Want to ship your car nationwide stress-free?

Millions of vehicles are transported each year. Many arrive safely. Others don’t. The difference between these scenarios is verified auto transport.

The problem? Auto transport is a $11.5 billion industry by 2025, and with big money comes a lot of shifty characters.

How do you weed out bad carriers from good? That’s what verified auto transport cares about. Verification should be your top priority when researching carriers. Verifying your carrier isn’t a luxury, it’s necessary.

But wait…

Most don’t understand what it means to be verified until it’s too late.

What You Should Know:

  • How do I know if a transport company is verified?
  • Red flags to avoid with transportation companies
  • Verification is more important than price
  • How to verify your carrier’s credentials

How Do You Know If a Transport Company Is Verified?

A legit auto transport company will have more than just a truck.

They must have:

  • USDOT number
  • Proper FMCSA licensing
  • Up to date insurance
  • Physical address

Verification serves as your safety net. If something happens to your vehicle, you’ll thank yourself for using a verified carrier instead of the cheapest option.

But….

There’s a difference between being verified and scamming you.

True verification means you can look up their credentials on a government website. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has information on every certified carrier in the United States.

It’s really that simple.

Red Flags To Avoid With Transportation Companies

Now that you know what verified auto transport is, let’s review what it’s not.

Shady auto transport companies will ask for large deposits before your vehicle is even seen. If a transport company doesn’t see your car IRL, how can they provide an accurate quote? Your deposit should always be partial, with the rest due upon delivery.

Learn to spot these red flags:

  • No physical address
  • No USDOT number
  • Unusually low prices
  • Pressure to sign on the spot
  • Reluctant to provide insurance information

Here’s a fun fact most people don’t know…

There are over 580,000 motor carriers currently operating with the FMCSA. But do you know how many of those transport vehicles?

Some carriers specialize in transporting refrigerators. Others haul livestock. You want a carrier that lists auto transport as their primary business.

Odds are you drive to work every day.

You wouldn’t trust your life to a driver who’s never been behind the wheel. When it comes to auto transport, experience matters.

Verification is more important than price

Let’s look at what happens when people opt for the lowest quote.

They typically end up overpaying. Take the bait with super low quotes and you can expect hidden fees down the road. Or your vehicle coming back damaged because they didn’t have the insurance to fix it.

Quality verified auto transport costs more because reputable companies:

  • Pay for insurance
  • Maintain their equipment
  • Train their staff
  • Follow Federal regulations

Would you rather save $100 and risk your vehicle getting damaged for $5,000?

How To Verify Your Carrier’s Credentials

Did you know verifying your carrier is easy? You don’t need to sift through piles of paperwork or any of that nonsense.

Just follow along:

  • Ask for the USDOT number
  • Look it up on the FMCSA website
  • Review their safety rating
  • Verify their insurance
  • Read customer testimonials

The FMCSA website has all the information you need. Learn how many cars they transport each year, their safety history, how long they’ve been in business, and if they have any violations.

Once you’ve verified their credentials, take things a step further.

Don’t just settle for the first company you find. Call them. Ask questions about their process and verify their information you found on the FMCSA directly with them.

Insurance is non-negotiable when transporting your vehicle.

Why You Should Verify Insurance Coverage

Real talk..

Cars get damaged during transport. It’s a reality we all hope to avoid but cannot control.

You should expect the absolute best from your carrier. That means up-to-date insurance in case of an accident.

Verified carriers have:

  • Cargo insurance (covers value of your vehicle)
  • Liability insurance (accidents)
  • Workers compensation

Ask to see proof of insurance before you sign your name on the dotted line. A reputable carrier has no problem showing you this information.

Pro tip: Take photos of your vehicle BEFORE it’s transported. Document any scratches or damages. This is your protection if the company denies any damages upon delivery.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Shipping your vehicle with a verified auto transport company usually gives you two options.

Open transport is the most common. Several vehicles are transported on an open trailer. Think of it as a huge parking lot on wheels.

Enclosed transport means your vehicle will travel in a climate-controlled container. Only a few vehicles are transported at a time. This comes at a premium cost but is ideal for luxury vehicles, classics, and customized rides.

Both are perfectly safe methods of transport. Open vs enclosed really comes down to the type of vehicle you’re transporting and your budget.

Verified Carrier Pickup & Delivery Process

Now that you know what verified auto transport is. Let’s walk through the process.

You should expect professional and courteous service from start to finish.

You’ll receive a quote based on your pickup location, drop off destination, vehicle type, and timeframe. Real verified companies will provide you with a written quote detailing all costs.

Next you’ll schedule your pickup and delivery date. Keep in mind most companies provide you with a time frame instead of an exact date.

Your driver will conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. You will both sign a condition report. Keep your copy until your vehicle has been delivered to you.

Upon delivery: You should inspect your vehicle before signing the final paperwork. Compare your vehicle to the original condition report. Document any damages.

Make The Right Choice

Verified auto transport doesn’t have to be difficult. Researching companies can be fun!

Search their USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Verify their insurance independently. Read reviews but take them with a grain of salt.

Ask questions!

There are tons of companies that charge insane prices because people don’t take the time to learn how auto transport works. Don’t be that person.

Verify before you ship your vehicle and you’ll receive professional and stress-free service.

Final Thoughts (& Key Takeaways)

Skip the headache and stress of shipping your vehicle. Choose verified auto transport every time.

Verify your carrier’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Double check their insurance. Call the company and ask questions.

Your vehicle is likely one of your biggest investments. Don’t risk it transporting with companies that cut corners.

Key Takeaways

Verified auto transport means:

  • Checking USDOT numbers
  • Verifying a physical address
  • Making sure they are licensed through the FMCSA
  • Up to date insurance
  • Reading customer reviews
  • Lots of questions!