What Should You Double-Check Before Booking Auto Transport?
You're about to ship your car cross-country. Excitement builds. Or stress. Either way, don't rush the booking. One overlooked detail can cost you hundreds. Or worse.
I've managed logistics at AMG Transport Co. for years. We're a Texas-based auto transport broker. Nationwide vehicle shipping, door to door. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. We know both sides. Brokers handle sales, coordination, backend headaches. Carriers just drive. Roads are rough enough.
People skip brokers sometimes. Big mistake. Most carriers won't touch direct bookings. Too much risk. Non-payers. Higher rates for retail. We buffer that. Keep rates reasonable. Vet carriers. Build relationships so they care about our clients.
Before you commit, double-check these. No surprises. No hidden fees. Here's the list.
Does the Quote Include All Potential Fees?
Quotes look cheap at first. Then fees pile up. Fuel surcharges. Access fees. Residential charges. Get everything in writing. Upfront.
At AMG, we give honest quotes. No bait and switch. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees. That's our promise.
Are Fuel Surcharges or Access Fees Listed?
Fuel prices swing wild. Diesel hit records last year. Brokers and carriers add surcharges. Ask if it's included. Or estimated.
Access fees hit too. Remote spots. Tight streets. Heavy tolls. Confirm they're listed. Or you'll pay extra on delivery.
We spell it out. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service. No guessing.
What About Residential Pickup/Delivery Charges?
Curbside is free usually. But driveways? Garages? Extra. $50 to $150 each way.
Not all quotes mention it. Call it out. Especially for out-of-state moves. Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? Residential adds up.
Our door-to-door service covers most. We coordinate.
Is the Insurance Coverage Clearly Specified?
Insurance isn't optional. It's your only shield. But coverage varies. Read the fine print.
Carriers offer cargo insurance. Brokers like us require it. But limits matter. Deductibles bite.
We use vetted insured carriers. Full details upfront.
What Are the Exact Deductible Amounts?
$100 deductible? Fine for scratches. $1,000? You'll eat most claims.
FMCSA mandates minimums. But top brokers push better. Ask for the policy number. Verify it.
Ours? Low deductibles. Clear terms.
Does It Cover Your Vehicle Type Fully?
Classic cars? Luxury? Non-runners? Standard policies skip them.
Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars needs special coverage. Open car carrier? Cheaper, but riskier for exotics.
Shipping a non-running vehicle? Confirm in writing. We handle SUVs, sedans, multi-car loads for families. All covered.
What Pickup and Delivery Windows Are Realistic?
Trucks don't teleport. Vehicles crisscross the country. Expect windows, not dates.
How long does car shipping take cross country? 5-14 days coast to coast. Factors: origin, destination, carrier route.
We guarantee 72-hour pickup windows. Realistic schedules.
Is It a Firm Date or Flexible Window?
Firm dates? Lies. Weather. Mechanicals. Traffic. All delay.
Insist on windows. 1-3 days pickup. 1-5 delivery. Get it confirmed.
How Do Delays Affect the Schedule?
Delays happen. Ask penalties. Or storage fees. Some charge $50/day late.
Good brokers track daily. Update you. We do VIN scans at pickup. Proof it's safe.
Have You Verified the Carrier's Credentials?
Brokers book carriers. You might never see us. But the trucker matters most.
How to choose a reliable auto transport broker? Check their carriers too. We vet ours. Active authority. Clean records.
Do They Have Active FMCSA Authority?
Go to FMCSA site. Search MC number. Check operating status. Inactive? Walk away.
All our carriers? Active. Verified.
What's Their Safety Rating and Record?
SAFETY rating: Satisfactory? Gold star. Conditional? Red flag.
Crash history. Violations. Pull the SMS report.
Auto transport safety record and reputation. We prioritize it. Best auto transport company Texas? Us.
| Check | Why It Matters | AMG Practice |
|-------|---------------|--------------|
| FMCSA Authority | Legal to operate | All vetted carriers active |
| Safety Rating | Accident risk | Satisfactory or better only |
| Insurance | Damage protection | Full cargo, low deductibles |
What Are the Payment and Cancellation Terms?
Deposits secure spots. Balances on delivery. But terms vary.
Scams demand full upfront. Legit? Deposits only.
When Is the Deposit Due and Refundable?
$200-500 typical. Due on booking. Refundable? 24-48 hours usually.
We use Stripe deposits. Secure. Refundable if we cancel.
How Is the Balance Paid Upon Delivery?
Cash, card, check. Inspect first. Sign off.
No pressure. We guide you.
Final Word: Book Smart with AMG
You've checked fees, insurance, timing, carrier, payments. Good. Now pick right.
AMG Transport Co. makes it simple. Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. Vetted carriers. Honest quotes. 72-hour pickups. VIN scans. Stripe deposits. Door-to-door.
Relocating to Florida? Ship car from Texas? Luxury enclosed? We got you. Experienced car shipping broker you can trust.
No surprises. Just results.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.