5 Red Flags to Watch for When Shipping a Car

In car shipping, maintaining vigilance is essential to detect potential red flags signaling the presence of scams, albeit relatively rare within the transportation industry. Despite the apparent professionalism displayed by certain car shipping companies, the existence of scams, often veiled by enticingly low rates, must not be dismissed.

We aim to guide you in navigating this landscape, steering clear of scams, and identifying trustworthy auto transport companies.

Red Flag Alert: Convenient Services and Low Prices

One red flag to be cautious about is the enticing promise of highly convenient services and surprisingly low prices. Scammers often attract individuals by soliciting deposits through digital wallet services such as CashApp, Paypal, or Venmo.

Following the money transfer, they may offer a pickup date but fail to fulfill their commitment without communication, citing delays with the driver or abruptly cutting off contact with the customer.

Despite the presence of numerous reliable auto transport companies, the industry remains susceptible to scammers who leverage professional-looking companies to promise exceptional service at an unrealistically low cost. What may initially seem like a budget-friendly quote can quickly escalate into a financial burden as hidden fees and unreliable service come to light.

Before embarking on your car shipping journey, it is essential to explore how Autohauler Transport can ensure that your experience meets the standard you deserve. Learn more about our trustworthy car shipping services.

Acknowledging that car shipping scams can occur, particularly with numerous companies in the industry, it becomes imperative to follow these steps to ensure you are working with a reputable company and to avoid falling victim to potential red flags.

The Growing Need for Car Shipping Services

The rising demand for car shipping services highlights the changing dynamics of transportation needs. As more people move for work, study, or various reasons, there's a significant surge in the demand for dependable car shipping.

This trend extends beyond personal relocations, reaching into the expanding e-commerce sector where consumers frequently need vehicle transportation. Yet, with the increasing demand comes heightened risks as numerous service providers enter the market. Navigating this evolving landscape demands a thoughtful balance between convenience and discernment to guarantee a secure and reliable car shipping experience. It's crucial to approach this growing industry with caution and informed decision-making.

5 Red Flags in Car Shipping to Ensure Trust in Auto Transport Companies

Collect Details About the Auto Transport Company

Acquire comprehensive details about the car transport company by gathering all contact information for your potential car mover. This includes the full company name, Doing Business As (DBAs), addresses, and local and toll-free phone numbers.

 Request their Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) license numbers. Conduct online investigations to delve deeper into the company's background. Utilize resources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration (FMCSA) to check for complaints against the auto transport company under consideration.

Maintain a balanced perspective when faced with a history of complaints associated with the company. Understand that even reputable companies may have some negative comments. Assess the number of complaints relative to the total customers served, aiming for a reasonable percentage. Verify if the complaints were satisfactorily resolved, demonstrating the company's commitment to customer service.

Explore Customer Reviews on the Internet

Checking online reviews has become a common step in purchasing a product or service today. Examining recommendations from other customers can provide valuable insights into the kind of service you can expect. Therefore, delving into reviews is crucial to pinpointing a trustworthy car transport company.

Carefully Review Your Car Moving Quote and Terms and Conditions

Ensure the quote for moving your car across the country encompasses all the necessary details. Your customer service representative should guide you through the associated charges, explain the terms and conditions, and address any questions you may have regarding the transportation of your car.

This approach ensures transparency and clarity, allowing you to make informed decisions and mitigating the risk of unforeseen challenges during the car shipping process.

Inquire About Payment Timing

Beware of companies solely focused on immediate payment, as some may request upfront fees, possibly even before assigning a trucker – a notable red flag. A trustworthy car shipping company typically seeks payment only after your vehicle is accepted for transport by a qualified trucker. It's customary to pay a deposit once your vehicle is assigned, with the remaining balance settled upon successful delivery to its destination or once the vehicle has been picked up.

Engage in Direct Communication With the Auto Moving Company

Regardless of the deal the car shipping company presents, trust your instincts. Take the initiative to call and speak with a representative directly. If the company is unresponsive or fails to return your calls, consider removing it from your list and exploring options with a more responsive company. Reputable car shipping companies prioritize customer communication and will gladly address your inquiries when you reach out.

Red Flags to Avoid When Considering Auto Transport Companies

During your research on car shipping services, you'll compile a list of potential companies to assess. Watch for the following warning signs when evaluating an auto transport company. If the company falls into any of these categories, exploring alternatives for your business is advisable.

Transport Companies Lacking Proper Registration

Unlicensed vehicle transportation firms fall under the oversight of the FMCSA, governing the functioning of commercial motor vehicles in this sector. These companies, classified as carriers and brokers, handle vehicles' direct transportation or brokerage. Carriers own the trucks and employ drivers skilled in the auto transport process. FMCSA registration for carriers necessitates compliance with various requirements.

