Shipping your car should be straightforward. You get a quote, book a carrier, and hand over the keys. Your vehicle shows up at the destination in the same condition it left. For most people who do their homework, that’s exactly how it goes. Unfortunately, the auto transport industry has its share of unreliable operators. Like any industry that handles high-value property, it attracts companies that make the experience far more stressful than it needs to be.
The good news is that the warning signs are almost always visible in advance, if you know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common red flags, explain how auto transport scams typically work, and give you a clear checklist for choosing a company you can actually trust.
Red Flag #1: No Verifiable DOT or MC Number
Federal law requires every legitimate auto transport company operating in the United States to hold a valid USDOT number and Motor Carrier (MC) number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These aren’t optional — they’re the baseline legal requirement for anyone moving vehicles across state lines.
Before booking with any carrier or broker, take two minutes to verify their credentials through the official FMCSA website. Enter the company’s DOT or MC number and confirm that their operating authority is active and their insurance is current.
If a company can’t provide a DOT number, claims it doesn’t apply to them, or gives you a number that doesn’t check out — walk away. There is no legitimate reason for a licensed auto transport company to be unverifiable through the FMCSA database.
For reference, Mile Auto Transport’s credentials are publicly verifiable: DOT 4175582 | MC 1606817.
Red Flag #2: Quotes That Are Suspiciously Low
Pricing in the auto transport industry is competitive, but real costs govern every quote — fuel, driver wages, insurance, equipment maintenance, and carrier availability. When a quote comes in dramatically lower than everything else you’ve received, that’s not a deal. That’s a warning sign.
The most common scam in auto transport is called bait-and-switch pricing. Here’s how it typically works: a company quotes an unusually low price to win your booking. Once your vehicle is loaded — or sometimes held at a facility — the price suddenly increases due to “additional fees,” “fuel surcharges,” or other charges that weren’t disclosed upfront. At that point, you’re in a difficult position.
A legitimate company provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing upfront. The quote you receive should be the price you pay. If a company is vague about what’s included, ask directly: “Is this an all-in price with no additional fees?” If they can’t give you a clear yes, keep looking.
Red Flag #3: No Written Contract or Confirmation
Any reputable auto transport company will provide written documentation before your vehicle is picked up. This includes a booking confirmation with the agreed price, a Bill of Lading at pickup documenting your vehicle’s condition, and clear terms covering pickup window, delivery timeline, and insurance coverage.
If a company operates entirely by phone with no written confirmation, asks you to pay in full before providing any paperwork, or is vague about the terms of your agreement — these are serious red flags. Verbal agreements are unenforceable in the event of a dispute, and a company that avoids putting things in writing is a company that doesn’t want to be held accountable.
Red Flag #4: Pressure to Pay in Full Upfront
Legitimate auto transport companies typically require a deposit at booking and collect the remainder at delivery — often in cash or certified funds paid directly to the driver. This structure protects both parties: you don’t pay in full until your vehicle arrives, and the carrier is compensated at completion.
Be cautious of any company that demands full payment before pickup, especially if they’re asking for wire transfer, Zelle, Venmo, or other non-reversible payment methods. Once money is sent via these channels, recovering it is extremely difficult if something goes wrong.
Red Flag #5: No Physical Address or Traceable Business Presence
A legitimate auto transport company has a verifiable business address, a working phone number, and an online presence that goes beyond a single landing page. Before booking, check the company’s FMCSA record for their listed business address. Search for reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for consistent reviews over time — not a sudden spike of five-star ratings with no detail.
Companies that operate without a traceable address, have no BBB listing, or whose reviews all appeared within the past few weeks are worth approaching with serious caution. In the auto transport industry, reputation is built over time and is publicly verifiable. A legitimate company has nothing to hide.
Red Flag #6: Poor Communication Before You Even Book
How a company communicates before you sign anything tells you everything about how they’ll communicate once your vehicle is on a truck somewhere between states.
Watch for these warning signs:
No one answers the phone. A legitimate carrier has real people available during business hours. If every call goes to voicemail and emails take days to get a response before booking — expect the same or worse once your vehicle is in transit.
You’re passed between multiple contacts. If you speak to three different people and get three slightly different answers about pricing, timing, or process — that’s a sign of disorganized operations, not a company you want handling a high-value asset.
