Shipping a car is usually a safe, simple process, and like in any other consumer-focused industry, there are bad actors in the auto shipping industry. Knowing about some of the most common car shipping scams can help you avoid overcharges and scams, and can even protect your car from theft. Whether you are moving, purchasing a vehicle in another state, or transporting a vehicle to a family member, knowing about the above scams will help you avoid them.
Here at CarShippingCenter.com we pride ourselves on transparency and putting our customers first. Below is a breakdown of the common scams that often occur with auto transport and how to avoid them.
Why Car Shipping Scams Happen
The auto transport industry ranges from reputable businesses to risky operations. Scams occur when consumers are not knowledgeable about how the industry or the process operates.
Scammers take advantage of:
- New customers who don’t know typical pricing
- Confusion between brokers and carriers
- Fast online booking that hides fine print
- Fake “too good to be true” quotes
- Lack of federal knowledge among consumers
Recognizing these red flags early can help you avoid predatory companies altogether.
Scam #1: Extremely Low “Bait-and-Switch” Quotes
An example of one of the most common car shipping scams is jaw-dropping quotes. These quotes look good on paper, but they are often used to lure customers in with a price that is below the market average in order to get the jump on scheduling or the deposit.
How it works:
- Customer accepts a low quote
- Broker posts the shipment at a much higher rate to carriers
- No carrier accepts the job
The scammer then asks for further payment to either ‘release the vehicle’ or ‘secure a carrier’
How to avoid it:
- Compare quotes from multiple reputable companies
- Avoid prices drastically below average
- Remember: if the quote is too low, it’s likely a scam
At CarShippingCenter.com, our quotes come with no hidden surprises.
Scam #2: Fake or Unlicensed Carriers
Some fraudsters pose as legitimate carriers but they do not have Department of Transportation (DOT) or MC licensing.
How it works:
- Scammer pretends to be a carrier
- They take a deposit or full payment
- They disappear, or they outsource to an unsafe/unlicensed transporter
How to avoid it:
- Always verify DOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website
- Check whether the company name matches the license
- Avoid companies that cannot provide credentials
Professional companies publicize and verify their credentials with ease.
Scam #3: High-Pressure Sales Tactics
A further common car shipping industry scam is to use high-pressure or misleading sales tactics to rush a person into choosing.
Warning signs include:
- Pressuring you to book “RIGHT NOW”
- Claiming your route is almost full
- Threatening price increases if you wait
- Refusing to answer questions
How to avoid it:
Choose companies that explain, make reasonable commitments and communicate without intimidation.
Scam #4: Hidden Fees and Last-Minute Charges
Some companies may provide a low rate and quote additional fees in the fine print of the contract, or at pickup or delivery.
Examples include:
- Extra charges for fuel
- Surprise “carrier fees”
- Mileage surcharges
- Non-refundable “administration fees”
How to avoid it:
- Ask for a full breakdown of charges
- Read the contract carefully
- Avoid companies unwilling to provide written confirmation
CarShippingCenter.com offers easy, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
Scam #5: Taking Deposits Before Assigning a Carrier
Legitimate brokers charge fees only after they have secured a carrier, unlike scammers, who take false deposits for transport.
How it works:
- You pay a deposit
- They make no effort to assign a driver
- Your shipment stalls for weeks
- You lose your deposit
How to avoid it:
- Only pay after a verified carrier is assigned
- Ask for the carrier’s DOT number before payment
- Avoid companies that push early deposits
Scam #6: Fake Tracking Updates or No Communication
Some scammers simply ghost after booking, while others provide fake tracking information or flimsy excuses.
Common excuses include:
- “Your driver is having truck issues.”
- “We’re waiting for route confirmation.”
- “Your vehicle will be picked up tomorrow… next week… soon.”
How to avoid it:
- Choose companies with real-time tracking or verified dispatch teams
- Avoid brokers who stop responding after payment
Reputable companies will communicate throughout the process.
Scam #7: Vehicle Held Hostage for Additional Payment
Another common scam in the car shipping industry involves carriers demanding double or triple the quoted price at the time of delivery.
How it works:
- Car is loaded and transported
- Driver refuses to unload unless paid a higher amount
- Customer feels forced to pay to retrieve the car
How to avoid it:
- Get all pricing in writing before transport
- Work with reputable, vetted carriers
- Report extortion attempts immediately
How to Protect Yourself from Car Shipping Scams
Knowing the most common car shipping industry scams, you may be interested in how to protect your shipment.
Verify DOT and MC Credentials
Use the FMCSA’s SAFER system to check:
- Licensing
- Insurance
- Safety records
Read Reviews from Multiple Platforms
Look for consistent patterns on:
- BBB
- com
Avoid Paying Large Deposits Upfront
Legitimate carriers do not require full prepayment.
Ask for a Written Contract
All details (price, time, insurance) must be documented.
Don’t Choose the Cheapest Option
The target may be lured by the low price.
Work Only With Transparent Companies
Honest companies are open about the process and do not hide information.
Why Choose CarShippingCenter.com?
CarShippingCenter.com offers the safest, most reliable, and fully compliant auto transport services, protecting customers from auto transport scams.
We Provide:
- Licensed and insured carriers
- Honest, competitive pricing
- No hidden fees
- No pressure sales tactics
- Real-time communication
- Verified driver assignments
- Industry-leading customer support
When you book with us, you’re protected from the most common industry pitfalls.
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe, Avoid Auto Transport Scams
If you’re aware of the common vehicle shipping scams, it’s easier to avoid the bad carriers and have a simple and effective experience shipping your vehicle with an experienced and trusted auto transport company.
Choose confidence. Choose transparency. Use CarShippingCenter.com for safe and reliable vehicle transport services.
