Is it Safe to Hire Auto Transporters Online? Mostly Yes, But Know This First

There are nearly 8,000 auto transporters in the US, and FMCSA highly regulates the industry, so the possibility of scams is relatively low. However, bad things can still happen, and you’re not wrong to ask if it’s safe to hire auto transport companies online. As a car shipper with over a decade of experience and a massive presence on the internet, we’re in the correct position to answer this query. So read on to find out everything.

Nothing is Safe Online If You’re Not Careful Including Car Shipping

Thanks to e-commerce, we all buy products and services online, and it’s relatively safe if you’re dealing with giants like Amazon and similar businesses. However, scams are a frequent occurrence when dealing with small businesses. As per the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, 880,418 complaints of online fraud were made in 2023 alone, resulting in $12.5 billion in potential losses. Although this is just 1.12 percent of the total ecommerce business done in the US in 2023, which was $1.119 trillion, the risk is always there if you’re not careful. Here’s some data to give you a perspective:

In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Report revealed a lot of statistics related to online scams. Although it’s not directly focused on the car shipping industry, companies offering auto transport online also fall into this dataset. Here’s what they revealed:

• Non-payment/Non-delivery scams accounted for 50,523 complaints (10% of all cybercrimes). Although this is not strictly related to the car shipping industry, it shows how common it is for scammy businesses to take payment and disappear.
• Personal data breaches reached 55,851 incidents (11%), highlighting how risky sharing your personal information online can be. Many car shippers have car shipping cost calculators that ask for contact details. Giving your name, email, and phone number is OK, but don’t share anything else, including SSN, payment info, exact address, etc.
• Total financial losses from internet crimes exceeded $12.5 billion, showing a 22% increase from 2022. This shows the massive impact of online scams. Be careful before hiring any company online. Make sure they also have an offline presence with a real brick-and-mortar office.

Lastly, fraudulent companies often use phishing/spoofing tactics (298,878 incidents - 61% of all complaints). Though this number is for all kinds of businesses, car shipping companies also have this scam prevalent. Scammy auto shipping companies commit fraud by:

• Creating fake websites that mimic legitimate auto transport companies
• Sending fraudulent emails posing as verified carriers
• Using stolen company information to appear legitimate

To be safe, always work with FMCSA-licensed companies with a physical presence like Easy Auto Ship. And even if you don’t hire us, that’s fine. In the rest of the blog below, we’ll discuss how to stay protected when hiring a car shipper.

So, Can You Safely Hire Auto Transporters Online?

You can safely hire auto shipping companies online if you are prudent and vigilant in your search. Do not hire the first company that pops up when you Google ‘car shipping near me.’

Finding the right company and thoroughly vetting it before handing over your vehicle is complex. This guide will discuss all that, so read to the end.

Let’s Start By Understanding the Auto Car Transport Industry Structure

The car shipping industry has three stakeholders: the carriers (truck owners/drivers), the brokers (intermediaries/managers), and the customers (you).

The process starts when you hire a broker like Easy Auto Ship. Once you provide us with all the details of the vehicle and pickup/drop points (excluding any personal information), one of our agents assigned to your case starts vetting the carriers to find the best match for you.

Once that’s done, the shipment is scheduled for pickup, and the rest of the process is smooth as we maintain communication and accountability at every step. That said, it’s important you understand how carriers and brokers work, the pricing model, and the limitations of the auto shipping industry.

Brokers vs Direct Carriers

When searching online for a transport company, you’ll mainly find car transport brokers. These companies coordinate car shipments but don’t own any trucks. They work with actual carriers who own the trucks and move your vehicle. Most websites you’ll visit are broker operations, not direct carriers with their own fleet.

Here’s what actually happens:

• You contact a broker about moving your car.
• The broker puts your shipment details on special industry websites called load boards or freight exchanges.
• Truck drivers and car transport companies then see your job and can offer to take it.

This system helps create competition and often leads to better rates for customers.

Typical Car Shipping Pricing Models

The standard rate for auto transporters runs about $1-1.30 per mile for basic open transport. If you need enclosed transport for expensive or classic cars, you’ll pay around 40% more. Brokers add their service fee of $200-300 to cover finding and screening carriers.

