What to expect when West Coast Shipping picks up your vehicle
Thank you for working with West Coast Shipping. The buyer of your vehicle has hired us to transport it, and one of our licensed, insured carriers will pick it up from you. This page explains how the pickup works so it goes smoothly and safely.
Don't rearrange your dayGive the driver your real availability. If the time doesn't work, you can say no.
Bill of Lading firstNo keys and no loading until you have a signed BOL recording the car's condition.
Never pay the driverWest Coast Shipping pays the carrier directly. If asked for money, contact us.
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Scheduling: please read this first
Never take a day off work or rearrange your schedule around a driver.
Car-hauler drivers run long routes with several vehicles on board. Traffic, weather and other stops often throw off their timing. A driver who says "tomorrow at 4 pm" can easily arrive at 8 pm.
- The driver will call you directly to schedule, at least 24 hours before pickup.
- Tell the driver when you are actually available (days and hours), and hold them to it.
- If the time they offer doesn't work, or they miss the agreed time, you can say no. Just tell the driver it doesn't work for you, then let us know. We will cancel that driver and find you another one. You don't owe the driver anything for a missed appointment.
- If you can't be there, name someone who can hand over the car and keys. Give us that person's name and phone number.
- Please answer calls and texts from unknown numbers while you wait for pickup. That is usually the driver. If we can't reach you, the pickup gets delayed.
- Drivers occasionally cancel. If that happens, we will book a new driver and they will call you to reschedule.
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Before the driver arrives
Please have the following ready:
- The vehicle is ready to go and easy to reach: not blocked in, and not behind a locked gate unless someone will be there to open it.
- All keys for the vehicle.
- The title. See section 4.
- Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle.
Tell us before pickup if:
- the vehicle is low to the ground
- it has anything aftermarket installed that affects its clearance or dimensions Lowering or lift kitsSpoilersBody kitsSplittersOversized wheels or tiresRoof racks
- the vehicle does not run (and whether it rolls, steers and brakes)
- the tires are flat
- you have not received the title yet, or a bank or lender still holds it
These vehicles may need a different trailer or equipment. Telling us early avoids a wasted trip and damage during loading.
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Secure the vehicle: nothing loose
Nothing may be loose on or in the vehicle.
Loose parts, covers, racks, trim or items can fly off on the highway. They can damage other vehicles and cause serious injury or even death.
- The driver is responsible only for strapping the vehicle down to the trailer. Securing loose parts or items is not the driver's job.
- Remove anything that is not firmly attached, or secure it properly yourself.
- If extra parts, a stand or a cover need to travel with the vehicle, tell us in advance so we can confirm they can be carried.
- Convertibles: make sure the roof is fully closed, latched and secure before loading.
- Uncover the vehicle, including the windows and windshield, so it can be inspected.
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The title
- The title goes with the driver at the time of pickup.
- Make sure the driver's Bill of Lading shows that the title was received. Check the box or note on it before you hand the title over.
- Do not hide the title in the vehicle or leave it loose inside. Hand it to the driver and get it recorded on the Bill of Lading.
- If you don't have the title, or a bank or lender holds it, tell us before pickup so we can plan for it.
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The Bill of Lading and inspection
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is your receipt and the official record of your vehicle's condition when it leaves your hands.
- Walk around with the driver
- Photos from every side
- Check the BOL condition, title, keys
- Sign and keep your copy
- Then keys and loading
- The BOL decides who is responsible. If there is ever a question about damage, the BOL is what shows the vehicle's condition when the driver took it. Without one, there is no record of responsibility.
- For this reason, the driver must not touch or move your vehicle until he has given you a Bill of Lading that records its condition.
- The driver will walk around the vehicle and note any existing scratches, dents, chips or other damage. Walk around with the driver and point out anything you know about.
- Make sure the driver takes plenty of photos, from every side plus close-ups of any damage. Feel free to take your own photos too.
- Check that the BOL is correct before you sign it: vehicle condition, title received, and the number of keys.
- Only after you have the Bill of Lading should you give the driver the keys and let him load the vehicle.
- Keep your copy of the BOL.
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The driver's truck and trailer
- Our standard service uses an open car-carrier trailer, the same kind used to deliver new cars to dealerships. An enclosed trailer is used only when the buyer has ordered one.
- If you feel the driver's truck or trailer isn't adequate to carry your vehicle safely, you can decline the pickup. Examples: worn tires, no proper tie-downs, damaged equipment, or no ramps suitable for a low car. Tell the driver and let us know right away, and we will find you another driver.
- If the driver seems unprepared or unprofessional, please tell us. We want to know.
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Payment
Never pay the driver.
West Coast Shipping pays the carrier directly. If a driver asks you for money for the transport, don't pay, and contact us.
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