For FMCSA registration, carriers must fulfill several criteria, such as obtaining a Motor Carrier number, maintaining suitable insurance coverage, adhering to safety regulations, meeting driver qualification standards, and complying with hours of service regulations.

In contrast, brokers, lacking their shipping equipment or employed truck drivers, serve as intermediaries connecting customers with carriers. Their role is to streamline the process for customers in finding optimal solutions for their auto transport requirements. To confirm the legitimacy of an auto transport broker, the FMCSA assesses:

·         Authority to operate

·         Insurance provisions

·         Agreement processing

·         Payment procedures

·         Licensing and fiscal responsibility

·         Safeguards for consumers

·         Resolution of complaints

These verifications safeguard the interests of both customers and carriers, promoting equitable business practices.

Ways to Confirm a Carry or Broker's Legitimacy Using the FMCSA

To verify if a carrier or broker is legitimate through the FMCSA, visit the FMCSA website and check their registration status using the Company Snapshot database with their DOT number. Reputable companies readily share their USDOT and/or MC numbers online or upon request.

If a company hesitates or isn't FMCSA registered, looking for car shipping services elsewhere is wise. The database provides details like contact information, status, operation classification, and the types of cargo the company can transport. Ensure you choose a carrier qualified and registered specifically for transporting motor vehicles when shipping your vehicle.

Internal Scoring System and Carrier Monitoring Tools

Understanding FMCSA data on carriers can be challenging for shippers due to its complex nature. Autohauler addresses this by employing an internal scoring system and utilizing third-party monitoring tools that are not publicly available.

This comprehensive approach ensures that your vehicle is in good hands from the beginning to the end of the transportation process. For example, Autohauler's commitment to safety goes beyond standard public data, providing customers with an added layer of assurance.

Beware of Fraudulent Auto Transport

Scammers seeking to deceive unsuspecting customers may replicate reputable companies by creating websites or social media profiles using their names and images to lure customers before exploiting them.

Before engaging in any business, validate a company's contact information and identity. Confirm its legitimacy by checking its FMCSA or DOT numbers. Additionally, ensure the company is easily reachable, providing a readily available phone number and responsive customer service team.

If a company is elusive or reluctant to provide contact details, exercise caution. Cross-reference the auto transport company on the Better Business Bureau to verify that its website, phone number, and address align with the information listed by the BBB. Similar verified details can be found through the FMCSA Company Snapshot.

Going The Extra Steps

Interpreting FMCSA data can pose a challenge for individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of the transportation industry. At Autohauler, we navigate this complexity through a proprietary internal carrier scoring system and leverage third-party tools that extend beyond publicly accessible information. Our dedicated approach involves monitoring carriers with a focus on safety and compliance, ensuring a comprehensive assessment that goes beyond what is readily available to the general public. This meticulous process not only enhances our understanding of the industry but also strengthens our commitment to promoting safety and adherence to carrier regulations.

Why Is Autohauler The Best Choice For Transporting Your Vehicle

Explore a streamlined approach to coordinate car transportation at Autohauler. With a B2B/B2C focus, we're committed to delivering educational and authoritative content. Elevate your shipping endeavors by engaging with our platform designed to redefine the transportation process.

Our extensive network comprises trusted carriers, allowing us to offer you the most competitive rates in the industry. Whether you prefer the swift precision of our instant quote calculator or the tailored insights from our knowledgeable advisors, connecting with Autohauler at +1 (800) 358-0311 guarantees a transportation experience that aligns with our commitment to excellence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can one build trust in a car transport company?

Establish trust in a car transport company by assessing its reputation through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and online customer reviews. A positive rating and favorable reviews are indicators of the company's dedication to customer satisfaction, instilling confidence in its services.

How can I verify the legitimacy of a car shipping company?

Avoid engaging with a company lacking appropriate licensing. Every functioning car moving service should possess a Motor Carrier (MC) number and a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT/DOT) number. The USDOT number serves as a distinctive identifier the U.S. Department of Transportation uses for audits and monitoring accidents and safety information.

Can car shipping be considered a secure and safe option?

Shipping your car using a licensed cargo company is the safest transportation choice. It can be safer than driving it to your destination as you may save time and money and have less wear and tear on your car.

What steps should I take if I fall victim to an auto transport scam?

Submitting a complaint about an auto transport scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows law enforcement to investigate fraud, scams, and unethical business practices. While the FTC may not directly resolve your case, your report aids their efforts and could prevent others from falling victim to deceptive and unreliable auto transport companies.