Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car in My Name

can someone else pick a shipping car in my name

Brantley Kendall

21 Jan 2025 2 weeks ago


Having someone else pick up your shipped car sounds like it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. However, it’s a process that heavily depends on the proper authorization and the policy of the company responsible for transporting your vehicle. Usually, these companies take car security extremely seriously, both to protect you and to cover themselves in the event of theft or fraud. Today, we’ll dig deeper into this topic, help you understand whether someone else can pick up a car in your name, and how to arrange for the pickup to happen hassle-free.

General Process for Picking Up a Car After Shipping

Normally, once the car shipping broker or auto transport company has delivered the car to the given destination address, the recipient inspects the vehicle for any damage incurred during transport. This step is crucial, as it ensures the car’s condition matches what was documented at pickup. If the car passes inspection with no specific items to report, then the recipient signs the bill of lading (BOL), which is one of the documents required to ship a car, thereby concluding the delivery.

If your car got damaged during shipping, the process will still largely look the same, except whatever damage is observed should be noted on the BOL, as it will serve as the critical foundation for a later insurance claim.

Can Someone Else Pick Up a Car in My Name?

Generally speaking, yes. Many auto transport companies don’t require you to be physically present at pickup. This includes Sakaem Logistics—with us, you not only get excellent service but can also count on us to accommodate you with a great degree of flexibility. If you need to ship a car across state borders, don’t want to get bogged down in the details, and want a hands-off approach while we take care of everything for you, contact us today! We’ll be happy to work out the best solution in your case.

Documentation Needed for Third-Party Pickup

However, having someone else pick up your car means you’ll need extra documentation to make things go over smoothly. To protect themselves against unfair insurance claims and other malpractice, car shipping companies typically require you to present an Absent Owner Authorization form. This certifies that the legal owner of the vehicle has formally agreed to allow another person to receive it in their name.

In addition, the recipient should show upwith a government-issueddocument confirming their identity. That way, the delivery driver won’t have to wonder if anything fishy is going on, and everyone can resume going about their business as soon as the car arrives at its destination.

Receiving Car Shipment in Someone’s Name – Tips to Avoid Trouble

When arranging for a third-party pickup, it’s essential to ensure the authorized individual is properly briefed on what to expect. Here are some tips to make sure nothing slips by, and the hand-off goes smooth as butter:

  • Prepare All the Necessary Documents: The Absent Owner Authorization form and the recipient’s ID will be absolutely essential, but check in with your transportation company to see if they require anything else.
  • Make Sure the Recipient Knows What to Expect: They need to understand that a post-delivery inspection is crucial to rule out any damage, and if anything happened, they need to diligently note it down with the driver so that the insurance company can process the claim and reimburse the owner at a later date.
  • Confirm the Pickup Time and Location: It’s best to coordinate between the car shipping company (or the driver, if they contact you themselves) and the person picking up the car in your name. This ensures all parties know exactly when and where to show up. 

The Takeaway

To answer the titular question of “can someone pick up a car in my name,” most of the time, the answer is “yes.” However, the process depends on proper planning, including preparing the required documentation and ensuring the authorized individual follows the transport company’s guidelines. By taking the right precautions, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience while ensuring your car’s safe and secure delivery.

You may also read: Car Brokers vs. Car Dealers: What’s the Difference?


Brantley Kendall