Key takeaways
- Lowball quotes are the #1 red flag — they get re-quoted later.
- No USDOT or MC number on the website means no FMCSA license.
- Demand for full payment up front is the broker norm, not the customer's interest.
- Vague 'we'll call you back' processes hide the price discovery you need.
Red flag #1: A quote that's wildly lower than the others
If three companies quote $1,300 and one quotes $900, the $900 is almost always a bait number. The broker plans to list your shipment on Central Dispatch at $900, no carrier will accept it, and a week later they'll call to "update" your quote to $1,300 — by which point you've already turned down the other companies. Real prices cluster. A 30% outlier on the low end is a sales tactic.
Red flag #2: No USDOT or MC number on the website
Every legal US auto transport broker has a USDOT number and an MC (Motor Carrier) number, both issued by the FMCSA. They're free to look up on the FMCSA SAFER website. If a company doesn't display these on their footer or about page, walk away.
Red flag #3: Full payment demanded before dispatch
Many legacy brokers want full payment when you book, then they shop your shipment to carriers. If a carrier doesn't take it, your money sits with the broker. Look for pay-at-pickup (or at minimum, deposit-on-dispatch) — it aligns the broker's incentives with yours.
Red flag #4: "We'll call you back with a quote"
In 2026, instant quoting tools work. A company that needs to "have someone call you" before they'll quote is buying time to research competitors and shape a number you'll accept. The price is the price — if they need to negotiate, they're not pricing on data.
Red flag #5: Reviews that only live on their own website
Real reviews live on Google Business, Transport Reviews, BBB, and other independent platforms. If a company only shows reviews on their own marketing page, you can't verify a single one.
How ShipCargo handles this
Every quote we return is based on live carrier capacity — it's a real number a carrier will accept, not a bait price. You pay at pickup after you've inspected the car. We publish our USDOT and MC numbers, and we link to external review platforms instead of curating a "wall of love." That's the standard the industry should be at.
FAQ
Q: How do I check an auto transport company's FMCSA license?
Search "FMCSA SAFER" and enter their USDOT or MC number. The page shows operating authority, insurance, and any compliance issues.
Q: Should I ever pay 100% up front for car shipping?
Almost never. The industry standard is a deposit at booking, balance at delivery. Better operators charge nothing until delivery.
Ready to lock in your rate?
Place your order in 60 seconds with zero upfront payment. We keep a card on file and only charge once the carrier picks up your vehicle.