Why scams happen
Auto transport is a competitive, high-volume business, and shoppers often compare many quotes at once. That makes it a target for bait-and-switch pricing, fake listings, and companies that take a deposit and never dispatch a truck.
Common red flags
- A quote far lower than every other quote. It may be a lure that is raised later.
- Pressure to pay a large deposit immediately or to pay by a method that cannot be reversed.
- No written agreement or terms that change after you book.
- No verifiable USDOT or MC number, or details that do not match the company name.
- Vague answers about insurance or refusal to share a certificate.
- Reviews that all sound alike or appear within a few days of each other.
How to verify a company
- Look up the USDOT and MC numbers in the federal registry and confirm the operating status.
- Check consumer protection and complaint databases.
- Read recent reviews for specifics, not just star ratings.
- Call the company and ask who will handle your vehicle.
Protect yourself
- Pay by a method that offers dispute protection, and keep every receipt.
- Photograph your vehicle from every angle before pickup.
- Inspect the car at delivery before you sign the bill of lading.
- Remove personal belongings and valuables.
If something goes wrong
Document the damage with photos, note it on the bill of lading at delivery, and file a claim with the carrier and, if needed, with a consumer protection agency. Visit our scam watch page for more information.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Figures are illustrative estimates, not quotes. Always request a written quote before you book.