What Should You Double-Check Before Finalizing Your Auto Transport Booking?\n\nYou're about to book auto transport. Good. But don't rush the deposit. The industry is full of scams and hidden fees. Roads are dangerous enough without shady deals. Double-check these points. Save yourself headaches.\n\nI'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, and systems. Carriers drive trucks. They avoid people problems. Smart move. But not all brokers are straight.\n\nUse this checklist. Verify everything before paying. Focus on quotes, insurance, carriers, and terms. We'll cover nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. From Houston to Los Angeles or Texas to California.\n\n## Is Your Quote Complete and Transparent?\n\nQuotes look cheap until fees hit. Demand full breakdown. No surprises.\n\n### Does It Include All Fees Like Fuel Surcharges or Residential Pickup?\n\nFuel surcharges spike with diesel prices. Residential pickup adds $50-200. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: brokers quote total loaded. Ask: \"What's included?\"\n\nAt AMG, we give honest quotes. No hidden fees. Open car carrier transport cost or enclosed auto transport for luxury cars—we list it all. Fuel, tolls, residential. Upfront.\n\nCheck for:\n- Fuel surcharge\n- Residential delivery fee\n- Terminal fees (rare, avoid)\n- Insurance add-ons\n\nIf vague, walk away.\n\n### Are Pricing Factors Like Vehicle Type and Route Clearly Explained?\n\nWhat affects car shipping cost per mile? Vehicle size, type, route. SUV vs sedan cost difference: SUVs run 10-20% more. Non-running vehicle? Extra.\n\nCross-country car transport from coast to coast: $0.80-$1.50 per mile. Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles: expect $1,200-$1,800 open. Enclosed for classic car transport: double.\n\nDemand explanation. \"Why this price?\" Good brokers show math. We do. Multi-car transport for families saves. Single-car vs multi-car load cost matters.\n\n| Factor | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |\n|--------|--------------|------------------|\n| Standard Sedan, 1,000 miles | $900-$1,200 | $1,400-$1,800 |\n| SUV/Non-Runner | +15-25% | +20-30% |\n| Luxury/Exotic | Not recommended | Standard |\n\n## Have You Verified the Company's Licensing and Insurance?\n\nScams hide behind fake sites. Check credentials. Brokers and carriers need authority.\n\n### Do They Have Valid USDOT and MC Numbers You Can Check on FMCSA?\n\nFMCSA.safer.gov. Punch in USDOT and MC numbers. Verify active authority. No crashes? Bonus. Auto transport safety record and reputation counts.\n\nMost carriers won't deal direct. People skip payments. Brokers buffer that. But vet your broker. AMG holds valid MC. Our carriers too. Texas based auto transport broker nationwide—we're licensed.\n\n### Is Carrier Insurance Proof Provided with Limits and Deductibles?\n\nBrokers don't carry vehicles. Carriers do. Demand carrier packet: insurance cert, W-9, photos. Limits: $100k cargo typical. Deductibles: under $500.\n\nAMG vets insured carriers. Proof before booking. Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open? We match right carrier. No gaps.\n\nRed flag: \"We'll email later.\" Get it now.\n\n## Are Pickup, Delivery, and Timing Details Realistic?\n\nPromises of next-day pickup? Lies. How long does car shipping take cross country? 5-14 days typical.\n\n### What's the Exact Pickup Window and Delivery Estimate?\n\n72-hour pickup window standard. Not guaranteed date. Weather, traffic delay. Relocating to Florida ship car from Texas? Quote 7-10 days.\n\nAMG honors 72-hour windows. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service. Exact estimates based on carrier location.\n\n### How Will You Track the Shipment During Transit?\n\nGPS apps or weekly calls. No tracking? Risky. We provide VIN scans at pickup. Photos too. Track via portal.\n\nYour vehicle could be anywhere. Brokers coordinate. Carriers haul.\n\n## Do Cancellation and Payment Terms Protect You?\n\nDeposits gone wrong kill deals. Read terms.\n\n### What Happens to Your Deposit If You Cancel or They Delay?\n\nFlexible policy: full refund inside 48 hours. Carrier no-show? Your money back.\n\nAMG uses Stripe deposits. Secure, refundable. No chargebacks needed.\n\n### Is Payment Secure with Refundable Options?\n\nCredit card via Stripe. Not wire, Zelle, crypto. Scams love those.\n\nWe secure payments. Balance on delivery. Inspect first.\n\n## Final Thoughts: Book Smart with AMG Transport Co.\n\nYou've checked quotes, licenses, timing, terms. Still wary? The industry is fraud-filled. Carriers avoid direct hassle. People don't pay. Brokers take the heat.\n\nBut not all brokers equal. AMG Transport Co. stands out. Vetted insured carriers. VIN scans. Stripe deposits. 72-hour pickups. Honest quotes. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees. Experienced car shipping broker you can trust.\n\nBest auto transport company Texas for out-of-state moves. Vehicle transport Texas to California expert broker.\n\nDon't risk it. Get a quote today. We'll handle the rest.\n\nWritten by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.