How Can You Spot If Your Auto Transport Broker Is Double-Brokering Your Load?
Double-brokering. It's a dirty trick in auto transport. Shippers get burned. Delays happen. Damage occurs. Scams thrive. I've seen it all as Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. No games. Straight to vetted carriers.
What Is Double-Brokering in Auto Transport?
Double-brokering means a broker takes your job. Then they re-sell it to another broker. Or a sub-broker. Without telling you. They pocket a cut. The load bounces around. No direct carrier assignment.
It's legal in some cases. But shady when hidden. FMCSA cracked down. Fines hit $10,000 per violation now. Still happens. Brokers chase quick cash.
Why Do Brokers Double-Broker Loads?
Easy money. They book loads fast. No trucks. No liability. Just a phone call to another broker. Low overhead. High volume.
Some lack carrier relationships. They pose as brokers. Really just middlemen. Carriers hate it. Shippers suffer. At AMG, we own carriers through our parent, AMG Endeavors. We book direct.
What Are the Risks of Double-Brokering for Shippers?
Big risks. No transparency. Unknown carriers. Payment disputes. Delays stretch weeks. Damage claims denied. Insurance gaps.
Scammers thrive. They vanish after deposit. FMCSA complaints pile up. Your car sits. Rusts. Gets dinged.
Pricing confusion hits hard. Quotes sound cheap. Hidden fees pile on. Brokers mark up twice. You pay more.
How Does It Lead to Damage or Delays?
Multiple handoffs. Each broker skimps on vetting. Carriers overload trucks. Skip inspections. Roads get rough. Your SUV or sedan takes hits.
Non-running vehicles? Worse. They roll off lots. No care. Delays from rebooking. Cross-country hauls from Houston to LA? Weeks late.
I've coordinated thousands. Direct carriers cut risks. Vetted insured ones. That's our rule at AMG.
How Can You Verify Your Broker Isn't Double-Brokering?
Demand proof upfront. Ask for carrier details before deposit. Real MC/DOT number. Active authority. Insurance binder naming you.
Call the carrier. Verify they booked your load. Not the broker.
Check FMCSA site. SaferWatch. See complaints.
Use our Texas-based auto transport broker tricks. We give VIN scans. Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickup windows.
What Documents Should You Request?
- Carrier's MC Authority: Full legal name. Not broker's.
- Active Insurance: $1M+ liability. Cargo coverage. Your name listed.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Signed by carrier at pickup.
- Power of Attorney: Broker's only if direct.
No docs? Walk away. Honest brokers provide them. Like us at AMG Transport Co.
| Document | Why It Matters | Red Flag If Missing |
|----------|----------------|---------------------|
| MC/DOT Number | Proves legit carrier | Broker gives own info |
| Insurance Cert | Covers your vehicle | Generic policy |
| BOL | Tracks handoff | Delayed or absent |
| Pickup Confirmation | Locks timeline | Vague promises |
What Should You Do If You Suspect Double-Brokering?
Stop payments. Demand carrier contact. File FMCSA complaint. Use DOT hotline.
Document everything. Emails. Quotes. Calls.
Cancel if possible. Get refund. Stripe makes it easy. No chargebacks needed.
How to Switch Brokers Safely?
Vet new one hard. Check reviews. BBB. TransportReviews. Ask for carrier packet upfront.
Choose experienced. Like AMG Transport Co. We broker nationwide. Door-to-door car shipping. Honest quotes. No hidden fees.
Relocating to Florida from Texas? Ship car cross country. Open or enclosed. Luxury? We got enclosed auto transport.
Why Trust AMG Transport Co.?
We don't double-broker. Ever. Direct to vetted, insured carriers. Parent company hauls too. VIN scans verify condition. 72-hour pickups. Stripe for secure deposits.
Texas vehicle logistics company. Serving coast to coast. Multi-car families? Dealerships? Non-runners? Handled.
How much to ship cross country? Get real numbers. No games.
Get your free quote today. Sleep easy.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.