While fraud is not common in the auto transport industry, it does occasionally happen. And given that your vehicle is likely one of your larger assets, it’s smart to take the extra time to ensure it is safe when shipping it.
The best way to protect yourself is to get as much information as possible from the auto hauler upon arrival. First, you’ll want to make sure that it is the correct auto transport company. *Please Note:* The company name for the actual car carrier is often different from the name of the auto transport company with which you scheduled auto transport. (See the post on How the Auto Transport Industry Works for an explanation.) Check your contract details or contact the car shipping company to be sure.
For confirmation, you should request to see the driver’s credentials. The proper credentials include any or all of the following: the bill of lading, driver’s license, and a copy of their Operating Authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Next, be sure to get a copy of the credentials for your records – don’t just let the driver just flash them at you. The easiest way to do this is to take a picture of them with your smartphone. For an added measure of security, jot down the license plate number as well.
If the driver refuses to provide the requested information for any reason, do not release your vehicle to the driver.
MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companies, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping companies. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving, car shipping tips, and a glossary of auto transport terms.