A vehicle condition report documents the state of a vehicle at a specific moment. In auto transport, the driver inspects the car at pickup, marks existing scratches, dents, chips and other damage on a diagram, often adds photos and the mileage, and records it on the bill of lading. At delivery, the receiver and the driver compare the vehicle against that record.
The term has a second meaning in the wholesale world. Auctions publish condition reports, often graded, so remote bidders can judge a vehicle before buying. An auction report and the carrier's pickup inspection are separate documents made for different purposes, and both are worth keeping.
For dealers and auctions, a thorough pickup inspection protects everyone. Wash the car if you can so damage is visible, take your own time-stamped photos from every side, and make sure the driver's notes match what you see before signing. At delivery, inspect in good light before signing and note anything new on the paperwork, since cargo insurance claims usually turn on the difference between the two records.
Our guide to preparing a car for transport includes a checklist for both ends of the trip.