Do you need to ship your car to another state?
Congrats, you're not alone. With 91.7% of American households owning at least one vehicle, auto transport is big business.
The problem is…
Not all auto transport companies are created equal.
It's gotten so bad, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is reporting a "sharp rise" in complaints against auto transporters and auto transport brokers. And with over 2 million registered carriers right now in the US, how do you choose the right one?
Don't worry, by the end of this post you'll know exactly how to find reliable auto transport services that won't leave you stranded.
What you'll discover:
- Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing Auto Transport
- How to Verify a Company's Credentials
- The Difference Between Brokers and Carriers
- Pricing Red Flags That Scream "Scam"
- Questions to Ask Before Booking
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing Auto Transport
Here's the thing about the auto transport industry…
It's very loosely regulated, especially on the marketing end. Current federal regulations cover safety, insurance, and licensing. But the way auto transport companies sell their services to consumers is practically a free-for-all.
Which means scammers.
Before you start researching car delivery services, make sure to watch out for these warning signs.
Unverifiable Company Information: Lack of a professional website, physical address, or verifiable contact information is a big red flag.
Pressure Tactics: High-pressure sales tactics or "limited time offers" are sketchy. Reputable companies won't pressure you into making an immediate decision.
Upfront Payment Demands: A huge red flag. Never pay the full amount upfront, especially to a broker who hasn't assigned a carrier yet.
Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing: A quote that seems unbelievably low probably is. Legit transport costs range from 53 cents per mile to over $2.30 per mile.
If something seems suspicious, trust your gut. Take the time to do the research and compare companies before you book.
How to Verify a Company's Credentials
Here's the quickest way to tell if an auto transport company is legitimate or not…
Verify their DOT and MC numbers.
All auto transport companies and brokers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Verify the following:
DOT Number: All transporters are assigned a seven-digit USDOT number
MC Number: Transporters and brokers are assigned a six-digit MC Docket number
Verify DOT numbers on the FMCSA's SAFER system. You'll see:
- Operating authority status
- Insurance coverage
- Safety ratings
- Complaint history
Pro tip: Don't work with a company that doesn't prominently display its MC Docket number on their website. This is a big red flag.
The Difference Between Brokers and Carriers
Here's a fun fact you might not know…
The majority of auto transport companies are not carriers at all. They're brokers.
Here's the difference:
Auto Transport Brokers: Act as intermediaries between customers and carriers. They don't own any trucks or transport vehicles.
Auto Transport Carriers: Own the trucks and transport your vehicle from pickup to delivery.
Working with brokers isn't inherently bad. They can be convenient and connect you with competitive rates from carriers. But there is one thing to watch out for with brokers…
The Payment Scam: Some brokers insist on taking your payment before telling you which carrier will transport your vehicle. Huge red flag.
A legit broker will tell you which carrier they've assigned and give you their contact info. Then they'll only collect a small deposit upfront.
Pricing Red Flags That Scream "Scam"
Here's another fun fact for you…
Auto transport is a $10.1 billion industry in 2024. That's a lot of money floating around.
And with money comes scammers. Protect yourself by avoiding these pricing tricks:
Bait and Switch: Low-ball quotes to get customers then significantly raise the price before or during transport.
Hidden Fees: Legitimate companies are transparent about costs upfront. Question companies that add mysterious fees later.
Cash or Wire Transfer Only: Only deal with companies that accept credit cards. That gives you recourse if something goes wrong.
No Written Contract: Contracts are important. Walk away from companies that won't give you a detailed written agreement.
Average costs to expect: Short-distance deliveries average $500, while cross-country runs are about $1,700.
If a quote is significantly below these ranges, be suspicious.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before booking any auto transport service, be sure to ask the following questions:
- "What's your claims process if my car is damaged?" They should have a process and adequate insurance coverage.
- "Can you provide references from recent customers?" Legitimate companies will gladly provide references and testimonials.
- "What's included in your insurance coverage?" Make sure you understand what's covered and what's not.
- "How do you handle delays?" Know their policy for weather, mechanical, or other transport delays.
- "Will you provide the carrier's contact information?" You should be able to contact the actual transporter if needed.
What to Look for in a Reliable Company
The most reliable auto transport companies all share a few key traits:
- Transparent communication and quick, clear answers to questions
- Proper licensing with current DOT and MC numbers that can be verified
- Positive reviews from other customers on Google Reviews, BBB, and Transport Reviews
- Reasonable pricing that is competitive but not suspiciously low or high
- Clear contracts that spell out all terms and costs in writing
- Adequate insurance coverage to protect your vehicle during transport
Transport time for vehicles takes an average of one to seven days, depending on pickup and distance.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
If you think you've been the victim of an auto transport scam, take these steps:
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and FMCSA.
- Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute charges if you paid with a credit card.
- Document everything. Keep all communication, contracts, and payment records.
- Consult with a consumer protection attorney if you have substantial losses.
Prevention is always easier than trying to recover from a scam. Always do your research before selecting an auto transport company.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing reliable auto transport services is a process but it's not difficult.
The key is doing your research before you commit to a company. Verify company credentials, understand broker vs carrier differences, and be aware of pricing red flags.
Ask the right questions and use your instincts. With the auto transport industry growing so rapidly there are plenty of good, legitimate companies that will take care of your vehicle.
It's worth the extra time to research and compare multiple companies before making a decision. Your car is valuable and deserves to be handled professionally.
Take your time and the effort will be rewarded when your vehicle arrives safely.
