Car Shipping Scams: 9 Red Flags and How to Avoid Them
6 min read
Most car shipments go fine. But auto transport has more than its share of bad actors — from unlicensed "companies" that vanish with deposits to bait-and-switch quotes. The good news: a few checks catch nearly all of them.
How car shipping scams usually work
- Lowball and switch: an unrealistically low quote wins your booking; later the price jumps or pickup keeps slipping.
- Deposit grab: a website or ad takes a large deposit and never assigns a truck.
- Impersonation: scammers copy a real company's name, logo or MC number with a look-alike website, email or phone.
- Hostage freight: the car is picked up, then held until you pay extra fees that weren't agreed.
9 red flags
- No MC or USDOT number on the website or quote — or they won't give it.
- The number doesn't match the company name on FMCSA records.
- A quote far below every other quote.
- Large deposit required before a carrier is assigned.
- Payment only by wire, Zelle, crypto or gift card.
- No written contract, or a contract with vague "price may change" terms.
- Can't provide a certificate of insurance.
- Very new company (registered in the last few months) with lots of urgency and pressure.
- Phone or email differs from what FMCSA has on record.
How to protect yourself
- Check the company on carmove.broker: active authority, insurance on file, safety rating and red flags.
- If it's a broker, ask which carrier will haul your car — and check that carrier too. Learn more in broker vs carrier.
- Get everything in writing: total price, pickup window, delivery estimate, cancellation terms.
- Ask for the certificate of insurance and confirm the cargo coverage covers your car's value.
- Pay safely: prefer methods with buyer protection; avoid large deposits before assignment.
- Inspect and photograph your car at pickup and note any damage on the bill of lading.
If something goes wrong
Keep all documents and messages. Contact the company in writing first. For damage, file a claim with the carrier and its insurer using the bill of lading and photos. You can report fraud or unlicensed operators to FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database and to your state attorney general.
Check a Company Now
Look up any MC or USDOT number to see authority, bond, revocations and red flags.
Check an MC NumberFrequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to pay a deposit for car shipping?
Many legitimate companies take a small deposit or booking fee, often only once a carrier is assigned, and collect the rest on pickup or delivery. Be cautious with large upfront payments — especially by wire transfer, Zelle, crypto or gift cards — before a truck is assigned.
How do I know if a car shipping company is licensed?
Ask for its MC and USDOT numbers and check them on carmove.broker or FMCSA SAFER. Interstate car haulers and auto transport brokers must hold active FMCSA operating authority.
Why did my car shipping price go up after booking?
Very low quotes sometimes can’t attract a truck at that price, so the company asks for more later. Get the total price and what can change it in writing before you book, and compare several realistic quotes rather than picking the lowest.
Related Guides
- How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? (2026 Price Ranges)
- Auto Transport Broker vs Carrier: Which Should You Use?
- How to Choose a Car Shipping Company (Step-by-Step Checklist)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm a company's status with FMCSA before doing business.