Final checklist for booking car shipping: verify credentials, insurance, contracts & more to avoid scams and ensure smooth pickup/delivery. (118 chars)

auto transport deposit booking checklist verify broker scam prevention insurance proof cancellation policy carrier credentials final checks car shipping deposit reliable auto transport broker Texas auto transport broker

What Must You Verify Before Paying an Auto Transport Deposit?

You're about to ship your car cross country. Excitement builds. Then doubt hits. Scams lurk everywhere in auto transport. Deposits vanish. Cars delay. Or worse, never move.

Don't pay a dime until you run this checklist. I've managed logistics at AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker, for years. We handle nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. I know the tricks. Brokers and carriers both have bad apples. Verify everything.

This is your final gate before booking. Miss one step, regret it. Let's cut the BS and get to it.

Do They Have Valid USDOT and MC Authority Numbers?

Every legit broker and carrier needs these. USDOT for safety. MC for interstate authority. No numbers? Walk away.

Brokers like us at AMG list ours upfront. Check our site. Carriers too. Fraudsters fake sites or dodge questions.

How Can You Verify Them Online?

Go to FMCSA's site. SaferWeb.dot.gov. Punch in the USDOT number. Confirm active status. No complaints pileup. Check MC on same site. Expires? Red flag.

Takes 2 minutes. Do it. As a reliable auto transport broker, we provide ours instantly. No excuses allowed.

Is the Quote Locked or Can It Still Change?

Quotes shift with fuel prices. Demand surges. But a good broker locks the price at booking. Ask upfront: \"Is this binding?\"

At AMG, our honest quotes stick. No surprises. We've seen shady outfits hike 20-30% post-deposit. Fuel surcharge my ass.

What Triggers Post-Booking Price Increases?

Common excuses: vehicle condition changes. Access issues. Carrier no-show. Or pure greed. Legit brokers build buffers in. Insist on written lock-in. Read the contract fine print.

Can They Provide Active Carrier Insurance Proof?

Your car isn't covered by their policy. Demand carrier's insurance cert. Current. Not expired.

We vet insured carriers only at AMG. Proof on request. Covers cargo damage. Liability.

What's the Deductible and Coverage Limit?

$0 deductible ideal. But check limits. $100K per vehicle minimum. Ask for Continental Western or similar underwriter. Verify by calling insurer. Don't trust PDFs alone.

What's Their Exact Cancellation Policy?

Policies vary. Know yours. 24-hour free cancel? Or deposit forfeit day one?

AMG spells it out: full refund before dispatch. Clear terms protect you.

When Do You Forfeit the Deposit?

Typically post-carrier assignment. Or 24-48 hours pre-pickup. Get it writing. No vague \"at our discretion.\"

Have They Assigned a Specific Carrier?

Brokers dispatch nationwide. Carrier assignment comes quick. Demand name. DOT. Before deposit.

We assign vetted partners fast. Texas to California? No issue.

Can You Get Carrier Details and Reviews?

Yes. USDOT. Phone. Load boards like DAT. Check reviews on TransportReviews.com. Safety ratings. Avoid chronic complainers.

Is Payment Secure and Refundable?

Use credit card. Stripe. PayPal. Tracks disputes.

AMG takes Stripe deposits. Secure. Refundable per policy.

Why Avoid Wire Transfers or Cash?

Irreversible. Scammers love them. Zelle? Crypto? Run. No recourse.

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

| Stripe/Credit | Yes | Yes | Low |

| Wire Transfer | No | No | High |

| Cash/Check | No | No | High |

What's the Realistic Pickup Timeline?

72 hours max from deposit. That's standard. Open car carrier? Faster. Enclosed for luxury cars? Plan ahead.

AMG guarantees 72-hour pickup windows. Door-to-door. VIN scans confirm condition pre-move.

Cross-country car transport from Texas coast to coast? 7-14 days. How long does car shipping take? Ask specifics.

Final Checks: Ship Smart

Run this list. Sleep easy.

USDOT/MC verified.
Quote locked.
Insurance proof.
Clear cancel policy.
Carrier assigned.
Secure payment only.
Pickup timeline set.

Relocating to Florida? Ship car from Texas? Multi-car for family? We handle it. No hidden fees. Affordable car shipping done right.

Skip the fraud-filled chaos. Choose an experienced car shipping broker you can trust. AMG Transport Co. makes it simple. Vetted carriers. Honest quotes. Stripe deposits. VIN scans. 72-hour pickups.

Get your free quote today. No risk. All reward.

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