Table of contents
Quick answer
Verify the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA, distrust quotes far below the rest, avoid large upfront deposits and wire or app payments, get everything in writing, and confirm the carrier's name matches your paperwork at pickup.
Verify the company first
- The name, address and phone match the FMCSA record
- Authority is active, not "not authorized" or out of service
- Brokers show broker authority; carriers show property authority
- Reviews mention real routes and dates, and complaints were answered
Spot quotes that are too good to be true
A quote hundreds of dollars below everyone else is the most common starting point for trouble. Either the price goes up after you've committed, or no carrier accepts the job and your pickup date slips.
- Compare at least three quotes for the same dates
- Ask whether the price is guaranteed once a carrier accepts
- Check that insurance and door-to-door service are included
Pay safely
- Large deposits before a carrier is assigned
- Wire transfers, payment apps, gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Pressure to pay today to "lock" a truck
Get everything in writing
- Total price and what it includes
- Pickup and delivery windows
- Cancellation and refund terms
- The carrier's name and USDOT number once assigned
Protect your car at pickup
- The company name on the truck matches your booking
- The driver's paperwork lists your car and addresses
- You inspect and photograph the car together
- You keep a signed copy of the bill of lading
If something goes wrong
- Stop payingDon't send more money to release or move the car.
- Call your bank or card issuerAsk about disputing the charge right away.
- Save every recordQuotes, contracts, receipts, messages and call logs.
- File complaintsReport to FMCSA, the FTC and your state attorney general.
Frequently asked questions
Is paying a deposit a red flag?
Not by itself. A small deposit after a carrier is assigned can be normal. A large deposit before anyone has agreed to move your car, especially by wire or payment app, is a warning sign.
Is it safe to book through a broker?
Yes, if the broker is licensed and bonded and tells you which carrier will move your car.
Broker vs. carrierWhat's a fake escrow shipping scam?
A seller offers a car for sale online, says it's already with a shipping or escrow company, and asks you to pay that company. The car doesn't exist. Only pay escrow services you chose and verified yourself.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
