How to Spot an Auto Transport Scam Before You Pay a Deposit

Verify before you book

Two minutes on the FMCSA website tells you who you're really dealing with

You do not have to take any company's word for it. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration keeps free public records on every licensed brokerage and carrier in the country. Here is exactly what to ask for and where to verify it:

1. 1.Ask for the MC and USDOT numbers

   Every legitimate brokerage and carrier must provide both on request. Our numbers: USDOT #2273104 and MC #774106. If a company hesitates or deflects, stop.

2. 2.Look them up on the FMCSA SAFER system

   Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and use the Company Snapshot search. Enter the MC or USDOT number and confirm the legal name, operating status and “Authorized” brokerage or carrier authority match what you were told.

3. 3.Confirm the $75,000 brokerage bond

   In the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance portal (li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov), verify the brokerage's BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund is active. No active bond means no legal authority to brokerage your shipment.

4. 4.Demand the carrier's information and payment breakdown

   If a company says they have a carrier for you but never sends you the carrier's name, DOT/MC number, driver contact and truck details, or you never get to see how much of your payment is going to the carrier, that is a red flag. A legitimate brokerage discloses the assigned carrier and explains the brokerage fee before you book.

When you check our records you'll find Enterprise Auto Transport LLC, USDOT #2273104, MC #774106; an owner-operated, federally licensed and bonded brokerage based in Naples, Florida, working by phone and email with no walk-in office. You can also read our full carrier vetting process.