You might need extra services like faster pickup or top-level transport placement. These usually cost another $100-200. Modern carriers use electronic logging devices to record exact miles driven. Good brokers like Easy Auto Ship check carriers thoroughly, looking at their federal safety ratings, insurance records via RMIS, and violation history.

Service Limitations

Car shipping works differently than package delivery services. You won’t get exact pickup and delivery dates. Most auto car transport services give you a 2-5 day window because they deal with real road conditions. Bad weather, traffic, and route changes can affect schedules.

Your initial car transport quote might change based on actual shipping conditions. Road closures or route changes can increase the final price. Working with established transporters means getting clear updates about any changes during shipping.

Even reliable carriers face unexpected situations that affect timing and routes. Having realistic expectations about these normal limitations helps you better understand the car transport process.

5 Common Auto Transport Company Scams and How to Protect Yourself

The car transport industry has its share of dishonest companies looking to take advantage of customers. Knowing these common scams helps you avoid expensive mistakes when shipping your vehicle. Here’s what you need to watch out for when working with auto transporters.

1. Price Manipulation / Bait & Switch Scams

Many transport company scams start with prices that look incredibly low. The auto transport company quotes you a great rate to get your deposit. Later, they hit you with a much higher price - often $400-500 more at pickup time. This practice has become a serious problem in the industry.

Scammers often quote prices 40-50% below normal market rates. They’ll pressure you to pay a deposit quickly, claiming it’s a “limited offer” or the “last spot available.” Once they have your deposit, they demand more money using various excuses.

2. Identity Theft and Documentation Fraud

Criminals in the auto car transport space have become sophisticated in their identity theft. They steal real transporters’ information and credentials to scam customers. Some hackers break into dispatch systems and steal vehicles before anyone notices the fraud.

These scammers create fake accounts on load boards and forge insurance papers. They use the dispatcher or carrier’s stolen data to contact potential customers, scam them out of money, or, worse, steal their vehicle.

But this is an extreme case scenario and doesn’t happen very often. The simple solution is to not respond to emails or calls/messages that are not from the shipping company’s spokesperson. At Easy Auto Ship, all of our team members have their own email addresses with the domain @easyautoship.net at the end. So you’ll know that you’re talking to one of our verified employees.

3. Insurance and Coverage Fraud

Many scam transporters use unclear language about their insurance coverage. They avoid giving specific coverage amounts, especially for expensive vehicles.

Common insurance scam tactics:

• Providing generic “full coverage” claims
• Setting unrealistic claim windows (24 hours)
• Refusing to put coverage details in writing
• Using confusing policy language

To stay safe, always get insurance details in writing before hiring auto transporters. Make sure you understand exactly what’s covered and for how much. Ask about their claim process and get all promises in writing before paying any deposits.

4. Double Brokering Schemes

Double brokering has become a major problem in the auto car transport industry. This complex scam happens when someone pretends to be both a broker and carrier. They take your car shipping details and post them again as if they’re the actual carrier.

Here’s how auto transporters typically run these scams:

• Find legitimate loads on shipping boards
• Create fake carrier profiles or steal real identities
• Book loads as a broker
• Relist the same load at a higher price
• Collect multiple payments and disappear

Watch for these red flags when dealing with a transport company:

• Quotes that seem too low to be real
• Refusing to provide carrier information
• Using different company names in emails vs paperwork
• Pushing hard for immediate payment

5. Phantom Carrier Fraud

A car transport company running phantom shipment scams will steal your vehicle through careful planning. They make everything look normal—the truck arrives, the papers seem fine, but your car vanishes.

Common warning signs include:

• Last-minute delivery location changes
• Sudden urgent pickup requests
• Offers for warehouse storage
• Multiple address change requests

The rise in online bookings has led to more scams. Always work with established transporters that have solid reviews and proper documentation.

6 Safety Precautions To Take When Dealing With an Auto Transport Company

You’ll want to protect your vehicle when shipping it across the country. The auto transport industry has some reliable companies but also its share of sketchy operators. Here’s your guide to staying safe when working with Auto Transporters.

