How to Avoid Auto Transport Scams and Choose a Car Shipping Company

To avoid an auto transport scam, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website, get the quote, the pickup window and the insurance details in writing, and be wary of any price far below the others. Know who the carrier is before pickup, and never release a car to a driver or truck that doesn't match what you were told.

Most car shipments go fine. The problems tend to follow the same few patterns, and a little checking up front avoids nearly all of them.

Common scams and red flags

• The lowball quote. A price well under every other quote, which goes up after the car is on the truck or never gets a driver at all.
• Fake companies. A website that copies a real company's name or uses a USDOT number that belongs to someone else.
• No real insurance. A carrier that can't show a current certificate of insurance.
• Pressure to pay everything now. A demand for full payment to an unknown company before anything is booked.
• The last-minute swap. A call or text saying a different driver or "partner" will pick up the car instead.

How to check a company

1. Look up its numbers. Search the USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA website. Check that the name, address and phone match the company you're talking to and that its authority is active.
2. Read independent reviews. Look beyond the testimonials on the company's own site, and pay attention to how complaints were handled.
3. Ask for proof of insurance. A real company sends the carrier's certificate of insurance without fuss. Our car shipping insurance guide explains what to look for.
4. Get it in writing. The price, what it includes, the pickup window, the cancellation terms and how payment works.
5. Call the number you already have. If instructions change by text or from a new email address, call the company back on the number you started with.

Questions to ask before you book

• Are you the carrier, or are you arranging a carrier for me?
• Who is the carrier, and when will I know the driver and truck?
• What insurance covers my car on the truck, and what's the limit?
• Is this the full price, or could anything be added later?
• What happens if the pickup date changes?
• Who do I call while the car is on the road?

A company that answers these plainly is usually one you can work with.

At pickup: check before you hand over the keys

Compare the driver's name, the carrier name and the truck with the details you were sent. Walk around the car with the driver, make sure existing damage is marked on the bill of lading, and keep your copy. If anything doesn't match, don't release the car until you've called your transport company. Dealers can use the routine in our guide on stopping carrier fraud at pickup.

How FCT works

A real person quotes every move; there are no price tables or instant quotes. Every carrier is vetted before it touches the car, every shipment is fully insured, and the driver and truck are confirmed before pickup. You have one point of contact from quote to drop-off, and if anything changes on the road, you hear it from FCT first. See how to get a quote you can trust for more on reading quotes.

Frequently asked questions

What are common car shipping scams?

A lowball quote that goes up after pickup, fake companies using someone else's name or USDOT number, carriers with no real insurance, pressure to pay in full up front, and a last-minute driver swap.

How can I check if a car shipping company is legitimate?

Look up its USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA website and check that the details match, read independent reviews, and ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance.

Should I pay the full amount before my car is shipped?

Be careful about paying an unknown company in full before anything is booked. Get the price and payment terms in writing first.

What should I check when the driver arrives?

Make sure the driver, the carrier name and the truck match what you were told, and that existing damage is marked on the bill of lading. If anything doesn't match, call your transport company before releasing the car.

Want a straight answer?

Ask us anything before you book. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101, and a real person gets back to you.