How Can I Verify a Carrier's USDOT and MC Number Before Booking Auto Transport?

You're about to ship your car. Scams lurk everywhere in auto transport. Fake carriers promise cheap rates. They vanish with your deposit. Don't be the next victim. Verify USDOT and MC numbers first. It's simple. It's free. It works.

I'm Mike, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co. We broker nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. I know both sides. Brokers handle sales, coordination, headaches. Carriers drive trucks. They hate dealing with people. Roads are rough enough.

Carriers skip direct customers for good reason. Too many skip payments. Risk-takers charge you more. Brokers buffer that. We keep rates fair. We vet carriers hard. But you should verify too. Here's how.

What is a USDOT Number?

USDOT number is the carrier's ID from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Every trucker needs one. It's not optional. Legit carriers display it on trucks, websites, docs.

No USDOT? Walk away. It's a scam.

What is an MC Number?

MC number means Motor Carrier authority. FMCSA issues it for interstate hauls. Proves they can legally transport your car across states. Brokers have broker authority. Carriers have carrier authority. Confuse them, and you lose.

Check both. USDOT alone isn't enough.

Why Verify Before Booking Auto Transport?

Fraud fills this industry. Scammers pose as carriers. They take deposits via wire. No truck shows. Your car sits. You pay more later.

Verification spots fakes fast. FMCSA database is public. Real-time data on insurance, safety ratings, complaints. Saves you money. Saves your vehicle.

Texas based auto transport broker like us sees this daily. Folks call from Houston needing ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles. They got burned. We fix it. But prevention beats cure.

Step-by-Step: Verify USDOT and MC on FMCSA

Go to FMCSA site. It's fmcsa.dot.gov. Free. No login. Follow these steps:

1. Visit SAFER Web Company Snapshot.

2. Enter USDOT number. Hit search.

3. Check basics: Legal name, DBA, address. Match what they gave you?

4. Review carrier operation: Authorized for hire? Interstate?

5. Inspect insurance: Active filing? Minimum $750k liability?

6. Out-of-service status: Any red flags?

7. Click Licensing & Insurance for MC details. Active authority?

8. Safety rating: Satisfactory? Conditional? Unrated is okay if new.

Do this before any payment. Screenshot results.

Quick Comparison: Legit vs. Scam Carrier

| Feature | Legit Carrier | Scam Signs |

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

| USDOT/MC Public | Matches FMCSA exactly | No records or mismatched |

| Insurance | Filed, current | Claims but no proof |

| Rates | Realistic, per mile | Too low, "special deals" |

| Payment | Credit card, check after delivery | Wire, gift cards, upfront full |

| Truck Photos | Real fleet, USDOT visible | Stock images, no markings |

Use this table. Spot issues early.

Red Flags in Auto Transport Scams

Watch for these:

• Pressure to book now. "Trucks full!"
• Deposits over 10-20%. Non-refundable.
• Untraceable payments. No Stripe or credit.
• Vague timelines. No 72-hour pickup window.
• No VIN scan before load.
• Poor reviews. Ignore "perfect" fakes.

Carriers won't work direct often. You need a broker. Most won't touch individuals.

Why Use an Auto Transport Broker?

Brokers vet carriers. We check FMCSA daily. Our carriers: insured, vetted, reliable. Parent company runs fleets. We know who's solid.

Value drivers? Better experience. Fraud shield. Fair rates. Carriers dodge people problems. We solve them.

How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Varies. But brokers negotiate. Direct? Risky, pricier.

How AMG Transport Co Protects You

We make it easy. Honest quotes upfront. No hidden fees. Stripe deposits only. Secure.

VIN scans pre-load. Docs your condition. Vetted insured carriers. 72-hour pickup windows standard.

Door-to-door car shipping how it works: We coordinate. Carrier hauls. You relax.

Relocating to Florida ship car from Texas? We handle. Open car carrier transport cost or enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. Expert.

Auto transport safety record and reputation matter. Ours shines.

Conclusion: Ship Safe with AMG Transport Co

Verify yourself. But why sweat it? AMG Transport Co is your experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. Vetted carriers. Proven process.

Best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. No scams. Just results.

Get your free quote today. Pickup in 72 hours or less.

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