Before Booking

The first step in working with any Transport Company starts with thorough research. You should look up their DOT and MC numbers through the FMCSA website. These numbers prove they’re legally allowed to move vehicles. A legitimate auto transport company won’t hesitate to share this information.

Getting everything in writing protects you if problems come up later. When the car transport service promises enclosed transport for your vehicle, have them put it in the contract. The same goes for pickup dates and insurance coverage.

Ask how they handle specialty vehicles. Good Transporters use specific equipment for low-profile cars. Race ramps and lift gates prevent damage to expensive vehicles. If you’re shipping a low-rider, you’ll want photos of their enclosed carriers.

Understanding who actually moves your car matters, too. Some companies own their trucks, while others broker loads to carriers. When dealing with auto car transport brokers, dig into how they screen their carriers. The best ones check safety records and insurance coverage before partnering up.

Payment Guidelines

Smart payment practices keep your money safe during transport. Most companies ask for a deposit between $150 and $250 to book your spot. Be super careful if anyone demands the full payment upfront—that’s not how the industry works.

The standard payment flow goes like this:

• You pay the deposit to secure your spot.
• When the driver picks up your car, you either pay a portion of the remaining balance or nothing at that time.
• The final payment happens after delivery once you’ve checked your vehicle’s condition.

Always keep your payment receipts and get signed copies of the inspection reports. These documents protect you and the transport company if any issues arise during shipping. Electronic payments through credit cards give you extra protection compared to cash or wire transfers.

During Transport

The real work begins once auto transporters pick up your vehicle. Before the driver loads your car, take clear photos from every angle. Get close shots of any existing scratches, dents, or damage. Videos work even better since they capture everything in detail.

A reliable transport company gives you the driver’s direct phone number. They’ll also provide tracking details so you know where your vehicle is. But don’t leave anything valuable inside—most insurance policies won’t cover personal items during shipping.

The car transport industry works on a dispatch system. You’ll get details about which trucking company is moving your car. Write down their DOT number and company name. Smart auto car transport customers wait for this dispatch confirmation before paying any money.

After Delivery

When your vehicle arrives, take your time checking it over. Transporters usually deliver during daylight hours for this reason. Look for any new scratches, dings, or problems. Check that everything works like it did before.

The inspection needs to happen right away. Most shipping companies give you 24 hours to report issues. Take photos of any damage. Write it on the delivery paperwork before signing. Start your car and listen for unusual sounds.

Vehicle-Specific Precautions

Not every car needs the same type of transport setup. Your car’s height, value, and modifications determine best equipment and methods. A lowered Corvette won’t load the same way as a stock Honda Civic.

Low-profile vehicles need enclosed transport with special ramps or lift gates, which prevent damage during loading. Custom cars require extra attention, too. Tell the company about any modifications before booking.

Enclosed transport keeps luxury and exotic cars safe from weather and debris. Regular cars usually do fine on open carriers, which cost less but still protect the vehicle during shipping.

Documentation Requirements

Paperwork matters more than most people realize in auto shipping. Here are some things you should keep with you to avoid any unpleasant experiences:

• The bill of lading shows exactly how your car looked at pickup. It lists every scratch, dent, or issue already on the vehicle.
• Insurance certificates prove you’re covered during the move. Ask for copies showing coverage amounts and conditions.
• Keep the driver’s information and DOT number handy. You’ll need these if any problems come up.
• Take clear photos during loading and unloading. Get shots of all sides plus close-ups of any damage.
• Save every payment receipt and dispatch confirmation. These documents protect you if you need to file a claim.

Most claims need to be filed within 24 hours of delivery. Organizing your paperwork makes this process much smoother. Create a folder for all shipping documents right from the start.

Not Every Price Change is a Scam - Here’s What to Know About Price Variables and Real Costs

While the auto transport industry has its share of scams, some practices that may seem unfair are actually standard operations. Understanding these helps distinguish between legitimate business practices and real fraud.

Market-Driven Price Fluctuations

Gas prices change constantly, and that affects shipping costs. When fuel costs spike, carriers need to adjust their rates to stay profitable. It’s just like airline tickets getting more expensive when jet fuel costs more.

