No matter the industry, there will always be stories online about fraud, and the auto transport industry is no different. While the vast majority of car shipments are conducted without any problems, it’s always a good idea to take a few extra precautions to ensure that you are working with a reliable company. Here are three steps to ensure your auto transporter is legitimate:
Check their MC Number – Auto transporters are required to be licensed by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Ask the auto transport company for their MC Number and then visit the DOT web site to check that it is a valid number. Enter the MC number under Docket Number and click on Report to see their details. It should say that their Broker Authority is Active.
Check with the Better Business Bureau – While auto transport companies are not required to be members of the BBB, consumers can still register complaints against companies with which they have had a bad experience. And while the company you are researching may indeed be a legitimate company, it is still a good idea to see if there are any complaints registered and what type of complaints they are.
Online Search for Company Name – Individuals often report scams and problem companies to various online sites. A simple Google search, therefore, can help you to find out whether or not there have been any problems posted about the company. Just be careful to make sure that the complaint is a real one. Also, a single complaint is usually not cause for concern; what you want to look for is a pattern of problems.
By following these simple steps, you can be confident in knowing that you are shipping your vehicle with a legitimate auto transport company.
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.