Choosing the wrong auto shipping company can cost you thousands in damaged vehicles, missed deadlines, or outright scams. With so many carriers offering vastly different service levels and pricing, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to look for. Here are the red flags that should make you walk away from an auto shipping provider.
Unrealistic Pricing
If a quote seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Legitimate auto shipping typically costs between $800–$2,500 for a standard sedan shipped cross-country, depending on distance, season, and carrier type (open vs. enclosed). Companies quoting $400 for a 2,000-mile haul are either padding the invoice later with mysterious fees, cutting corners on vehicle care, or won't actually complete the job.
Always compare at least three quotes from verified carriers. A company that won't provide a detailed, itemized quote upfront—breaking down fuel surcharges, insurance, distance, and pickup/delivery fees—is hiding something.
No Insurance or Vague Coverage
Ask directly: what's the insurance coverage limit, and what does it actually cover? Legitimate carriers carry cargo liability insurance that covers $10,000 to $100,000+ per vehicle. If a company dodges the question, gives you a verbal answer instead of written documentation, or claims "standard coverage" without specifics, that's a hard pass.
Request proof of insurance in writing before booking. Your vehicle deserves protection from scratches, dents, and major damage during transport.
Lack of Online Presence and Reviews
Check Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database. A company with zero reviews, no website, or overwhelmingly negative feedback isn't worth the gamble. Real carriers have documented customer experiences—good and bad.
Watch for review patterns: are complaints about damaged vehicles, hidden fees, or missed delivery windows consistent? One or two poor reviews is normal; a pattern of them indicates systemic problems.
No Written Contract or Vague Terms
Never hand over money or commit to a shipment without a signed contract. The contract should specify:
- Pickup and delivery dates (or realistic date ranges)
- Exact pickup and delivery locations
- Cost breakdown and total price
- Insurance details and claim procedures
- Cancellation and refund policy
- Damage reporting timelines
If a company pushes you to agree verbally or won't provide a contract until after payment, that's a red flag. You need clarity in writing to protect yourself if something goes wrong.
Pressure to Pay Upfront or in Full
Reputable carriers don't demand 100% payment before pickup. Standard practice is 50% due at booking and the remaining 50% due upon delivery. If a company insists on full payment in advance, especially via wire transfer or cash, they're operating outside industry norms and increasing your fraud risk.
Be especially cautious of companies that won't accept credit cards, which offer consumer protection—they may only accept wire transfers or checks.
Evasiveness About Pickup and Delivery Windows
Auto shipping timelines vary by distance and season. A cross-country shipment typically takes 5–10 business days in non-peak times, longer during summer months when demand is high. If a company guarantees a specific pickup date weeks in advance or promises delivery within 2 days for a 1,500-mile haul, they're either overpromising or not being transparent about how auto shipping logistics work.
Professional carriers give you realistic windows and explain why flexibility is necessary—weather, traffic, and other pickups/deliveries affect schedules.
Poor Communication or Unprofessional Conduct
Your first interactions reveal a lot. If emails go unanswered for days, customer service staff are rude, or the company uses unprofessional messaging (riddled with typos, unclear language), that's how you'll be treated throughout your shipment. Reliable carriers respond within 24 hours and take communication seriously.
No FMCSA Registration
Every legitimate auto shipping company operating across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Verify this on the FMCSA website using the company name or DOT number. If they have no DOT number or it shows inactive status, they're either unregistered or operating illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my shipped vehicle arrives with damage? Document all damage with photos immediately, file a claim with your insurance and the carrier within the required timeframe (usually 10–30 days), and keep all shipping documents and correspondence for your claim file.
Q: How can I verify an auto shipping company is legitimate? Check their DOT number on the FMCSA website, verify their BBB accreditation, read independent reviews, and confirm they carry cargo liability insurance with written proof.
Q: What's the difference between open and enclosed auto shipping, and does it affect price? Open transport uses open trailers and costs $800–$1,800 for long distances; enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer and costs 50–100% more, ideal for luxury or classic cars.
Compare quotes from trusted, verified auto shipping providers—Mercoly helps you find and evaluate carriers side-by-side to avoid costly mistakes.