Before you book
How to Verify an Auto Transport Company
Check the company's federal authority, bond, carrier details and written pricing before you book.
Federal records
Four checks before you book
Check federal authority
Ask for the company's USDOT and MC numbers. Search FMCSA SAFER for the legal name and operating status, then confirm brokerage authority in Licensing & Insurance.
Check the brokerage bond
Use FMCSA Licensing & Insurance to confirm an active brokerage bond or trust fund. The brokerage's legal name should match the company you are booking.
Ask about your carrier
Before pickup, request the assigned carrier's name, MC number and cargo insurance details. Confirm the driver and pickup information with your brokerage.
Review pricing and paperwork
Ask for the brokerage fee and carrier payment separately. Check the transport agreement and bill of lading before releasing your vehicle.
Worth a second look
Common warning signs
- A large deposit demanded without a clear written breakdown
- Refusal to disclose the brokerage fee
- Pressure to book before you can review the terms
- No verifiable USDOT or MC number
Positive carrier reviews are only one part of the picture. Read our real carrier-screening example to see why additional records can warrant investigation without proving wrongdoing.
Our record
Verify us, too
Our only phone number is (239) 273-4649 and every page lists USDOT #2273104 / MC #774106. If unsure, verify us on FMCSA SAFER.
Check any company's BBB record and FMCSA authority before booking. Here is ours. For our full carrier-verification steps, read about vehicle shipping safety and fraud prevention.
Quick answers