The 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Car Shipper

Before booking an auto transport company, ask these 10 questions. The answers will tell you immediately whether you're dealing with a legitimate, trustworthy company.

The 10 Questions Every Smart Shipper Asks

These questions take under 5 minutes. They will immediately reveal whether you're dealing with a trustworthy company, or one to avoid.

Question 1: What is your MC number?

What the answer tells you: Every licensed auto transport broker must have an active Motor Carrier (MC) number from the FMCSA. Ask for it, then verify it at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Red flag: They don't have one, can't find it, or give you one that isn't active.

Web Auto Transport answer: We provide our MC number immediately and encourage you to verify it.

Question 2: How much do I pay before a carrier is assigned?

What the answer tells you: Legitimate brokers don't charge full price before finding you a carrier. Any significant upfront payment before a carrier is confirmed puts your money at risk.

Red flag: They require full payment at booking, before any carrier is identified.

Web Auto Transport answer: $0 at booking. A small partial payment after carrier confirmation only.

Question 3: Can my price change after I book?

What the answer tells you: This is the classic bait-and-switch question. A transparent company will tell you their quote reflects real market rates and won't change once a carrier is confirmed.

Red flag: Vague answers like "only if market conditions change."

Web Auto Transport answer: Your price is locked once your carrier is confirmed. RateShield locks it for 30 days, even during the booking window.

Question 4: Are you a broker or a carrier?

What the answer tells you: Most auto transport companies are brokers, not carriers. That's not a problem, but knowing the difference matters. A broker who pretends to be a carrier is misleading you.

Red flag: They claim to own all the trucks but can't name a specific fleet.

Web Auto Transport answer: We are a licensed non-asset property broker. We vet and assign FMCSA-licensed carrier companies to your shipment.

Question 5: Who will actually move my car?

What the answer tells you: You have a right to know the carrier name and contact information before your vehicle is picked up. This enables verification at the pickup.

Red flag: They refuse to share carrier info until the driver shows up.

Web Auto Transport answer: We provide carrier name, MC number, driver name, and phone number at dispatch, before pickup.

Question 6: What cargo insurance covers my vehicle?

What the answer tells you: Carrier cargo insurance is the primary protection for your vehicle. Know the coverage limit and whether the broker carries supplemental contingent insurance.

Red flag: They can't tell you the coverage amount or won't provide a Certificate of Insurance.

Web Auto Transport answer: $100K-$250K+ carrier cargo insurance, plus TransitShield, supplemental cargo coverage up to $200,000 with only $100 deductible.

Question 7: What is your cancellation policy?

What the answer tells you: You should be able to cancel before dispatch with a full refund. If they've taken money and won't refund a pre-dispatch cancellation, that's predatory.

Red flag: Non-refundable booking fees or deposits just to search for a carrier.

Web Auto Transport answer: 100% refund on all cancellations before dispatch. No questions asked.

Question 8: What happens if the carrier damages my car?

What the answer tells you: A company that has handled claims will walk you through the process clearly. A company trying to avoid the topic hasn't.

Red flag: "That never happens" or vague references to "the carrier is responsible."

Web Auto Transport answer: We help document the damage, file with the carrier's insurer, and advocate for you throughout the claims process.

Question 9: What happens if the carrier cancels last minute?

What the answer tells you: Carrier cancellations happen. A good broker has a backup plan and will re-assign immediately.

Red flag: No answer, or "we'd have to find a new carrier from scratch."

Web Auto Transport answer: We immediately re-dispatch from our vetted carrier network. Your timeline is our priority.

Question 10: Who is my dedicated contact during the shipment?

What the answer tells you: Will you have one person managing your shipment, or will you be passed between departments?

Red flag: "Someone from our team will help you" with no specific name or direct line.

Web Auto Transport answer: Every customer is assigned a dedicated logistics specialist who manages your shipment from booking to delivery.

Ask us all 10 questions. We'll answer every one on the first call. (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO | webautotransport.com. Email: info@webautotransport.com | USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded.