Buying salvage or repairable cars for sale at online auto auctions is the perfect way to get great deals on a range of makes and models. It is, however, illegal to drive a car that is fresh from the auction floor before getting it registered. It is not only the law but also a good idea as vehicles sitting in auction lots can develop serious problems that expose you to the risk of road traffic accidents. This means that if you buy a used or salvage car, you ought to hire a reputable auto transport company to ship your car to the desired destination. It helps if you are familiar with the vehicle shipping processes and documentation involved. One essential shipping document that you ought to know is a bill of lading. Let’s take a closer look at the document.
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is a legal document provided by an auto transport company to acknowledge receipt of a vehicle for shipment. The document includes the auto transportation company’s terms and conditions and delivery details of vehicle. The receipt also provides information about the shipper, consignee, destination address, date, auto transportation cost, extra charges, and vehicle damage, if any.
Important Information on a Bill of Lading
- Terms & Conditions of a Shipping Company Terms and Conditions is one of the important sections on a Bill of Lading. Going through the information allows you to avoid any surprises during or after the delivery. You can also maintain the right expectations while dealing with the auto transportation company. It is important to pay attention to all details to avoid complications and disputes.
- Condition of a Vehicle Before Shipping The condition of a vehicle is another important piece of information in a Bill of Lading. This information is documented at the time of receipt of a vehicle from an owner after inspection. The document includes all details, be it a dent, scratch, or any other form of damage. It can work as an evidence when filing for insurance, in case the vehicle receives any type of damage during the transit.
- Signatures of Owner and Transporter
Once a vehicle is delivered, the transporter and the vehicle owner sign the Bill of Lading, confirming safe and timely delivery. Before you sign the bill, remember to perform an inspection of your vehicle and compare the condition with what the ‘Vehicle Condition’ section of the document indicates. If you notice any damage, do not sign the document. Make sure the transporter has completed the transaction satisfactorily before you sign on the dotted line.
Wrap Up
Going through the information provided in a Bill of Lading helps minimize the chances of unpleasant surprises during and after the shipment. If you are looking to buy salvage cars for sale, look for a trusted online auction website that offers a wide range of salvage or repairable cars for sale along with reliable shipping services. Learn the auto transport cost before proceeding so that you can factor it into all the expenses associated with the vehicle purchase. Before parting with your money at an auto auction website, remember to perform the necessary due diligence such as checking website’s credibility.
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