Summer brings higher prices because more people move during warmer months. Car shows and auctions also drive up demand in certain areas. When demand goes up, prices naturally follow.

Carrier Availability Changes

Sometimes, trucks break down, or drivers hit their legal driving limits. These situations force companies to find new carriers or change routes, which can bump up prices or push back delivery dates.

Remote areas often cost more to service. Carriers might need to go out of their way, burning extra fuel. They also risk driving back empty, which cuts into their profits.

Insurance and Documentation Requirements

Extra insurance for valuable cars adds to the base price. A $100,000 vehicle needs more coverage than a $20,000 one. That’s just how insurance works.

Vehicle-Specific Considerations

The size and condition of your vehicle play a big role in shipping costs. Bigger vehicles take up more space on the carrier. A Ford F-150 costs more to ship than a Honda Civic simply because of its size.

Timing and Scheduling Factors

Quick delivery comes at a premium. Express shipping means carriers adjust their routes. This costs more but gets your car there faster. Weekend pickups also cost extra because most drivers prefer weekday schedules.

Door-to-door service saves you trips to terminals but adds cost. Terminal delivery means dropping your car at a shipping hub. It’s cheaper but less convenient. Storage fees kick in if you can’t pick up right away.

Communication-Related Changes

Changes to shipping details can affect your final price. Moving pickup or delivery locations means new route planning. Even small address changes might require different carriers or routes.

Extra stops along the way add time and miles to the trip. Each change needs updated paperwork. Sometimes, weather or road conditions force carriers to use terminals for storage.

Seasonal Price Variations

Due to increased demand, summer months see 10-30% higher prices. Similarly, some auto events hike up the demand for auto shipping, which also results in price increases, such as the August/September price spikes during major car shows like Monterey.

While these price variations are normal in the industry, they should be:

1. Clearly communicated
2. Reasonably justified
3. Documented properly
4. Within market norms
5. Explained before payment

The key is staying in touch with your shipping coordinator. Last-minute changes often mean higher costs. Planning ahead helps avoid most surprise fees. Clear communication about any special needs saves headaches later.

What To Do When Things Go Wrong With Your Car Shipper?

Even with careful planning, shipping issues can pop up. Auto transporters aren’t perfect. Here’s your roadmap for handling problems efficiently and protecting your rights.

Handling Damage Claims

The moment you notice damage, grab your phone and start taking photos. A transport company’s insurance needs proof. Document every scratch, dent, or mechanical issue right away. The auto transport company and their carrier both need to know about problems immediately.

Legal Recourse Options

Car Transport scams need to be reported to multiple agencies. The FMCSA tracks company complaints. Your state’s attorney general helps with serious issues. The BBB keeps other customers informed about bad transporters.

Credit card disputes work well for payment issues. Most cards give you 60 days to file claims. Save your booking emails and photos as evidence. Small claims court handles disputes under $5000 in most states.

Insurance Claims Process

Filing an insurance claim requires quick action. Most policies need damage reports within 24 hours of delivery. Get repair estimates from licensed mechanics or body shops. Keep detailed records of every conversation with the insurance company.

Claims typically take 2-3 weeks for review. The insurance adjuster might want to inspect your car. Never start repairs before getting claim approval. Most policies cover actual repair costs minus your deductible.

Good documentation speeds up your claim. Send clear photos and repair quotes promptly. Follow up regularly but politely with the claims department. Most legitimate claims get approved when properly documented.

Easy Auto Ship is One Of The Most Trusted Car Shippers in The US

Getting car shipping online can be one of the easiest and most convenient things if you know how to properly vet companies and hire the right one. Easy Auto Ship has over a decade of presence in the car shipping industry and a strong online following, with major platforms like Forbes, Jalopnik, Move.org, Consumer Affairs, and more reviewing our services. So we’re not going anywhere and’ll ensure your car moves safely, too.

If you prioritize vehicle safety and a convenient auto car transport experience, call us at (888) 687-3243 and receive our free car shipping quotes. You can also use our free vehicle transport cost estimator to get minute quotes.