How Can You Verify Your Assigned Auto Transport Carrier Before Pickup?
You're booking car shipping services. Maybe nationwide vehicle shipping door to door from Texas to California. Or relocating to Florida, ship car from Texas. Excitement builds. Then pickup day hits. A truck rolls up. Driver hands papers. Do you load your vehicle? Not yet.
Scams lurk in auto transport. Fake carriers. Uninsured rigs. Delays that cost weeks. As an auto transport broker Texas-based but nationwide, I've seen it. Brokers like AMG Transport Co. vet carriers. But you verify too. It's your vehicle. Your money.
Here's how. Step by step. No fluff.
What DOT and MC Numbers Should Match the Assigned Carrier?
Every legit carrier has two numbers. USDOT number. MC authority number. Your broker provides them upfront. Write them down.
On pickup:
- Ask for driver's USDOT and MC.
- They must match broker's info exactly.
- No close enough.
DOT is for safety registration. MC is for interstate hauling authority. Mismatch? Walk away.
At AMG, we share these with every quote. Honest quotes. No games.
How Do You Cross-Check FMCSA Records Instantly?
Pull out your phone. Go to fmcsa.dot.gov.
Steps:
1. Click 'Registration & Licensing'.
2. Enter USDOT number.
3. Hit search.
Check:
- Carrier name matches broker's.
- Authority active. Not revoked.
- Insurance on file. At least $750k cargo.
- Safety rating. Not conditional or worse.
Takes 2 minutes. Do it before the driver touches your keys.
Pro tip: Screenshot broker's carrier details. Compare side by side.
Does the Driver's Truck and Documentation Align?
Eyes on the truck. Name painted on doors? Matches carrier name from FMCSA? Good.
USDOT number on cab? Matches? Check.
Trailer too. Same carrier markings.
Docs:
- Bill of lading (BOL). Names your vehicle. VIN. Origin. Destination.
- Driver's ID. Commercial license. Matches carrier.
No stickers? Generic plates? Red flag.
AMG uses vetted insured carriers. We confirm 72-hour pickup windows. But verify anyway.
What Insurance Proof Must Be Provided On-Site?
Driver must show Certificate of Insurance (COI).
Key items:
- Carrier's name exact.
- Active dates cover your haul.
- Cargo insurance: $100k minimum. Luxury? More.
- Public liability.
Not broker's insurance. Carrier's.
Phone broker if unsure. We provide COI previews.
No proof? No load.
| Check Item | Legit Signs | Red Flags |
|------------|-------------|-----------|
| Truck Markings | Clear USDOT, carrier name | Faded, missing, generic |
| Driver License | CDL with hazmat/endorsements | Personal DL only |
| BOL Details | VIN scan match, signatures | Handwritten, incomplete |
| COI | Carrier-specific, current | Broker name, expired |
Quick table. Saves headaches.
Why Is Confirming Carrier Authority Critical Before Loading?
Carriers haul. Brokers don't. Some 'carriers' are brokers posing. Illegal for your load.
FMCSA requires direct carrier authority. Your vehicle needs their DOT.
Why critical?
- Uninsured crashes. You pay.
- Double brokering. Delays.
- No recourse if they ghost.
Brokers buffer this. We handle frontend sales. Coordination. Backend systems. Carriers drive. That's it.
People skip brokers. Pay more direct. Or get scammed.
Texas based auto transport broker nationwide? We know carriers. Relationships keep rates reasonable. No fraud.
What Happens If Details Don't Match?
Stop everything.
1. Tell driver: No match. No load.
2. Call your broker. Now.
3. Take photos. Truck. Driver. Docs.
4. Broker dispatches real carrier.
At AMG, Stripe deposits protect you. VIN scans confirm. We fix fast.
Don't risk it. Ever.
Final Word: Choose Trust
Auto transport roads are rough. Fraud everywhere. Verify every time. But pick right broker first.
AMG Transport Co. vets carriers. Insured. Experienced. Door-to-door car shipping how it works? We nail it. Honest quotes. No hidden fees. 72-hour pickups. Nationwide. From Houston to LA. SUVs. Classics. Non-runners.
Why gamble? Get a quote today. Sleep easy.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.