Last-minute checklist to verify quotes, carriers, insurance, and terms before booking car shipping. Avoid scams, delays, and surprise fees for stress-free transport.

auto transport car shipping booking checklist avoid scams auto transport broker Texas

What Final Checks Should You Make Before Booking Auto Transport?

You're about to ship your car cross-country. Excitement builds. Then doubt hits. Scams lurk. Fees surprise. Delays frustrate. Roads are rough. Carriers dodge people. That's where brokers like AMG Transport Co. step in. We handle sales, coordination, backend systems. Carriers drive. We solve problems.

As a Texas-based auto transport broker, we've seen it all. Nationwide vehicle shipping door-to-door is our game. Don't book blind. Use this checklist. Verify everything. Sleep easy.

Is the Quote Final or Can It Still Change?

No quote is ironclad until the truck rolls. Fuel spikes. Demand surges. Routes shift. Brokers promise "final" to close deals. Carriers laugh later.

Get it in writing. Ask: "Is this locked?" Insist on no-change clauses. At AMG, we give honest quotes. No bait-and-switch. Our margin stays fair. We build carrier relationships for stable rates.

What Factors Could Trigger a Price Increase After Booking?

Prices jump for real reasons. Know them:

Fuel costs: Diesel hits $5/gallon. Carrier passes it on.
Vehicle condition: Non-running car needs winch. Extra $200.
Location access: Rural spot? Tight streets? Add fees.
Seasonal rush: Summer moves to Florida spike demand.
Carrier availability: Hot markets empty trucks fast.

| Factor | Typical Increase | AMG Practice |

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

| Fuel Surge | 5-10% | Locked in quote |

| Non-Runner | $150-300 | Disclosed upfront |

| Expedite | 20-50% | 72-hour pickup standard |

Compare quotes right. AMG scans VINs pre-booking. No surprises.

Who Is the Actual Carrier and Are They Vetted?

Brokers book. Carriers haul. You need names. Not "TBD." Scammers hide.

Demand DOT and MC numbers. Check FMCSA site. Ask for references. Good brokers vet carriers. We do. Only insured, safety-rated pros touch our loads.

Texas to California? We know the routes. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: We match vetted carriers to your needs.

Can I Get Proof of Their Insurance and Safety Record?

Yes. Always.

Insurance: $750k cargo minimum. Get certificate. Named insured matters.
Safety record: CSA score under 80. No recent violations.
References: Recent hauls like yours.

AMG uses vetted insured carriers only. Proof on request. Auto transport safety record and reputation first.

What Is the Exact Pickup and Delivery Timeline?

Windows matter. "1-5 days" is vague. Nail dates.

Standard: 72-hour pickup from deposit. Cross-country? 7-14 days delivery. Houston to LA: 10 days average. How long does car shipping take cross country? Depends on route, weather.

Get email confirmation. Original +10% buffer.

What Happens If Pickup Is Delayed Beyond the Window?

Delays happen. Storms. Breakdowns. Mechanical issues.

Policies vary:

Credit/refund: Partial for big delays.
Reroute: To faster carrier.
Cancel: Full refund minus deposit.

AMG guarantees 72-hour windows. Delay? We hustle alternatives. No excuses.

How Does Payment Work and What Protects My Deposit?

Deposits secure spots. Balance on delivery. Never full upfront.

Stripe or credit card for deposits. Trackable. Secure.

Amount: 10-20% typical.
Balance: COD, certified check.
Protection: Escrow best.

AMG takes Stripe deposits. Fraud-proof. Transparent.

What Is the Cancellation Policy If Plans Change?

Life shifts. Know terms.

24-48 hours: Full refund.
Post-assignment: Lose deposit.
No-show: Full forfeit.

AMG: Cancel pre-pickup, deposit back minus $100 fee. Fair.

Is Everything Documented for Damage Claims?

Photos rule. Bill of lading details condition.

Require:

Pre/post photos. VIN scans.
Signed BOL. Note all dings.
Claim process in contract.

AMG mandates VIN scans. Full docs. Claims? We guide you.

Open vs enclosed? SUV vs sedan? We advise. Shipping a non-running vehicle? Disclosed.

Final Word: Book Smart with AMG Transport Co.

Roads are dangerous. Industry's fraud-filled. Carriers avoid headaches. Brokers buffer you. Experienced car shipping broker you can trust? That's us.

AMG Transport Co.: Honest quotes. Vetted insured carriers. Stripe deposits. VIN scans. 72-hour pickups. Door-to-door nationwide. Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide.

No hidden fees. Affordable car shipping without surprises. Ready? Get your quote now. We'll make it painless.

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