Documents You Need To Ship A Car

Documentation and paperwork seem fussy jobs, while car shipping rules may vary from state to state; for your peace of mind, here’s a simplified guide to all the required and recommended documents you will need while shipping your car.

Documents Required for Auto Transport

The Company Insurance Terms and Conditions:

Request a terms and conditions document from your car shipping company before loading your car in the carrier. The terms and conditions document is your verification of the company’s legitimacy. Once you go through it, you learn about the extent of the coverage in the carrier’s policy. Many companies provide financial coverage against theft, accidents, or unforeseen circumstances. You can ask the company directly to provide you with the document. It is also important for you to read the document carefully, as it protects both your vehicle and the company.

The Bill of Lading:

The Bill of Lading for car transport is the most important paperwork in car shipping. This bill includes all the key vehicle transport information and your car’s shipping details. It is the bedrock of your shipping contract between you and the company. The bill of lading, coming from the 12th-century word “lading,” which precisely means “to carry or load,” is a receipt of what is being loaded onto your carrier.

Here’s a breakdown of the components of The Bill of Lading:

Pick up and drop off locations:

The Bill of Lading includes the receiver’s and sender’s names and addresses. The Bill also states the vehicle’s pick-up and drop-off location and the parties’ names on both ends. This section is meant to clear off any confusion in the route.

Vehicle Report:

This section includes extensive details about the vehicle, including the color, model, mileage, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and license plate number. Don’t forget to include details about any existing damages to the vehicle. These reports will help you to assess the vehicle once it reaches you and make any insurance claims.

Shipping Dates:

The BOL will include the transport’s pick-up date and estimated drop-off date. Having a timeline ensures that both parties are prepared.

Title and Registration

The title and registration are the proof of your vehicle being legal. Although from the name, it might sound like providing your shipper with this information is important. Many companies do not consider it a necessity.

Proof of Insurance:

Even though most companies don’t ask for it, keeping the insurance document at hand can help ease your mind.

Condition Report:

Make a detailed condition report for your car, bonus points if you take pictures of both the interior and exterior of your car.

Absent Owner Authorization:

If you plan to move after everything in your new home is settled, you might need to provide an absent owner authorization letter. This letter is written permission by the registered owner (could be you) to another person to release or receive the vehicle.

Customs Bond:

If you are considering auto shipping overseas, your company may enquire about the customs bond from you. A Customs bond is an assurance by the shipper that they will pay all the customs duties, taxes, and fees.

Shippers Export Declaration:

SED is a notable pinnacle of shipping a car overseas requirements. All exporters must carry this document when shipping a vehicle outside of USA. Although its popularity is going downhill, many exporters use it to date.

Quick Rundown: What Documents Are Necessary:

Despite common belief, apart from the bill of lading and Insurance terms and conditions, all the other documents are not mandatory. However, for international shipping, one must carry the customs bond and SED. If you are shipping a car to US, you might need to arrange other documents.