DO NOT SIGN THE TRUCKERS PAPERWORK UNTIL YOU HAVE INSPECTED YOUR NEW VEHICLE
The trucking company is responsible for shipping damage while your vehicle is in transit. Shipping damage created by the shipper is NOT covered under your warranty.
Once you sign the truckers documentation the trucking company is 100% off the hook regarding any shipping damage they created. When you sign the truckers paperwork with no comments you are saying, "I received the vehicle and there is no damage". So you cannot go back later and say their was damage. The trucker will not tell you this since his obligation is to his employer.
CRITICAL:
- Check the outside of the box. Look for any holes in the box or outer cover take pictures before removing the box. Some vehicles come with no cardboard but with tarp or shrink wrap around a metal crate frame. Look for holes in the wrap but likely you will not see anything so go to step 2.
- Remove the box or wrap and inspect the vehicle and metal frame for damage. If the metal crate is bent look closely for damage. Take pictures of any damage.
- If there is damage, accept the shipment, however note the damage on the truckers paperwork before signing the documentation. Write a detailed description of the damage on the truckers paperwork. If the trucker has some electronic signature device tell him you cannot sign or consent without noting the damage somewhere. The detailed damage report allows a claim to be filed in order to recover damages.
Receiving a Fully Assembled Vehicle:
- Use the same basic concept above. Inspect for damage and note any damage on the signing document.
Planning Ahead Before the Trucker Arrives
- Before the trucking company arrives make sure that you have space for an 18 wheeler to turn around. And that you are not in a location that he cannot get into.
- You will receive a tracking number from BDX. You can contact the local trucking company distribution center and work out details for your delivery. Be thinking about where the trucker will drop your vehicle and how you will move it. Some vehicles weigh 500 to 1000, to 1500 pounds so plan ahead. If you have no plan when the trucker arrives he may have no choice except to drop on the side of the road. Again call the distribution center and work out the details.