Key takeaways
- Check the company with the FMCSA: brokers and carriers must be registered, and brokers must hold a surety bond or trust fund.
- Be wary of quotes far below others; a low price that no carrier will accept leads to delays or a higher price later.
- Avoid large deposits before a carrier is assigned.
- Inspect the car with the driver and record damage on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery.
1. Verify the company
Auto transport brokers and carriers that operate across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Brokers must also keep a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund. Ask for the company's USDOT or MC number and look it up on the FMCSA website. A legitimate company gives it to you without hesitation.
2. Watch out for quotes that are too low
Carriers choose loads based on what they are paid. A quote far below the market can sit unassigned for days, followed by a request for more money. A realistic quote gets your car moving.
3. Be careful with deposits
Paying a large amount before anyone has agreed to haul your car leaves you with little leverage. TS Fast Auto Logistics does not require payment upfront: payment is due at delivery.
4. Read what you sign
Know the pickup window, the price, what happens if the date changes, and how damage claims work. Get it in writing.
5. Use the Bill of Lading properly
At pickup, walk around the car with the driver and mark existing scratches and dents on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Do the same at delivery before you sign. Dated photos from both ends make any claim much easier.
6. Other red flags
- No physical address, no working phone line, or only a mobile number.
- Pressure to decide "right now" to keep a price.
- Requests to pay by gift card or wire to a personal account.
- Reviews that all appeared within a few days.
Questions?
Call our Car Shipping Hotline or contact support. Learn how brokers and carriers work together in broker vs carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a car shipping company is legitimate?
Ask for its USDOT or MC number and look it up on the FMCSA website. Brokers must be registered and hold a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund.
Should I pay a deposit to ship my car?
Be cautious of large deposits before a carrier is assigned. TS Fast Auto Logistics requires no payment upfront.
Why is a very cheap car shipping quote a red flag?
Carriers may not accept a load that pays too little, so the car waits, and the price often goes up later.
What vehicle transportation problems can the TS Fast Car Shipping Hotline help with?
Our Car Shipping Hotline, (888) 885-0991, is for anyone with a vehicle transportation or logistics problem anywhere in the United States: booking a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or RV shipment, a carrier that cancelled or never showed up, an urgent or expedited pickup, a vehicle that does not run, a military PCS move, or a delayed delivery. Call and a specialist will help you work out the next step.
Does TS Fast Auto Logistics transport vehicles to every state?
Yes. We arrange door-to-door vehicle transport between any two US states, nationwide. Hawaii, Alaska, and commercial, oversized or very heavy vehicles are quoted individually. We transport vehicles only: we do not ship packages, parcels or household goods, and we are not a local tow or roadside assistance service.