What Is Double Brokering in Auto Transport and How Do You Avoid It?
Double brokering scams plague the auto transport industry. They hit shippers hard. Your car sits. Your money vanishes. As a Texas-based auto transport broker, I've seen it too often. Brokers are vital. They handle sales, coordination, and systems. Carriers drive trucks. They avoid customer hassles. Roads are rough enough.
But some brokers double broker. They take your deposit. Then they dump the load. Fraud follows. Learn the facts. Spot the signs. Protect yourself.
What Exactly Is Double Brokering in Auto Transport?
Double brokering happens when a broker re-sells your load. They don't own trucks. They pass it to another broker. Not a carrier. This chains loads. Scammers thrive here.
How Does a Double Broker Operate During Car Shipping?
Step one: Fake broker quotes low. You book. Pay deposit.
Step two: They post your load on a board. Like DAT or Truckstop.
Step three: Another broker grabs it. Or a scammer. Cycle repeats.
No truck shows. Or a stranger arrives. Demands full cash payment. Your deposit? Gone.
Why Is Double Brokering Risky for Your Vehicle and Payment?
No real carrier means no insurance. Damage happens. No recourse.
Delays pile up. Your car idles in lots. Rusts or vandalized.
Deposits fuel scams. FMCSA reports thousands lost yearly. Don't be next.
What Are the Red Flags of Double Brokering Scams?
Trust your gut. But check facts too.
Why Do Unrealistically Low Quotes Signal Double Brokering?
Legit quotes reflect costs. Fuel. Driver pay. Insurance.
Scammers undercut. Promise cheap door-to-door car shipping. From Houston to LA? $400? Impossible.
Real cross-country hauls cost more. Know how much does it cost to ship a car cross country. Aim fair.
How Does Poor Communication Indicate a Double Broker?
Ghosting starts post-deposit. Vague updates. No photos. No VIN scans.
Real brokers communicate. Like AMG. We confirm pickup in 72 hours.
How Can You Verify a Carrier Isn't Double Brokered?
Verify early. Demand proof.
What USDOT and MC Numbers Should You Check?
Go to FMCSA site. Search USDOT and MC numbers.
Active authority? Insurance on file? Check SaferWatch too.
Brokers have broker authority. Carriers have carrier authority. No overlap.
How Do You Confirm the Carrier Matches Your Contract?
Contract names the carrier. DOT info. Truck details.
On pickup day: Match plate. Inspect truck. Bill of lading signed.
No match? Walk away. No extra payment.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Double Brokering?
Stop payments. Demand refund.
Contact FMCSA. File complaint.
Use credit card or Stripe for deposits. Disputes easier.
How to Protect Your Deposit from Double Brokers?
Pay with Stripe. Like AMG. Secure. Refundable.
No wire transfers. No cash. No Zelle.
Vetted carriers only. Insured. Experienced.
| Legit Broker vs. Double Broker |
|--------------------------------|
| Aspect | Legit Broker | Double Broker |
|-------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Quote | Realistic, transparent | Too low, bait-and-switch |
| Deposit | Secure (Stripe/CC), partial | Full upfront, wire/cash |
| Carrier Verification | USDOT/MC checked, matches contract| Vague or changes last minute |
| Communication | Clear, updates, VIN scans | Poor, ghosts after payment |
| Insurance | Confirmed on file | None or fake |
Why Brokers Like AMG Transport Co. Are Your Best Bet
Carriers won't deal direct. Too many deadbeats. Payment risks high.
People can't reach most carriers anyway. Brokers bridge that.
AMG Transport Co. gets it right. Vetted insured carriers. Honest quotes. No games.
VIN scans at pickup. Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickup windows.
Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. We know both sides.
Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. From Texas to anywhere.
Relocating? Ship your SUV or classic car safe.
Don't risk scams. Get a real quote today.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.