How to Choose a Vehicle Shipping Company

The verification steps that separate legitimate transporters from bait-and-switch operations.

Verify federal authority first

Every legitimate carrier and broker has a USDOT and MC number registered with the FMCSA. Look it up on the SAFER system. Confirm the authority is active, check the insurance filing, and see how long the company has been operating.

Understand broker versus carrier

A carrier owns trucks. A broker arranges transport with vetted carriers and often has broader route coverage. Neither is inherently better, but you deserve a straight answer about which one you are talking to and who will actually touch your car.

Red flags worth walking away from

A quote dramatically below every other bid. A large deposit demanded before a carrier is assigned. No physical address. Refusal to send a certificate of insurance. Pressure to book within the hour. Reviews that all appeared in the same week.

Questions to ask before you book

Is this quote all-inclusive? When do I pay, and by what method? What is the actual pickup window? What is the carrier's cargo coverage limit? Who do I call if the driver stops answering?