What Questions Should You Ask to Avoid Auto Transport Scams Before Paying?\n\nShipping a car is stressful enough without worrying about getting scammed. But the auto transport industry has its share of bad actors. Here's how to protect yourself before handing over any money.\n\n## Why Scammers Target Auto Transport\n\nThis industry has significant financial transactions. People pay hundreds or thousands upfront. Scammers know this. They set up fake companies. They create professional-looking websites. They even steal business names. They're clever. But you can be smarter.\n\n### The Most Common Auto Transport Scams\n\n Lowball Quotes: Unrealistically cheap offers designed to hook you\n Bait-and-Switch Pricing: Quotes that change after booking\n Fake Reviews and Testimonials: Fabricated positive feedback\n Pressure Tactics: \"Book now or lose this rate!\"\n Disappearing Companies: Taking deposits and vanishing\n\n## Essential Questions to Ask Every Company\n\n### 1. Are You a Broker, Carrier, or Both?\n\nThis is fundamental. Some companies pretend to be carriers when they're just brokers. There's nothing wrong with being a broker - we are one. But transparency is key.\n\n### 2. Can You Provide Your MC and USDOT Numbers?\n\nEvery legitimate auto transport company must have these. You can verify them on the FMCSA website.\n\n### 3. What's Your Insurance Coverage and Deductible?\n\nNever assume coverage. Always ask for proof of insurance. Understand what you'll pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.\n\n### 3. What's Included in Your Quote?\n\nGet a detailed breakdown. Ask about:\n- Fuel surcharges\n- Terminal fees\n- Insurance deductibles\n- Any potential surcharges for non-running vehicles\n\n### 4. How Do You Handle Payments and Deposits?\n\nRed flags include:\n- Full payment required upfront\n- Wire transfers only\n- Cash app payments\n- No written contract\n\n### 5. What's Your Cancellation Policy?\n\nKnow your rights before you commit.\n\n### 6. What's Your Pickup and Delivery Window?\n\nRealistic timeframes are 7-14 days for cross-country transport.\n\n## How to Spot Scam Warning Signs\n\n### Payment Red Flags\n- Unusual payment methods\n- Pressure to pay immediately\n- No receipt or documentation\n\n## Why These Questions Matter\n\nWhen you're looking for car shipping services Texas or nationwide, these questions separate legitimate companies from scammers.\n\n### Communication Red Flags\n- No physical business address\n- Phone goes straight to voicemail\n- Vague answers to specific questions\n\nDon't get caught wondering how much does it cost to ship a car cross country only to get ripped off by a fake company. Or searching for the open car carrier transport cost only to receive a quote that's too good to be true.\n\n## The AMG Transport Co. Difference\n\nWe understand the auto transport business. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. So we know both sides. We are an auto transport broker Texas. And we do nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.\n\nWe do what carriers don't want to. The frontend sales, the coordinating. The backend systems. All the stuff outside of driving rigs. Carriers have enough problems. They rely on brokers to solve them. And let's be frank. Most people couldn't work with a carrier directly even if they wanted to. It's almost required to work with an experienced broker. That's us.\n\nWe provide:\n Honest, transparent quotes. No hidden fees. We understand affordable car shipping without hidden fees is what people want.\n Secure payment processing. Rest easy knowing your money is handled correctly.\n Vetted, insured carriers. We work with the best, whether it's open car carrier transport or enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. This includes all those critical factors like their auto transport safety record.\n VIN scans at pickup and delivery. This ensures accuracy and accountability.\n 72-hour pickup windows. We make it easy. We specialize in door pick-up and delivery car transport service.\n\nWe can help you ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles. Or anywhere else. From shipping a non-running vehicle to multi-car transport for families. We can handle it. We know what affects car shipping cost per mile. We can discuss luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open. Whether you're relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or looking for vehicle logistics company Texas services, we're your partner.\n\nWhy does this matter? We offer a stronger customer experience. We are a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We are a buffer to keep rates reasonable. It'll never be cheap to get the job done right. But a good broker ensures carriers are invested in taking care of you. We are the experienced car shipping broker you can trust. We are the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. AMG Transport Co. is your expert in vehicle transport Texas to California. We offer Texas based auto transport broker nationwide services.\n\nReady to ship with confidence? We make comparing auto transport quotes easy.\n\nGet Your Free Quote Now!\n\nWritten by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.