What Should You Verify Before Paying Your Auto Transport Deposit?

Listen up. The auto transport world is rough. Scammers lurk everywhere. They take your deposit and vanish. Or worse, they show up with junk haulers who damage your car. Don't be the next victim. Before wiring money or clicking pay, verify these basics. It could save you thousands.

I've managed logistics at AMG Transport Co. for years. We're a Texas-based auto transport broker. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. We know both sides. Brokers handle sales, coordination, headaches. Carriers just drive. People skip payments sometimes. That's why carriers use us. We vet them. Keep rates fair. And deliver door-to-door nationwide.

Does the Company Have Valid FMCSA and MC Authority?

First check: authority. Every legit broker or carrier needs FMCSA registration. That's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. And an MC number for interstate ops. No authority? Walk away.

Brokers like us hold broker authority. Carriers have carrier authority. Scammers fake it. Real ones display USDOT and MC numbers upfront. At AMG, we pull from vetted carriers with active authority. No risks.

How Do You Check Their USDOT and MC Numbers?

Easy. Go to FMCSA's site: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Plug in the USDOT number. Check MC too. Look for "active" status. No insurance on file? Red flag. Out-of-service? Run.

Verify packet inspection date is recent. Less than 24 months old. Texas-based brokers like AMG list ours proudly. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door? We confirm carrier authority every load.

Is Proof of Carrier Insurance Provided and Verified?

Insurance isn't optional. Demand proof. Carriers must carry $750,000 cargo liability minimum. Plus bobtail and physical damage. Brokers don't haul. We ensure carriers do.

Get a certificate naming you as holder. Not just a generic one. Verify with insurer directly. Scammers send fakes.

What Coverage Limits and Deductibles Apply?

Read the fine print. Limits matter. Deductibles can hit $1,000+. Ask: does it cover exotics? Non-runners? Enclosed vs open?

AMG uses vetted insured carriers. We provide full docs upfront. Open car carrier transport cost less. Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars? Extra, but covered right. No surprises.

Are All Fees Clearly Listed in the Quote?

Quotes lie. Hidden fees kill. Demand a breakdown: base rate, fuel, tolls, terminal if any. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: no terminals usually.

What affects car shipping cost per mile? Distance, season, vehicle type. SUV vs sedan? Multi-car discounts?

AMG gives honest quotes. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees. Texas to California? We break it down.

What Happens If Additional Costs Arise Later?

They shouldn't. Good brokers lock the rate. Bad ones add "re-weigh" or "detour" fees. Contract spells it out. No changes without consent.

We stick to quotes. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Predictable with us.

What Is the Exact Pickup and Delivery Timeline?

Timelines slip. Get dates in writing. Not "ASAP." Realistic windows protect you.

Cross-country? 7-14 days typical. Houston to LA? We plan it.

Is a Realistic 72-Hour Pickup Window Confirmed?

72 hours max from deposit. That's standard. Anything longer? Carrier's deadheading. Or lying.

AMG guarantees 72-hour pickup windows. How long does car shipping take cross country? We tell you straight.

How Secure Is the Payment Process?

Cash, wire, Zelle? Danger zone. Scammers love them. No recourse.

Use credit cards or platforms with buyer protection.

Does Stripe or Credit Card Protect Against Fraud?

Yes. Stripe holds deposits. Refundable if no service. AMG takes Stripe deposits. Safe. No fraud.

Can You See Recent Customer Reviews and References?

Talk is cheap. Check reviews. Google, BBB, TransportReviews. Recent ones count. Call references.

Trusted car shipping broker reviews? Read ours. Best auto transport company Texas? We're it.

| Red Flags | Green Flags |

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

| No authority proof | Active FMCSA/MC |

| Generic insurance | Named holder cert |

| Vague fees | Itemized quote |

| Wire only | Stripe/CC |

| No reviews | Verified feedback |

Why AMG Transport Co. Wins

Don't risk it. AMG Transport Co. checks every box. VIN scans at pickup. Vetted insured carriers. Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickups. Honest quotes. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service nationwide.

Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? Relocating to Florida from Texas? Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open? We handle it. Experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

Ready? Get a free quote today. No games. Just results.

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