You’ve bought the car of your dreams online. You’ve tracked it across the country. Now, the truck is pulling up to your driveway. Your car is here, the excitement is peaking, and all you want to do is grab the keys and go for a drive. WAIT. Before you do anything, there is one critical step you must take: a Car PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection).
While the term “PDI” is usually associated with dealerships prepping a new car for sale, it is equally vital in the world of auto transport. Performing your own Car Pre-Delivery Inspection when the hauler arrives is the only way to ensure your vehicle arrived in the exact condition it left.
Here is why you need to inspect your car the moment it rolls off the truck, and how to do it right.
What is a Car Pre Delivery Inspection?
In the automotive industry, a Car PDI is a standardized checklist used to verify that a vehicle is free of defects and road-ready.
In the context of shipping, this inspection refers to the final walk-around you perform with the driver before accepting delivery. It effectively closes the contract. Once you sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) without noting new damage, you are verifying that you received the car in good condition.
Why You Need to Perform a Car PDI
Skipping this step can be a costly mistake. If you drive the car away and notice a scratch or dent an hour later, it is nearly impossible to prove it happened during transport.
When you inspect your car at the time of delivery, you are protecting your wallet.
- Verification of Condition: You need to compare the current state of the vehicle against the “pickup inspection” photos.
- Liability: The carrier’s insurance covers damage caused during transit, but usually only if that damage is documented on the BOL before the driver leaves.
- Peace of Mind: A thorough Car Pre-Delivery Inspection ensures there are no surprises later.
How to Perform a Shipping PDI: A Checklist
Don’t let the driver rush you. A professional carrier expects you to inspect the vehicle.
- Cleanliness Check: Is the car covered in excessive road grime that might hide scratches?
- Exterior Walk-Around: Start at the front bumper and work your way around. Look for scrapes on the lower valance (from loading/unloading) or chips on the roof.
- Glass and Mirrors: Check the windshield for new cracks and ensure side mirrors are intact.
- Tires and Rims: Inspect for curb rash that wasn’t there previously.
How RunBuggyOne Makes the Inspection Easier
We believe that a Car Pre Delivery Inspection shouldn’t be your word against theirs. That is why RunBuggyOne uses industry-leading technology to protect you.
- Digital Inspections: Our drivers use an app to take timestamped, high-resolution photos at both pickup and delivery.
- Cloud Access: You can view these photos on your phone or desktop via your tracking portal.
- Electronic BOL: No risk of losing paper copies. You sign digitally, creating a permanent and accessible record of the Car PDI.
Protect Your Investment
Whether it’s a brand-new SUV or a vintage classic, taking ten minutes to perform a proper Car Pre Delivery Inspection is the smartest move you can make. It’s the final step in a successful transport.
Ready to ship with confidence? Get your Instant Quote today!
