Yes. It is common, it is straightforward, and the only thing that goes wrong is arranging it on the day instead of at booking.
Whoever you nominate is doing something specific: inspecting the vehicle, agreeing its condition in writing, and signing. That signature carries the same weight as yours. Choose someone who will actually walk around the car rather than someone who happens to be nearby.
How to Arrange It
Name them at booking. Full name and a phone number the driver can reach.
Tell them what they are signing. The condition report decides any later damage claim. A signature given without inspecting removes your evidence.
Make sure they have photo identification. Drivers are entitled to confirm who they are releasing a vehicle to.
Give them the keys, or arrange the handover separately.
Brief them on known damage. Send your own photographs so they are comparing rather than guessing.
Give them your coordinator’s number. For anything they are unsure about.
Tell them not to sign a clean receipt they cannot verify. If light or road film prevents a proper look, that goes on the document.
Who Can Do It
A family member, friend, or neighbor. The usual case, and no special paperwork is needed.
A dealer or seller at collection. Standard when you have bought a vehicle remotely.
A property manager or rental office at delivery. Common for seasonal and vacation addresses. Confirm they will accept the responsibility.
A colleague at a business address. Fine, provided someone is reliably present across the window.
A repair shop or storage yard. Workable, and worth confirming their hours against the delivery window.
For a standard transport you are authorizing a release, not transferring ownership, so a notarized power of attorney is not normally required. If your situation involves title or registration, that is a separate matter.
If They Find Damage
Brief your nominee on this before the day, because it is the one moment their judgment matters.
Record it on the delivery receipt before signing. Not afterwards, and not verbally to the driver.
Photograph it immediately. A wide shot showing where it is, and a close shot showing what it is.
Call you and the coordinator straight away. Claim windows are short and start at delivery.
Do not refuse the vehicle. Accepting it with damage noted is the normal route and protects the claim.
Do not accept a verbal assurance from the driver. If it is not written on the receipt, it is not evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a signed letter of authorization?
Usually not, if they are named at booking. Confirm with your coordinator for your specific shipment.
Can they be added after booking?
Yes, as early as possible. Tell your coordinator rather than the driver on the day.
What if they sign and miss existing damage?
Their signature binds you. Brief them properly and send your photographs beforehand.
Can a minor accept the vehicle?
No. The person signing must be an adult.
What if nobody can be there at all?
Terminal delivery is the usual answer. The vehicle waits at a yard until you can collect it.
Why Ship With Tempus Logix
Tempus Logix is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120, and BBB accredited. Every carrier we assign is vetted and its insurance verified before a vehicle is collected, and vehicle owners carry a zero deductible on covered damage.
First-time shippers deserve a quote that holds. We price loads at a rate carriers actually accept, explain what the figure covers before you commit, and tell you plainly when a date looks tight, rather than booking it and renegotiating later.
New to this? Start with our first-time car shipping guide.
Related Guides
Next in this cluster:
- First-Time Shipper Checklist
- Car Inspection Process
- What to Expect When Shipping
- Communication Tips with Shippers
- What Happens After Delivery
Need a vehicle moved? Get a free quote with our auto transport quote calculator or call a transport coordinator at +1 (866) 607-8459.