One of the most important steps you will take when getting ready to ship a vehicle is confirming that the vehicle transporter you hired is who they say they are. As online car shipping services gain in popularity, it has become more important than ever to vet car shipping services. We’ve put together the following guide to help you ensure that you, and your vehicle, are protected and know exactly who is transporting your cargo.
At Car Shipping Auto, we believe in transparency and security throughout the process, which is why we provide thorough verification steps to guarantee your car is in good hands during shipping.
Why Is It Important to Confirm a Transporter’s Identity?
Make sure to confirm the authenticity of your car shipping service provider before accepting transport deals:
Avoid Scams
As in other industries, there are fake car transporters in the car shipping industry. Having the identity of a car transporter validated, may help them to avoid car transport scams or unlicensed car transporters.
Protect Your Vehicle
A reputable company helps ensure vehicle safety during transportation. Companies that do not have a good repute may not follow safety protocols and likely damage your vehicle.
Legal Compliance
Certified and licensed transporters stay up to code with industry regulations to ensure transporters move your vehicle in accordance with the law. Additionally, if you work under a verified transport company, your car insurance will cover damage and theft as it transports.
Steps to Confirm a Transporter’s Identity
Now you know the importance, here are some steps to authenticate the identity of a transporter before utilizing their services:
Check for Proper Licensing and Registration
To identify a transporter, first verify proper licenses plus registration with relevant government authorities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates car shipping companies in the U.S. Check that they register with these steps.
- Transporters must have a USDOT number since a USDOT or United States Department of Transportation number is needed for transport across state lines.
- Verify the number: The next step in the process is to check the transporter with their USDOT number on FMCSA’s website or hotline to verify that the transporter registers properly and complies with federal regulations.
Request the MC Number
Licensed transporters must display a Motor Carrier number, with the USDOT number, to signify they are authorized to do business as a carrier.
- Request the MC number: A reputable company will have no problem providing this.
- Check it with FMCSA. The FMCSA has an online database. The database offers a method to check the MC number and the company.
Look for Insurance and Bonding Information
The car should also have protection during transport so check that the auto transporter considered has insurance and bonding.
- Ask for proof of insurance. The transporter should have cargo insurance. This protects you from any damage to your vehicle during transport.
- Check the bond: Contract carriers (transporters) are required to have a surety bond to protect against claims. Licensed transporters should have a surety bond.
- Pro Tip: The FMCSA website will also allow you to verify the transport company currently insures and bonds.
Check Reviews and Reputation
Another important step is to check on reviews and the reputation of the transporter. Look at online reviews of prior experiences with the transporter under consideration. Here’s how you can do it from here.
- Google Reviews: On Google, look for the transport company by name and read customer reviews.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB grades companies according to how satisfied customers feel and according to how reliably companies resolve complaints.
- Transport Review sites: Consumer reviews on shipping/freight companies can be found on sites
Also pay attention to how the company handles complaints and bad reviews as these can often give you a good idea of how they treat their customers.
Verify Their Physical Address
Legitimate transport companies should have a physical address, which you can use to contact them if you need to. Here’s how.
- Request the address: Ask for the full physical address of the company’s office or terminal.
- Google the address: Verifies that the address exists and is that of the listed business.
- Visit the location (if possible): If you are Local, you may feel confidence in the Transporter if you go to the office.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
You will want to be aware of any signs of an attempt to commit fraud or deception on the part of a transporter.
Unclear or Inconsistent Contact Information
If the transporter is not willing to provide a phone number, email or street address (with a name), it is a huge red flag.
Low, Unusually Attractive Rates
Good deals tend to be good prices but if they are too good to be true, the transporter may be skipping out on service quality for a very low price, or may not even exist.
No Verifiable Credentials
If they cannot provide you with a USDOT or MC number or proof of insurance, then you are dealing with a scam. Always ask for this information from the company.
Confirming a Transporter’s Identity with Car Shipping Auto
Car Shipping Auto is licensed, insured and bonded. All documents are provided to our clients up front to verify who we are. We pride ourselves in being safe and secure. Our staff is available for answering any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process of shipping.
How We Ensure Your Peace of Mind:
- Licensed and insured: We provide USDOT and MC numbers for demonstration that we are a licensed moving company.
- Customer reviews: Positive reviews together with testimonials from our satisfied customers speak for us.
- Clear and honest communication: We offer you a clear breakdown of all costs and services, so you always know what to expect.
Protect Yourself by Verifying the Transporter’s Identity
One critical step in shipping your car is checking your transporter. You can check for licenses, check for insurance, check the reputation, and get contact information with the aim to help you avoid scams and to ensure your vehicle transports with safety and professionalism. At Car Shipping Auto, we allow you to easily check our credentials and feel confident that you work with a quality and experienced transporter from the moment you arrange to ship your car.
