How Can You Verify If Your Auto Transport Company Is Licensed and Insured?
You're shipping a car cross-country. Maybe from Texas to California. Excitement builds. Then doubt hits. Is this company legit? Roads are full of scams. Fake brokers vanish with deposits. Your vehicle sits stranded. Don't let it happen. Verify licenses and insurance first. It's simple. Follow these steps.
Why Verification Matters
Auto transport scams cost millions yearly. Fraudsters promise cheap rates. They take money. Then ghost you. Legit companies have USDOT and MC numbers. They carry cargo insurance. Brokers like us at AMG Transport Co. vet carriers. We use VIN scans. Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickup windows. Honest quotes. No surprises.
Carriers focus on driving. Not sales. Not disputes. Brokers handle that. But shady brokers exist too. People skip brokers. Think they save cash. Wrong. Most carriers won't touch direct customers. No insurance for retail. Brokers buffer rates. Build carrier trust. Your car gets priority.
Step 1: Check FMCSA Licensing
FMCSA oversees it all. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Every legit carrier or broker registers here.
- Go to FMCSA Safer website.
- Enter USDOT number. Or MC number (now called Operating Authority).
- Brokers have broker authority. Carriers have carrier authority.
USDOT is active? Good. Inactive? Run.
Example: Search our parent, AMG Endeavors. You'll see clean records. No violations.
Step 2: Verify USDOT and MC Numbers
USDOT tracks safety. MC proves interstate authority.
| Number Type | What It Means | Where to Check |
|-------------|---------------|----------------|
| USDOT | Vehicle/safety ID | FMCSA Safer |
| MC Number | Operating permit | FMCSA Licensing & Insurance |
Quotes mention numbers? Verify them. No numbers? Red flag. Scammers dodge this.
Step 3: Inspect Insurance Proof
Talk cargo insurance. Not just liability.
- Ask for certificate. Naming you as additional insured.
- Minimum: $100,000 cargo per vehicle. More for classics or exotics.
- Call insurer. Verify coverage. Don't trust PDFs alone.
We at AMG use vetted carriers. All insured. Proof on request. Enclosed for luxury cars? Covered.
Step 4: Review Safety Ratings
FMCSA shows crash data. Violations. Out-of-service hits.
- Satisfactory rating? Green light.
- Conditional? Dig deeper.
- Unsatisfactory? Walk away.
Texas-based brokers like us know local risks. Nationwide door-to-door. We pick safe routes.
Step 5: Spot Scam Signs
Watch these:
- Too-good rates. Open carrier under $0.50/mile? Lie.
- Upfront full payment. Deposits only. We use Stripe. Secure.
- No physical address. Google it.
- Pressure tactics. "Book now or lose spot."
- Unwilling to share docs.
Real cost? Depends. SUV vs sedan. Open vs enclosed. Cross-country from Houston to LA: $1,200-$2,000 open. Add for non-running.
Broker vs Carrier: Quick Guide
| Aspect | Broker | Carrier |
|--------|--------|---------|
| Deals with customers | Yes | Rarely |
| Handles quotes/logistics | Yes | No |
| Vets insurance | Yes | Owns it |
| Nationwide network | Full | Routes only |
Brokers invest in systems. Carriers drive. Win-win.
AMG Transport Co. Does It Right
We're a Texas auto transport broker. Nationwide vehicle shipping. Door-to-door. Vetted carriers only. 72-hour pickups. VIN scans confirm condition. Stripe for deposits. No hidden fees.
Relocating to Florida? Ship from Texas easy. Multi-car for families? Discounted. Classic enclosed? Safe.
Check us: FMCSA clean. Insurance solid. Reviews prove it.
Common Questions
How long does verification take?
10 minutes. Safer site instant.
Broker or carrier better?
Broker for most. Access more options. Better rates via volume.
What if non-running vehicle?
Disclose upfront. Winch fee possible. We handle.
Final Word
Don't risk your car. Verify every time. USDOT. MC. Insurance. FMCSA. Scams prey on rush.
Choose experience. AMG Transport Co. makes it painless. Trusted broker. Vetted carriers. Honest process.
Get your quote today. No games. Just results.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.