What Should You Verify Before Booking Your Auto Transport Quote?

You're about to ship your car. Quotes flood your inbox. Prices look good. But hold up. This industry crawls with scams. Fraudsters vanish with deposits. Shoddy carriers ding your vehicle. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker, I've seen it all. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. We know both sides.

Brokers like us buffer you from carrier hassles. Carriers drive trucks. They fix roadsides. They dodge dangers. They hate chasing payments or sales calls. Direct to carrier? Good luck. Most won't touch retail customers. They charge more or ghost you. A solid broker vets carriers. Builds relationships. Keeps rates fair. Locks in service.

Before you book, verify this checklist. Skip it, regret it. Delays. Damage. Hidden fees. Let's break it down.

What Carrier Credentials Should You Confirm?

Carriers haul your car. Their creds matter most. No creds? Walk away.

Is Their USDOT and MC Authority Active and Verified?

Every legit carrier has USDOT and MC numbers. USDOT tracks safety. MC handles interstate freight.

Go to FMCSA's site. Search the numbers. Check status: active. Not expired. Not revoked. Brokers must disclose carrier info pre-booking. Demand it.

At AMG, we pair you with vetted carriers. All active USDOT/MC. We scan VINs at pickup. Proof it's yours. No swaps. No games.

Do They Have a Strong Safety Record?

Safety scores tell truth. FMCSA lists CSA scores. Lower is better. Under 50? Gold. Over 80? Red flag.

Check crash data. Violations. Out-of-service rates. Recent inspections. A carrier with wrecks last month? Pass.

We track auto transport safety records. Only low-risk carriers. Your car stays safe cross-country.

Is the Insurance Coverage Sufficient for Your Vehicle?

Insurance isn't optional. It's your shield. But policies vary. Read fine print.

What Are the Exact Deductibles and Policy Limits?

Ask for cargo policy. Not liability. Cargo covers your car. Limits? $100k minimum. Deductibles? $0 to $500 common. Higher? Negotiate or bail.

Get certificate. Named insured. Your VIN listed. Effective dates match haul.

AMG mandates vetted insured carriers. Full coverage. No gaps. We confirm before dispatch.

Does It Cover Your Vehicle Type and Modifications?

Standard sedan? Easy. SUV? Check weight limits. Classic car? Enclosed transport for luxury cars needed. Mods like lift kits? Declare them. Policies exclude unlisted.

Non-running vehicle? Extra risk. Verify.

Our enclosed auto transport handles exotics. Open car carrier for basics. Pros know differences.

Are All Potential Fees Fully Disclosed?

Quotes lie. "$800 total" becomes $1200. Demand full breakdown.

Here's a quick table:

| Fee Type | Typical Range | Red Flag If... |

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

| Base Transport | $0.70-$1.50/mi | Hidden in "total" |

| Fuel Surcharge | 5-15% | Added post-quote |

| Terminal Fee | $50-200 | Not mentioned upfront |

| Access/Toll | Varies | Surprise at delivery |

No table shocks at AMG. Honest quotes. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees.

Watch for Fuel Surcharges, Terminal Fees, or Access Charges?

Fuel? Market driven. But quoted upfront. Terminals? Rare for door-to-door. We specialize there. Access? Rural spots cost extra. Confirm.

Brokers squeeze margins. Carriers hate it. But we negotiate bulk. You save. What affects car shipping cost per mile? Distance. Fuel. Season. Vehicle size.

What Are the Realistic Pickup and Delivery Expectations?

Timelines slip. Weather. Traffic. Carrier routing.

Understand Flexible Windows vs. Expedited Options?

Standard? 1-14 days pickup. 7-21 delivery coast to coast. How long does car shipping take cross country? 5-14 days average.

Flexible windows save cash. Expedited? Double price. Rush rare.

AMG guarantees 72-hour pickup windows. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service. Ship from Houston to Los Angeles? We map it.

What Cancellation and Payment Terms Apply?

Commitments bind. Know exits.

How Refundable Is Your Deposit?

Deposits secure. 10-20% norm. Cancellation? 24-72 hours full refund. Later? Fees.

Pay secure. No wires. Scams love them.

AMG uses Stripe deposits. Trackable. Refundable per terms. No funny business.

Final Thoughts: Book Smart with AMG Transport Co.

Verified this? You're set. Skipped? Risk delays. Scams. Costs. Auto transport's fraud-filled. Brokers guide you. We do frontend sales. Coordination. Backend systems. Carriers focus on roads.

Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. Experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Vetted carriers. VIN scans. Stripe. 72-hour pickups. Honest quotes.

Best auto transport company for out-of-state moves? Us. Relocating to Florida? Ship car from Texas? Done.

Ready? Get your quote now. No regrets.

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