Car shipping is a reliable way to transport vehicles across the country, but unfortunately, scams are common in the industry. Fraudulent companies often take advantage of customers by offering low prices, hidden fees, or fake services.
In this guide, we’ll expose the most common car shipping scams and show you how to protect yourself from fraud.
🚨 1. Bait-and-Switch Pricing
How the Scam Works:
A company quotes you a low price to secure your booking. After you pay the deposit, they suddenly increase the price, claiming fuel costs, driver shortages, or other excuses.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Get a written contract that guarantees the price.
✅ Be cautious of extremely low quotes—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
✅ Choose companies with transparent pricing policies.
💡 Tip: Legitimate companies like Sherpa Auto Transport offer price-lock guarantees to prevent this scam.
🏴☠️ 2. Fake Auto Transport Companies
How the Scam Works:
Fraudulent companies create fake websites and listings to trick customers into paying for services that don’t exist. After you make a payment, they disappear with your money.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Verify FMCSA Registration – Check the company’s USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website.
✅ Read Customer Reviews – Look for feedback on Google, Trustpilot, and BBB.
✅ Never Pay Upfront in Full – Reputable companies only require partial deposits or payment upon delivery.
💡 Tip: If a company has no phone number, no physical address, or only accepts wire transfers, it’s likely a scam.
💰 3. Hidden Fees & Extra Charges
How the Scam Works:
Some companies advertise low prices but later add hidden fees for fuel, insurance, storage, or expedited shipping.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Ask for a full breakdown of costs before booking.
✅ Read the fine print in the contract to spot hidden fees.
✅ Work with well-reviewed companies that offer upfront pricing.
💡 Tip: Reputable companies like Montway Auto Transport provide all-inclusive pricing with no surprise fees.
🔒 4. Deposit Scams
How the Scam Works:
A company asks for a large upfront deposit to “secure your spot,” but after payment, they stop responding or delay your shipment indefinitely.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Avoid companies that demand large deposits upfront.
✅ Pay with a credit card for fraud protection.
✅ Use brokers and carriers with a proven track record.
💡 Tip: Legitimate brokers only charge deposits after confirming carrier availability.
🚗 5. Ghost Drivers & Fake Dispatches
How the Scam Works:
A company confirms a driver for your shipment, but when the pickup date arrives, no one shows up. They keep delaying until you give up—or demand more money.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Ask for driver details (name, truck info, insurance) before pickup.
✅ Request a tracking option to verify shipment status.
✅ Choose a carrier that provides a firm pickup window.
💡 Tip: Always verify the company’s credentials with the FMCSA before booking.
📝 6. Stolen or Damaged Vehicles
How the Scam Works:
Fraudulent transporters steal your vehicle or cause damage and deny responsibility. Some scammers even hold your car hostage, demanding extra payments before release.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Use a company with cargo insurance and verify their coverage.
✅ Take photos of your car before shipping as proof of condition.
✅ Only work with FMCSA-licensed carriers that offer proper liability coverage.
💡 Tip: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before signing a contract.
🚚 7. No Refund Policy on Cancellations
How the Scam Works:
A company cancels your shipment but refuses to refund your deposit, claiming a non-refundable policy.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Read cancellation policies carefully before booking.
✅ Choose companies with flexible refund policies.
✅ Pay with a credit card so you can dispute charges if needed.
💡 Tip: Reputable companies offer free cancellations if the shipment hasn’t been assigned to a carrier.
🔑 8. Fake Reviews & Phony Endorsements
How the Scam Works:
Some companies pay for fake 5-star reviews or use fake “awards” to appear reputable.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Look for reviews on independent sites like BBB, Trustpilot, and Google.
✅ Check for repetitive language in reviews—fake ones often use similar wording.
✅ Avoid companies with only perfect reviews—real businesses have mixed feedback.
💡 Tip: If a company claims an award, verify it with the organization that issued it.
🏆 How to Find a Legitimate Auto Transport Company
Follow These Steps to Avoid Scams:
✔ Verify FMCSA registration – Check USDOT and MC numbers.
✔ Read real customer reviews on multiple sites.
✔ Compare multiple quotes and be wary of prices that are too low.
✔ Never pay in full upfront – Use a deposit or pay on delivery.
✔ Ask for insurance proof and get all agreements in writing.
Top-Rated Auto Transport Companies (2024):
🚛 Montway Auto Transport – Best overall service.
🚛 Sherpa Auto Transport – Price-lock guarantee.
🚛 AmeriFreight – Best for discounts.
🚛 uShip – Best for marketplace pricing.
💡 Tip: Always contact customer service before booking to test their responsiveness.
🚀 Conclusion: Avoid Auto Transport Scams and Ship Safely
Car shipping scams are common, but with the right precautions, you can avoid fraud and choose a reputable company.
To recap:
✅ Avoid low-ball quotes and hidden fees.
✅ Verify the company’s FMCSA registration before booking.
✅ Get a written contract with transparent pricing.
✅ Pay with a credit card for fraud protection.
✅ Check real customer reviews on multiple platforms.
By staying informed, you can ensure a safe, stress-free car shipping experience.
