What Should You Verify Before Paying Your Auto Transport Deposit?

You're about to ship your car cross country. Quotes look good. Price fits your budget. But hold off on that deposit. The auto transport industry crawls with scams. Fraudsters love deposits. They grab your money and vanish. Don't be the next victim.

I've managed logistics at AMG Transport Co. for years. We're a Texas-based auto transport broker. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping, door to door. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. I know both sides. Brokers buffer you from carrier hassles. Carriers stick to roads. They dodge customer drama. Smart move. Roads kill. Payments flake. Direct deals with carriers? Rare. Most won't touch you.

Before wiring cash, verify these essentials. Spot fakes. Confirm real service. Secure your ride.

1. Check Broker Licensing and FMCSA Registration

Legit brokers register with FMCSA. Search their USDOT number. It's public. No number? Walk away.

Verify broker authority. Brokers need it to operate. Carriers haul. Brokers book. Confirm both.

At AMG, we're fully licensed. Check our FMCSA profile. No shortcuts.

• Go to FMCSA site.
• Enter company name or MC number.
• Confirm active status.
• Note insurance on file.

Texas auto transport brokers like us serve nationwide. From Houston to LA. We prove it daily.

2. Dig Into Reviews and Reputation

Skip fake sites. Use Google, BBB, Transport Reviews. Real customers speak.

Look for patterns. Delays? Damage? Ghosting? Red flags.

Trusted car shipping broker reviews matter. We earn 4.9 stars average. No bribes. Real jobs.

Pro tip: Recent reviews count. Old ones fade. Check last 6 months.

3. Verify Carrier Credentials

Brokers dispatch carriers. Ask for carrier details pre-deposit.

Demand FMCSA profile. Insurance minimum: $750k cargo, $1M auto liability.

Vetted insured carriers only. That's our rule at AMG.

• Carrier USDOT number.
• MC authority.
• Safety rating.
• Insurance proof.

Open car carrier? Fine for most. Enclosed for luxury? Essential. Know your match.

4. Scrutinize Pricing and Deposit Terms

Deposits run 10-25%. Refundable? Ask.

How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Varies. Mileage, fuel, season. Get breakdowns.

Honest quotes upfront. No bait and switch. AMG lists total. Fuel surcharge. Tolls. Clear.

Affordable car shipping without hidden fees. That's us.

Compare:

| Good Quote | Scam Quote |

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

| Itemized total | "Lowball" then adds |

| Fixed deposit % | "Hold deposit" vague |

| Written contract | Verbal promises |

| Refund policy | No refunds ever |

5. Review Contract Fine Print

Read every line. Pickup window? 72 hours max at AMG. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: We coordinate.

Bill of lading terms. Damage clause. Payment balance.

Non-running vehicle? Note it. SUV vs sedan cost difference? Disclosed.

How long does car shipping take cross country? 5-14 days coast to coast. Realistic timelines.

6. Spot Scam Red Flags

Too good to be true? It is.

• Pressure to pay now. "Truck leaves tomorrow!"
• Wire transfer or crypto. Nope.
• Unverified carrier.
• No contract.
• Guarantees unreal times.

Door pick-up and delivery car transport service? Scammers promise. Can't deliver.

Use Stripe or credit. Like AMG. Secure. Trackable.

Quick Booking Checklist

Before deposit:

• [ ] FMCSA verified broker and carrier.
• [ ] Reviews checked. Recent. Positive.
• [ ] Insurance docs.
• [ ] Itemized quote. No surprises.
• [ ] Signed contract. Clear terms.
• [ ] VIN scan scheduled. AMG does pre/post.
• [ ] Deposit method safe. Stripe preferred.

Why Brokers Beat Direct Carrier Deals

Carriers avoid people. Non-payers burn them. They charge you more direct. Brokers negotiate volume rates. Pass savings.

Experienced car shipping broker you can trust? Required. Most carriers ignore retail.

What affects car shipping cost per mile? Broker relationships keep it fair.

Open carrier car shipping pros & cons: Cheaper. Exposed. Enclosed benefits for exotic cars: Safe. Pricier.

How AMG Transport Co. Protects You

We cut risks. VIN scans at pickup and delivery. Proof of condition.

Stripe deposits. Instant. Refundable if needed.

Vetted insured carriers. 72-hour pickup windows. Honest quotes from day one.

Vehicle transport Texas to California? Expert broker here. Relocating to Florida ship car from Texas? Covered.

Multi-car transport for families. Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know. All handled.

Auto transport safety record and reputation? Top tier.

Conclusion: Make the Safe Choice

Don't rush that deposit. Verify hard. Scams thrive on haste.

Pick AMG Transport Co. Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. Best auto transport company Texas. Door-to-door. No games.

We're the no-brainer. Proven. Honest. Reliable.

Get your free quote today. Ship smart.

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