What to Look for When Hiring an Auto Transport Broker
The auto transport industry has a reputation problem. Some of it is earned — there are predatory brokers who lowball quotes, hold vehicles hostage, or disappear after collecting a deposit. Most brokers are legitimate. Here's how to make sure you book with one of the legitimate ones.
The 7 things to verify before booking
1. MC number and FMCSA registration
Every legal auto transport broker has an MC (Motor Carrier) number registered with the FMCSA. You can look up any broker on the free FMCSA SAFER database. Look for: active status, no recent enforcement actions, valid insurance on file.
2. Years in business
Brokers are required to maintain a $75,000 surety bond, which is one reason new brokers fold quickly. A broker that's been operating consistently for 5+ years has weathered the industry's seasonal cycles and has carrier relationships.
3. Recent reviews — not just the 5-stars
Look at the most recent 1- and 2-star reviews on Google, Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot. Every legitimate broker has some negative reviews. What matters: how the broker responds. Do they engage professionally? Do they acknowledge problems? Or do they ignore complaints?
4. Transparent, all-in pricing
Your quote should include everything: dispatch fee, fuel, all the way to door-to-door delivery. If a quote doesn't mention fuel surcharges, ask. If a quote is dramatically lower than 3–4 others, it's likely bait.
5. No upfront full payment required
A small dispatch deposit ($50–$200) at booking is normal — that's how the broker books the carrier. The remaining balance is due AT DELIVERY in cash or certified check. Any broker demanding full payment before pickup is a scam.
6. Live person, not just a form
Pick up the phone and talk to someone. A real broker answers within 1–2 rings during business hours. They ask you about your vehicle, your timeline, your flexibility. They explain pricing. They don't pressure you to book in the next 15 minutes.
7. Direct driver communication once dispatched
Once your shipment is assigned to a carrier, your broker should give you the driver's direct phone number. Brokers who insist on routing all communication through them often have something to hide.
Red flags that should make you walk away
- Quote is 30–50% lower than 3+ other quotes for the same route
- Broker pressures you to book within an hour or 'lose the rate'
- Demand for full payment upfront via wire transfer or cash app
- No physical address on the website
- No MC number listed publicly
- Recent BBB complaints about hostage situations or vehicles arriving damaged with no recourse
- Quote doesn't specify open vs. enclosed
- Won't put the quote in writing
Questions every customer should ask
- What's your MC number? (You'll cross-check on FMCSA)
- How long have you been operating?
- Is this quote all-in? Any fuel surcharges or add-ons at delivery?
- What's your cancellation policy?
- Will I have direct contact with the driver?
- What's the cargo insurance amount and is the certificate available?
- What happens if there's damage at delivery?
- What's the realistic transit time?
Why customers choose Prestige Auto Shipping
Founded by Diego Baron — who has 10+ years of experience as both an auto transport broker AND a carrier owner-operator — Prestige is built on the principles he learned from both sides of the industry. Every quote is all-in. No upfront payment. Direct communication with your driver. Real people, available 7 days a week.
Get a free quote in 60 seconds on our homepage or call us at 561-606-3430. We're happy to answer all the questions above for you, and we'll never pressure you to book today.
