While fraud is not common during auto transport, it can happen. Given that your vehicle is probably one of your most valuable assets, it is worth a little extra effort to give you more peace of mind.
When your vehicle is picked up, you want to be sure it is the correct auto transport company . To confirm it is the right company, request to see the driver’s credentials. Appropriate credentials include the bill of lading, the driver’s license, or a copy of their Operating Authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Don’t let them just flash the credentials at you. You want a copy of them. An easy way to do that is take a photo with your camera or smartphone. For an added measure of security, record their license plate number.
If the driver refuses to provide the requested information for any reason, do not release your vehicle to the driver.
Please note: The company name for the auto hauler is frequently different from that of the auto transport company with which you scheduled your car shipping. See the post on How the Auto Transport Industry Works for an explanation.
MoveCars.com is a directory of car shipping companies. Since 1997, MoveCars.com has been providing a comprehensive directory of car shipping companies, including international car shipping companies and enclosed car transporters , as well as car shipping tips for first-time car shippers.