The auto transport industry has thousands of brokers and carriers, and unfortunately, not all of them operate with integrity. Here is how to find a reliable company and avoid common pitfalls.
What to Look For
1. FMCSA Registration
Every legitimate auto transport broker and carrier must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Ask for their:
- • MC number (Motor Carrier number)
- • USDOT number
You can verify these on the FMCSA website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). If a company cannot provide these numbers or they come back invalid, walk away.
2. Insurance Verification
Legitimate brokers verify carrier insurance before dispatch. Ask:
- • Does the carrier have active cargo insurance?
- • What is the coverage amount?
- • Can you provide the carrier's insurance certificate?
A reputable broker will provide this information without hesitation.
3. Transparent Pricing
A reliable company will:
- • Give you a clear, all-inclusive quote
- • Explain what is and is not included
- • Not pressure you with "today only" deals
- • Not require a large upfront deposit before assigning a carrier
4. Real Reviews
Check multiple review sources:
- • Google Reviews
- • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- • Transport Reviews
- • Trustpilot
Look for patterns in reviews, not just the star rating. A few negative reviews among many positive ones is normal. Watch for repeated complaints about the same issues.
5. Responsive Communication
A good company:
- • Answers the phone (or returns calls promptly)
- • Provides clear timelines and updates
- • Has a physical business address
- • Does not dodge questions about their process
Red Flags to Avoid
Quotes That Are Too Low
If a quote is significantly below other companies, be cautious. Common bait-and-switch tactics include:
- • Quoting a low price to get your deposit, then claiming "market conditions changed"
- • Adding fuel surcharges, insurance fees, or "accessorial charges" at delivery
- • Holding your vehicle hostage for additional payment
Large Upfront Deposits
Most reputable brokers collect a small deposit only when a carrier is assigned and dispatched. If a company wants hundreds of dollars upfront before finding a carrier, that is a red flag.
No Physical Address
Legitimate businesses have a physical office. A company operating only through a cell phone and P.O. box may be harder to hold accountable.
Pressure Tactics
"This rate is only valid for the next hour" or "We only have one carrier left on this route" are high-pressure sales tactics. Real pricing does not work this way.
No FMCSA Registration
This is the biggest red flag. Unregistered companies are operating illegally and you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
1. What is your MC number and USDOT number? 2. Is the quote all-inclusive or are there additional fees? 3. When do I pay and how much? 4. How do you vet your carriers? 5. What happens if my vehicle is damaged? 6. What is your cancellation policy? 7. Can I get your carrier's insurance information?
The Bottom Line
Choosing a reliable auto transport company comes down to three things: verified credentials, transparent pricing, and responsive communication. If a company checks all three boxes, you are in good hands.
State Wide Auto Transport (SWA) is fully licensed, insured, and transparent. Call us at (855) 469-8090 to experience the difference.