing. Do not guess what a symbol means just because the form looks familiar.
Read the pickup and delivery requirements
Bold's published transport terms describe joint exterior inspections at pickup and delivery, recording condition on the BOL, retaining copies and noting new damage at delivery. Read the current terms for your shipment, including any notice and claim requirements, before the carrier arrives.
Save a legible copy after each handoff. If the record is electronic, check that you can open the copy and that it includes the completed information. Ask how corrections are handled if you find an error. Keeping the document available is more useful than knowing it exists somewhere in an inbox.
Give the receiver a simple comparison plan
Send the pickup record and photos to the receiving person before delivery. Ask them to allow time to review the car against that material. They should read the completed delivery record, raise visible differences with the carrier and document those observations before signing. If there is a disagreement, keep a factual description and supporting photos rather than replacing the condition record with a verbal promise.
This checklist does not determine whether a particular loss is covered or whether a claim will be accepted. Those questions depend on the facts and applicable documents. Ask the coordinator and carrier for the relevant process and follow the specified notice requirements promptly.
Include the inspection in your transport plan
For a dealer purchase, our online used-car handoff guide helps connect the seller with the person receiving the car. If you are choosing equipment, review open versus enclosed transport before requesting a proposal.
Request a route review with your pickup and delivery contacts in mind. MileRelay is an independent lead referral website, with Bold Auto Transport as the intended provider. Your request begins a review; it does not confirm a booking, establish coverage or replace the carrier's shipment documents.