Electronic Bill of Lading and Car Shipping

Electronic-bill-of-lading-and-car-shipping

Technology has changed a lot about the auto transport industry and the logistics world. Presently, innovative software platforms are created to make it easier for everyone working in the auto transport business. This includes digitization of the traditional paper Bill of lading form. New apps are currently changing how we manage paperwork. 

This technological development saves car carriers time, money and provides customer satisfaction. The electronic Bill of lading app only requires an internet-connected device. It includes devices such as laptops, computers, tablets, and smartphones to obtain the customer’s vehicle make, model, and delivery details.

About The Electronic Bill of Lading

Bill of lading is the primary documentation between the carrier and the shipper regulating the transportation of a customer’s car. An electronic bill of lading is the legal and functional equivalent of a paper bill of lading. Presently, it has become widely accepted throughout the auto shipping industry. For higher levels of efficiency, tech companies are creating apps with software that eliminates workflow hitches regarding the bill of lading.

How it Works

Through the Bill of lading app, car carriers can conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle’s exterior at the time of vehicle pickup. Additionally, car carriers can easily give inspection reports for any damages to parts of the cars before car shipping. The Bill of lading template is structured to capture the time of vehicle pickup and delivery.  The app scans and captures all visible markings by recording a video or taking a picture for documentation. It enables the customer to review any markings noted on the Bill of lading before releasing the car to the driver and allows customers to input their signatures.

Some apps also allows the driver to scan and upload the paper bill of lading form. While these apps are customizable, they can suit any vehicle transportation needs. This evolutionary trends currently tends towards automated billings, electronic signatures, and zero paperwork.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.