How Do You Verify an Auto Transport Company's Legitimacy Before Booking?
The auto transport industry crawls with scams. Fraudsters promise cheap rates for cross-country car shipping. They vanish after deposit. Or they damage your vehicle and ghost you. Don't fall for it. Verify legitimacy first. This guide cuts through the noise. Check registrations. Confirm insurance. Read real reviews. Spot red flags. As a Texas-based auto transport broker, we've seen it all at AMG Transport Co. We vet carriers so you don't have to.
What Government Registrations Should You Check?
Every legit auto transport company needs federal authority. Brokers and carriers register with the FMCSA. That's the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Skip this step, and you're rolling the dice.
How Do You Verify a USDOT Number?
USDOT numbers are mandatory for interstate movers. Carriers get one. Brokers too. Head to the FMCSA site: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Enter the number. Check:
- Active status.
- Out-of-service orders.
- Crash and inspection data.
No hits? Fake company. We've got our USDOT squared away. Pair it with our MC number for full picture.
Why Is the MC Number Important?
MC stands for Motor Carrier. It's your operating authority. Brokers need it to legally broker loads. Carriers need it for interstate hauls.
Verify on FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance site. Active MC means they can ship nationwide. Door-to-door vehicle shipping from Texas to California? Requires it. Scammers dodge this. Real players flaunt it.
How Can You Confirm Active Insurance Coverage?
Insurance isn't optional. Roads are brutal. Accidents happen. A legit firm provides proof on request.
Ask for a certificate before booking. Not just cargo insurance. Check primary liability too. We at AMG share ours upfront. Vetted carriers only. All insured above FMCSA minimums.
What Should a Legitimate Insurance Certificate Include?
Look for:
- Carrier's full name and USDOT/MC.
- Policy numbers.
- Coverage limits: $750k+ liability, $100k+ cargo.
- Effective dates: active now.
- Insurer's contact.
Call the insurer. Verify it. No vague PDFs. No excuses. Our certificates list exact carriers we dispatch. No surprises.
What Reviews and References Reveal the Truth?
Company sites lie. Five-star fluff means nothing. Dig deeper.
Check carrier packet. References from past clients. But verify independently.
Where Should You Look Beyond Company Websites?
- BBB.org: Accreditation? Complaints?
- TransportReviews.com: Real shipper feedback.
- Google and Yelp: Local insights.
- FMCSA SMS: Safety scores.
Cross-check names. Brokers like us use vetted carriers with clean records. Read recent reviews. Ignore one-offs. Patterns tell truth. Trusted car shipping broker reviews? We stack up.
| Legit Indicators | Scam Signs |
|------------------|------------|
| Consistent 4+ stars across sites | Deleted negative reviews |
| Detailed feedback on service | Vague promises, no specifics |
| FMCSA active authority | No USDOT/MC or inactive |
| Responsive to issues | Ghosting after deposit |
What Red Flags Mean Walk Away Immediately?
Trust your gut. These scream fraud:
- Too-good rates: Cross-country under $0.50/mile? Bull. What affects car shipping cost per mile? Fuel, distance, season.
- Full payment upfront: Deposits only. We use Stripe. Secure, refundable if needed.
- No physical address: Google it. Strip mall? Run.
- Pressure tactics: \"Book now or lose truck!\" Legit firms quote honestly. 72-hour pickup windows standard.
- Vague details: No carrier info pre-booking. Brokers buffer you. We disclose vetted carriers.
- Non-running vehicle lies: Promise anything. We specialize: VIN scans, enclosed for classics.
Carriers hate dealing direct. Non-payers burn them. Brokers fix that. We handle sales, coordination. Keep rates fair. Relationships ensure care.
Choose Proven Protection: AMG Transport Co.
Tired of risks? AMG Transport Co. is your Texas auto transport broker nationwide. We verify everything. Vetted insured carriers. Honest quotes. VIN scans at pickup. Stripe deposits. 72-hour windows. Door-to-door reliability.
Ship from Houston to LA? Relocating to Florida? Luxury enclosed? We've got you. No scams. Just results.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.