Car-shipping paperwork depends on your route, the Carrier and any special arrangements. This guide explains the documents to confirm before pickup and the Bill of Lading used at pickup and delivery. For your vehicle and route, request a personalized car-shipping quote.
Auto Transport Document Types
| Document Type | When You'll Need It |
|---|---|
| Copy of Insurance Certificate | Prior to Dispatch |
| Bill of Lading | On Pickup and Delivery |
| Lienholder Authorization | At Sea Ports |
| Absent Owner Authorization | At Sea Ports |
| Title and Registration | Rarely Requested |
| Proof of Insurance | Rarely Requested |
| Photo ID | Rarely Requested |
Copy of Insurance Certificate
Although you as the customer do not typically need insurance to have your vehicle shipped, your Transport Carrier does. As the coverage amounts may vary, it is recommended that you check that the transporter is adequately insured. You may also wish to make sure you understand all terms and conditions that may apply to how and when your vehicle will be covered during transport.
Bill of Lading
The word ‘lading’ is an old English term that means ‘to load’. The word ‘bill’ refers to a receipt or written statement. The Bill of Lading is therefore a statement of receipt for your vehicle being loaded onto a transporter.
This document, sometimes referred to as the ‘BoL’, is of the utmost importance when shipping your vehicle. It serves as proof of a transporter’s possession of your vehicle as well as its condition at both pickup and delivery.
At pickup, inspect the vehicle with the Carrier and record its condition on the Bill of Lading before both parties sign. Do not release the vehicle without the inspection report. At delivery, inspect it again and note any transport damage before signing the final report. Missing inspection notes may affect your ability to pursue a claim. Follow the current terms and contact the Carrier about any damage claim.
Lienholder Authorization
If you’re still paying off a vehicle loan, your financial institution, or lienholder, will require you to obtain formal authorisation before having your vehicle shipped from a sea port. It you are shipping your vehicle to or from Hawaii, a letter from the lienholder is required to give you permission to have the vehicle relocated.
Absent Owner Authorization
This document will only be require if your vehicle is being shipped through a port. You will need this if you want to authorize someone other than yourself to pick your vehicle up at the destination port.
Title and Registration
Most companies do not ask for these documents, but you may wish to ask your carrier prior to pickup just to be sure. The title proves ownership of the vehicle and the registration indicates that your vehicle has been legally registered within your home state.
Proof of Insurance
A customer is rarely required to have personal insurance for their vehicle to have their vehicle shipped. However, not all shipping companies will have adequate insurance for your specific vehicle type. In these situations, you may with to explore additional shipping coverage from your own insurance company.
Photo ID
Confirm any identification requirements for your route before pickup. Under Yellowfin’s current terms, a request to pay the entire transport cost upfront by credit card requires a signed contract and copies of both sides of your ID. The signer and ID must match the cardholder’s name, and the arrangement requires Accounting Department review and special approval.
Confirm the paperwork for your vehicle, route and payment arrangement before booking. Keep your documents available for pickup and delivery. Request a personalized quote and discuss your shipment requirements with Yellowfin. Review the current terms and conditions before confirming your order.
