What Is Double Brokering in Auto Transport and How Can You Avoid It?

Double brokering is a scam that plagues the auto transport industry. It preys on shippers like you. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., an auto transport broker Texas-based with nationwide reach, I've seen it ruin deals. Brokers who double broker take your money. Then they subcontract your load without delivering. They pocket fees and vanish.

Carriers hate it too. They get stiffed on payments. Shippers lose vehicles or cash. It's fraud, plain and simple. The FMCSA cracks down, but scams persist. Knowledge protects you.

What Is Double Brokering in Auto Transport?

Double brokering happens when a fake broker accepts your booking. They collect your deposit. Then they post your load on public boards like Central Dispatch. Another broker or low-rent carrier grabs it. The first guy takes a cut. He never intended to handle your vehicle shipping.

Legit brokers like us at AMG Transport Co. book directly with vetted carriers. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers too. We coordinate door-to-door nationwide vehicle shipping. No games.

How Does Double Brokering Work Exactly?

Here's the play-by-play:

1. You call Broker A. They quote low to hook you.

2. You pay a deposit via wire or cash app.

3. Broker A posts your load online, no vetting.

4. Broker B or a shady carrier bids and takes it.

5. Broker A pays nothing. They disappear when issues arise.

6. Your car sits. Or worse, gets damaged by an uninsured hauler.

It's quick cash for fraudsters. Roads are dangerous enough without this nonsense.

Why Is Double Brokering a Major Risk for Shippers?

Risks stack fast. Delays cost time. Stranded vehicles mean storage fees. Payments vanish into thin air. Shady operators damage cars or steal them.

Carriers avoid direct shipper deals partly due to payment risks. Brokers buffer that. But double brokers amplify problems. They lack relationships. No leverage over carriers.

What Happens to Your Vehicle and Payment?

Your vehicle? Abandoned mid-route. No-show pickups. Or hauled by uninsured rigs. Damage claims? Denied. No recourse.

Your payment? Gone. Deposits average $200-500. Full balances? Broker A ghosts you. Carrier demands cash on delivery. You pay twice.

I've coordinated cross-country car transport from Houston to Los Angeles. Seen vehicles wait weeks in double broker messes. Don't let it happen.

How Can You Spot Double Brokering Red Flags?

Trust your gut. Scammers push hard.

What Warning Signs Should You Watch For?

Watch these:

• Quotes too low. If it's cheaper than market, run.
• Pressure for wire transfers or apps like Zelle. Legit brokers use Stripe or credit cards.
• No broker authority. They claim carrier status but dodge FMCSA checks.
• Generic emails or VoIP numbers. No real office.
• Vague carrier info. \"We'll assign soon.\" Real brokers name carriers upfront.
• Rush tactics. \"Book now or lose the truck.\"

| Red Flag | Safe Sign |

|---------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Wire transfer demanded | Secure payment like Stripe |

| No MC/DOT numbers given | Full FMCSA verifiable info |

| Unrealistic low price | Transparent quote breakdown |

| No physical address | Established company location |

| Carrier details delayed | Vetted carrier named early |

How Do You Verify a Broker Isn't Double Brokering?

Verify before you pay. Demand proof.

What FMCSA Checks and Questions Protect You?

1. Ask for USDOT and MC numbers. Search FMCSA site. Confirm broker authority (BLA required).

2. Check SaferWeb for insurance. Active liability and cargo coverage.

3. Verify business address via Google. No PO boxes.

4. Request carrier details pre-payment. Cross-check their FMCSA.

5. Call references. Ask recent shippers.

6. Insist on contract with VIN-specific terms.

At AMG Transport Co., we do VIN scans at pickup. Stripe deposits only. Vetted insured carriers. 72-hour pickup windows. Honest quotes, no bait-and-switch.

We handle frontend sales and backend systems. Carriers drive. That's the deal.

People can't book most carriers directly. Minimum loads. Weird routes. Brokers fix that. But choose experienced car shipping brokers you can trust.

Texas to California? Relocating to Florida from Texas? Ship SUV vs sedan? We cover it. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: We quote, book, track.

Choose AMG Transport Co. – Your Buffer Against Scams

Look, the industry's fraud-filled. Roads are rough. Double brokering makes it worse. Don't risk your vehicle or cash.

AMG Transport Co. is your auto transport broker Texas proud. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. Vetted carriers only. No double brokering. Ever.

We scan VINs. Secure Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickups. Transparent costs. No hidden fees.

Ship a car cross country? Open or enclosed? Luxury or classic? We got you.

Ready for safe transport? Get a free quote today. Sleep easy.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.