What If Your Auto Transport Driver Demands Extra Money at Pickup or Delivery?
You're standing there at pickup or delivery. The driver pulls up. He looks at your car. Then he says, "I need $200 more. Cash. Now." Your stomach drops. What do you do?
Don't panic. Don't hand over cash. This happens too often in auto transport. Scammers prey on stressed shippers. As a Texas-based auto transport broker, I've seen it all at AMG Transport Co. Brokers like us exist to shield you from this mess. Carriers drive trucks. We handle people and problems.
Extra demands aren't legit most times. They violate contracts. But you need a plan. Read on. I'll break it down. Step by step.
What Should You Do If the Driver Asks for More Money?
Stop. Breathe. Do not pay. Here's the playbook.
1. Ask why. Get specifics. Write it down. Note his name, truck number, carrier name.
2. Check your phone. Pull up your contract and quote.
3. Call your broker immediately. Do it on speaker if needed.
4. Take photos. Driver, truck, your vehicle. VIN scan if we did one.
5. Refuse cash. Offer to pay through official channels only.
Act fast. Delays cost time. And money.
Is This a Common Scam Tactic?
Yes. Too common. Shady drivers or imposters hit direct shippers hard. They quote low online. Then jack up fees onsite. "Extra for weight." "Detour fees." "Waiting time."
Brokers spot this. We vet carriers. At AMG, only insured, licensed ones. No fly-by-nights. Direct with carriers? Risky. They skip people for a reason. Non-payers burn them. Scams fill the gap.
FMCSA reports thousands of complaints yearly. Door-to-door car shipping nationwide sees it most. From Houston to LA. Cross-country hauls. Scammers love long trips.
What Does Your Original Contract and Quote Say?
That's your shield. Every detail binds them. Total price. Payment terms. No extras unless specified.
Read the fine print. Brokers give clear quotes. AMG uses honest ones. No hidden fees. Deposits via Stripe. Secure. Traceable. Not cash to strangers.
If it says $1,200 total. 20% deposit paid. Balance on delivery via card or check. That's it. Driver can't change it.
Save everything. Emails. Texts. Quotes. Proof wins disputes.
When Might Extra Payment Be Legitimate?
Rare. But possible.
- Vehicle modified. Heavier than quoted. Needs extra gear.
- Non-running car. Winch required. Not disclosed.
- Access issues. Long driveway. Forklift needed.
Even then, call broker first. We verify. Adjust if fair. Never cash onsite.
Carriers hate surprises too. Good ones work with brokers. We keep rates reasonable. Strong relationships mean they care about our clients.
| Scenario | Legit? | Action |
|----------|--------|--------|
| Weight overage, undisclosed | Maybe | Call broker |
| "Fuel surcharge" added | No | Refuse |
| Waiting >2 hours, quoted | Sometimes | Document, broker handles |
| Cash only demand | Never | Walk away |
How Can Your Broker Help Resolve This?
We're your buffer. Call us. We call the carrier. Fast.
At AMG Transport Co., dispatch handles it. New driver? Done. Carrier penalty? Applied. Refund extras? Pushed.
We use 72-hour pickup windows. Vetted insured carriers. VIN scans pre-load. No surprises.
Carriers rely on us for frontend sales. Coordinating. Backend systems. They drive. We solve people problems. Roads are dangerous enough.
How Do You Protect Yourself Before Pickup Day?
Prep wins. Don't wait for the driver.
What Documentation Should You Have Ready?
Print these. Phone copies too.
- Signed contract.
- Detailed quote.
- Bill of lading (BOL).
- Carrier info: MC number, insurance.
- Photos of vehicle condition.
- VIN scan report (AMG standard).
- Payment receipts. Stripe confirms deposits.
Email broker copies. We track all.
Pro tip: Verify carrier on FMCSA site. Brokers do this. Direct shippers skip it.
Should You Pay Extra Cash or Refuse?
Refuse. Always.
Cash vanishes. No recourse. Scammers disappear.
Official payments protect. Broker oversees balance. Card. ACH. Check to company.
If legit need, broker bills. Fair adjustment. No onsite drama.
Choosing direct saves pennies upfront. Costs fortunes later. Brokers aren't free. But we save headaches. Reasonable rates via carrier ties.
Most carriers won't touch public jobs. Too risky. Payment skips. High charges if they do.
Nationwide vehicle shipping door-to-door? Brokers required. Experienced ones trusted.
Why AMG Transport Co. Ends This Nightmare
Tired of scams? Fraud-filled industry? Pick a real auto transport broker Texas trusts.
AMG Transport Co. backs every load. Parent: AMG Endeavors, proven carrier. We know both sides.
Honest quotes. No games. Vetted carriers. Insured. 72-hour pickups. Stripe deposits. VIN scans. Door-to-door nationwide.
Ship from Texas to California? Cross-country? SUVs, classics, non-runners. We got it. Open or enclosed. Families, dealerships. Multi-car discounts.
Don't risk driver demands. Get protected.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.