New to car shipping? Learn quick checks for USDOT, MC numbers, insurance, and reviews to confirm your broker's carrier is legit and avoid scams/delays.

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How Can I Verify My Assigned Auto Transport Carrier Before Pickup?

You're new to car shipping. Or maybe you've heard the horror stories. Scams. Delays. Damaged vehicles. The auto transport industry is rough. Brokers like us at AMG Transport Co. assign carriers to do the hauling. But carriers vary. Some are solid. Others cut corners. Verify your assigned carrier before pickup. It's your vehicle. Your money. Do it right.

Why Verify Your Carrier?

Carriers drive the trucks. They face dangerous roads. Weather. Traffic. Breakdowns. Brokers handle sales. Coordination. Customer headaches. That's what we do at AMG. Carriers don't want the people part. They want to drive.

But not all carriers are equal. Some skip maintenance. Lack insurance. Or worse, ghost you. Direct with carriers? Tough. Most won't deal with individuals. They demand cash upfront. Charge more. Brokers buffer that. We negotiate rates. Vet carriers. Keep things reasonable.

Verify to avoid fraud. Delays cost time. Scams cost money. A legit carrier protects your ride.

Step 1: Check USDOT and MC Numbers

Every legit carrier has these. USDOT is federal. MC is for interstate freight brokers and carriers.

Your broker gives you the carrier name. Ask for USDOT and MC numbers. Got them? Head to FMCSA site.

Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
Query by USDOT or MC
Check active authority
Out-of-service? Walk away

No numbers? Red flag. Real carriers have them posted on trucks too. Snap a photo at pickup. Verify matches.

Step 2: Verify Insurance Coverage

Carriers need two insurances. Auto liability. Cargo.

Auto Liability: Covers damage to others. FMCSA minimum $750,000. Ask for certificate.
Cargo Insurance: Covers your vehicle. $100,000 typical. Broker's contingent kicks in if carrier skimps.

Call the insurer. Confirm active policy. Numbers match carrier.

At AMG Transport Co., our Texas-based auto transport broker vets insured carriers only. We provide proof upfront. No games.

Step 3: Review Safety Records

FMCSA SMS data spills the beans.

Enter USDOT on fmcsa.dot.gov/sms
Check crash rates. Violations. Inspections
High BASIC scores? Risky

Low scores mean safe operations.

Step 4: Dig Into Reviews

Don't trust broker hype. Check independent sites.

Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ rating ideal.
Google Reviews: Recent feedback.
Transport Reviews: Carrier-specific.

Patterns matter. One bad review? Maybe. Consistent complaints? Run.

Quick Comparison: Legit vs. Shady Carrier Signs

| Check | Legit Carrier | Shady Carrier |

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

| USDOT/MC | Active, verifiable | Missing or inactive |

| Insurance | Proof provided, confirmed | Vague promises, no docs |

| Safety Score (SMS) | Low violations | High crashes/inspections |

| Reviews | Mostly positive, recent | Complaints on damage/payment |

| Upfront Costs | Deposit via Stripe/Card | Cash only, full prepay |

Use this table. Spot issues early.

Step 5: Inspect at Pickup

Carrier shows up. Do these:

1. Check truck USDOT/MC decals.

2. Verify driver credentials.

3. Walk-around inspection. Photos.

4. Bill of lading signed.

Non-running vehicle? Disclose upfront. We handle that at AMG.

What Makes a Good Broker?

Brokers aren't the enemy. We do the dirty work. Frontend sales. Backend systems. Carrier relationships.

Carriers hate non-payers. So they mark up direct customers. Brokers keep rates fair. Invested carriers treat our clients right.

Pick experienced. Like AMG Transport Co. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. From Texas to anywhere. Vetted carriers. VIN scans for transparency. Stripe deposits. No hidden fees. 72-hour pickup windows. Honest quotes.

How long does car shipping take cross country? We tell you straight. Open vs. enclosed? Pros and cons clear.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Too-good-to-be-true prices: Open car carrier transport cost bottoms out for a reason.
No contract details: Get everything in writing.
Pressure to pay cash: Legit uses secure methods.
Unverified broker: Check our reviews. Trusted car shipping broker reviews back us.

Relocating? Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles with us. Or Texas to California. Expert broker.

Conclusion: Ship Smart with AMG Transport Co.

Verifying your carrier takes 30 minutes. Saves headaches. Peace of mind.

Why risk it? AMG Transport Co. is your no-brainer choice. As a Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide, we vet every carrier. Insured. Safety-checked. Proven.

VIN scans. Stripe secure deposits. 72-hour pickups. Honest quotes. Door-to-door service.

Ready to ship? Get your quote now. Let's get your vehicle moving safe.

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