Pressure to decide immediately. Phrases like “this price is only valid today” or “we have a truck leaving tomorrow, book now” are pressure tactics. Reputable companies don’t need to rush you. Carrier availability exists on most major routes — a company creating artificial urgency is trying to prevent you from comparing options.
They disappear after taking a deposit. This is unfortunately more common than it should be. A company that was responsive before payment suddenly becomes hard to reach once they have your money. Always confirm communication expectations before booking — how will you receive updates, who is your point of contact, and what happens if there’s a delay?
Good communication isn’t a luxury — it’s a baseline expectation. A company that handles it well before booking will handle your vehicle well too.
Red Flag #7: Vague or Missing Insurance Information
Federal law requires every licensed auto transport carrier to carry cargo insurance covering the vehicles they move. Before pickup, you should get a clear answer to: “What is your cargo insurance coverage limit, and does my vehicle stay covered from pickup to delivery?”
A reputable carrier will answer this without hesitation. They’ll also complete a thorough vehicle inspection at pickup and document your car’s condition on the Bill of Lading — because they want a clear record of the vehicle’s pre-transport condition just as much as you do.
If a company is evasive about insurance, can’t tell you their coverage limit, or discourages you from doing a pre-pickup inspection — treat it as a serious warning sign. For more detail on what the full shipping process looks like from start to finish, see our guide on how car shipping works.
How to Choose a Car Shipping Company You Can Trust
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s what a trustworthy auto transport company looks like:
Verifiable credentials. Active USDOT and MC numbers, confirmed through the FMCSA database. No exceptions.
Transparent pricing. An all-inclusive quote with no hidden fees. The price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
Clear documentation. Written booking confirmation, a Bill of Lading at pickup, and clear terms covering the full shipment.
Honest communication. Clear answers about whether the company is a carrier or broker, what insurance covers your vehicle, and realistic timelines for pickup and delivery.
A trackable reputation. Consistent reviews over time on Google, BBB, and Trustpilot. A physical address that checks out. A company that’s been operating long enough to have a real track record.
Reasonable deposit structure. A deposit at booking and balance at delivery — not full payment upfront via wire transfer.
For more practical tips on preparing for your shipment and making the most of the process, our car shipping tips guide covers everything from vehicle preparation to what to check at delivery.
A Note on Auto Transport Scams Targeting First-Time Shippers
First-time shippers are the most common targets for auto transport scams, simply because they don’t know what a normal experience looks like. If this is your first time shipping a car, a few things worth knowing:
Getting multiple quotes is normal and expected — legitimate companies won’t pressure you to book immediately or claim their offer expires in an hour. Pickup windows of 1–3 days are standard — any company guaranteeing an exact pickup time for a significantly lower price should be questioned. And finally, a carrier who asks to inspect your vehicle at pickup and complete paperwork is doing exactly what they should — this is normal procedure, not a delay tactic.
Understanding how car shipping works before you book is the single best way to protect yourself. The more you know about the standard process, the easier it is to spot when something doesn’t feel right.
FAQ
How do I verify an auto transport company’s license?
Visit safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search by company name or DOT/MC number. Confirm that their operating authority is active and their insurance is current. This takes less than two minutes and is the single most important check you can do before booking.
What is bait-and-switch pricing in auto transport?
Bait-and-switch happens when a company quotes a low price to win your booking, then raises it after loading your vehicle or during transit — often citing undisclosed fees. Protect yourself by getting everything in writing and confirming the quote is all-inclusive before booking.
Is it safe to pay a deposit for auto transport?
Yes — a deposit at booking is standard and legitimate. Be cautious of companies requesting full payment upfront, especially via wire transfer or non-reversible payment methods.
How do I know if auto transport reviews are legitimate?
Look for reviews that are consistent over time, include specific details about the experience, and appear across multiple platforms (Google, BBB, Trustpilot). Be cautious of a sudden spike of generic five-star reviews with no detail.
What should I do if something goes wrong during transport?
Document any damage with photos immediately at delivery, before signing the delivery receipt. Note discrepancies on the Bill of Lading. Contact the carrier’s insurance department with your documentation. Having the Bill of Lading signed at pickup is essential for any claim.
Looking for a car shipping company you can trust? Mile Auto Transport is fully licensed (DOT: 4175582 | MC: 1606817), A+ rated with the BBB, and committed to transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Door-to-door car shipping nationwide, fully insured from pickup to delivery. Get your free quote today.