That sinking feeling is terrible. You’ve just paid a huge deposit to ship your car across the country. The phone number you called goes straight to voicemail now. The emails bounce back. Your car? Who knows. This isn’t a rare horror story. It happens every single week to people who miss the obvious warning signs. Spotting a scam isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about knowing exactly where to look.

Let’s walk through the five undeniable red flags that separate the professionals from the predators.

Red Flag 1: The Missing Government ID

No USDOT number? Stop right there. It’s their federal license. Real carriers show it proudly. If it’s hidden or they get fuzzy when you ask, that’s your cue to leave. Check it yourself on the FMCSA SAFER website to see their real insurance and record.

Red Flag 2: The Rush for Cash

They pressure you. “This price expires today!” They want a giant deposit via wire app before you see a contract. Too urgent. Legit firms might need a small booking fee, but the big payment happens at pickup or delivery. Never wire large sums up front.

Red Flag 3: The Quote That Makes No Sense

One quote is hilariously lower than the rest. It’s a trap. After you bite, the fake fees appear. A real quote is detailed and in writing, listing all costs and carrier type. A cheap number over the phone is a lie waiting to happen.

Red Flag 4: Murky Insurance Talk

“Don’t worry, you’re covered.” That’s what they say. Don’t accept it. Demand their Certificate of Insurance. A pro will email it instantly. If they hesitate, they might not have proper coverage. Your car shouldn’t travel on a promise.

Red Flag 5: Ghosting Before They Have Your Money

They’re slow to reply from the start. Generic email addresses, unreturned calls. This is their best effort. If communication is bad now, it will vanish later when you actually need help. Consistent, clear contact is non-negotiable.

Making the Safe Choice

It boils down to transparency. A trustworthy company isn’t afraid of your questions. They invite you to check their USDOT number. They provide clear contracts and insurance proof. They don’t pressure you. Your job is to do the homework. Check the FMCSA record. Read the real reviews on independent sites, not just the glowing ones on their own page. It’s your car. Your money. A little vigilance is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy.

Choosing a shipper shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Demand proof, not promises. For a straightforward process where clarity comes first, talk to the team at USA Auto Shipping. What was the biggest red flag you ever missed?

FAQs

Q1: What’s the most common scam to watch for?

The “lowball quote” scam is everywhere. They hook you with an unbelievable price, then jack it up later with fake fees when you have no other options.

Q2: How do I check a company’s legal status?

Get their USDOT number. Look it up on the official FMCSA SAFER System website. This shows their real insurance, authority, and safety record instantly.

Q3: Should I use a broker or a direct carrier?

Direct carriers run their own trucks. Brokers book the shipment with a carrier. Both models can work, but brokers add a middleman, so vet them even more carefully.

Q4: What’s the safest way to pay a deposit?

Always use a credit card. It gives you powerful fraud protection and the ability to dispute a charge if the service completely falls through.

Q5: What must be in the transport contract?

The final price, all potential fees, pickup/delivery windows, carrier type and insurance details. Never proceed without a complete, signed document.