Question 1

What should I check when my vehicle is delivered?

Accepted Answer

When your vehicle arrives, take the time to conduct a thorough inspection before signing the delivery Bill of Lading. Start by walking around the entire vehicle and comparing its current condition to the pickup BOL — check every panel, bumper, mirror, wheel, and trim piece for new scratches, dents, chips, or scuffs. Open all doors and inspect the edges. Check the roof, hood, and trunk. Look at the glass for any new chips or cracks. Inspect the wheels and tires for curb damage.  After the exterior, check the interior. Make sure the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and controls are in the same condition as when you shipped the vehicle. Start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds. Check that the vehicle drives normally — steering, brakes, and transmission should all feel right. If you left the fuel level at a quarter tank as recommended, verify the gauge is approximately where you left it.  If everything looks good and matches the pickup documentation, sign the delivery BOL and you are done. If you find any new damage, do not sign a clean BOL — note the damage on the document, photograph it immediately, and file the claim directly with the company you booked — their cargo insurance covers transit damage. Even if the damage seems minor, document it. Small scratches can turn out to be deeper than they look, and having them on the BOL protects your ability to file a claim. The driver should acknowledge any damage you identify — if they dispute it, note that on the BOL as well and include it in your claim to the company you booked.

Question 2

What do I do if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?

Accepted Answer

If you discover damage to your vehicle during the delivery inspection, stay calm and follow these steps in order. First, note the damage on the Bill of Lading in detail before signing it — describe the damage type (scratch, dent, chip, crack), its location, and its severity. Have the driver acknowledge the annotation. Do not let anyone pressure you to sign a clean BOL. Second, photograph the damage extensively — take close-up shots, wide-angle context shots, and photos from multiple angles. Compare these against your pre-shipping photos.  Third, file the claim directly with the company you booked, as soon as you can — their cargo insurance covers damage in transit. You will need to provide a copy of the annotated delivery BOL, your pre-shipping photos, your delivery photos, and a written repair estimate from a licensed body shop. The carrier's insurance company will review the documentation, compare the pickup and delivery condition reports, and process the claim. Most claims are resolved within 30-60 days.  Do not get the damage repaired before the claim is processed unless the insurance company authorizes it. Repairing damage before the insurer inspects it can complicate or void the claim. If the damage makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, document that on the BOL and tell the company you booked right away, so their insurer can authorize any repairs needed before you drive it. Damage during transit is uncommon (less than 1% of shipments), but when it happens, proper documentation is the key to a smooth resolution.

Question 3

Should I tip my car transport driver?

Accepted Answer

Tipping your car transport driver is not required, but it is appreciated for good service — much like tipping a furniture delivery team or a moving crew. The standard tip in the auto transport industry ranges from $20 to $50, depending on the level of service, the difficulty of the delivery, and your personal preference. Drivers who go above and beyond — accommodating tight schedules, navigating difficult delivery locations, or providing exceptional communication — certainly deserve recognition.  Most drivers will not expect or ask for a tip, and you should never feel pressured to provide one. Auto transport drivers are compensated through the shipping rate, and a tip is genuinely optional. That said, drivers are on the road for weeks at a time, working long hours in all weather conditions, and a cash tip is a tangible way to show appreciation for a job well done. If the driver was professional, communicative, careful with your vehicle, and delivered on time, a tip is a nice gesture.  If you prefer not to tip in cash, a positive online review mentioning the driver by name is another way to show appreciation. Good reviews help drivers and carrier companies build their reputation and win future business. At the end of the day, tipping is a personal choice — there is no obligation and no judgment either way.

Question 4

How do I leave a review after my vehicle is delivered?

Accepted Answer

Leaving a review after your vehicle is delivered helps other customers make informed decisions and helps quality carriers build their reputation. You can leave a review for American Auto Shipping on Google, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or Transport Reviews — all of which are platforms where prospective customers research auto shipping companies before booking.  When writing your review, specific details are the most helpful. Mention the route (e.g., "shipped from Chicago to Phoenix"), the approximate cost, the timeline from booking to delivery, and the quality of communication. If the driver was particularly professional or helpful, mention their name — drivers appreciate the recognition, and it helps other customers know what to expect. Honest reviews — both positive and constructive — improve the industry for everyone.  If you had a negative experience with our part — your estimate or our team — we would genuinely prefer to hear from you directly before you post a public review. Contact our team and give us the chance to make it right; we have been in business since 1999 and our reputation matters to us. Issues with pickup, delivery, price or damage go to the company you booked with, which handles them directly with you. But if your experience was positive, a review is one of the best ways to support the drivers and team members who made it happen.

Question 5

What if I want to dispute a charge?

Accepted Answer

You never pay American Auto Shipping, so every charge comes from the auto transport company you booked with. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, the first step is to contact that company with your written offer in hand. Most billing questions have straightforward explanations — a deposit that appears separate from the delivery payment, a surcharge for a non-running vehicle that was disclosed up front, or a payment that has not yet been fully processed.  If the issue is with the delivery payment — for example, the driver requested a different amount than the written price — do not pay the incorrect amount before you have spoken to the company. The written offer you accepted is your agreement, and the delivery balance should match it. If the driver is insisting on a different amount and will not release your vehicle, call the company you booked with right away — this situation is rare.  For charges for additional services or fees you did not authorize, document everything — save receipts, emails, text messages, and any written communication — and raise it with the company in writing. If you are not getting a straight answer, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database (nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov), and if you paid by card, ask your card issuer about disputing the charge. Vehicle damage is different: note it on the Bill of Lading, photograph it, and file the claim directly with the company you booked. Because the licensed companies we work with sign agency agreements with us, a written price should never turn into a surprise at your door.

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Delivery & After

5 Articles

What should I check when my vehicle is delivered?

What do I do if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?

Should I tip my car transport driver?

How do I leave a review after my vehicle is delivered?

What if I want to dispute a charge?

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Before You Ship

During Transport

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