Understanding Bait-and-Switch Tactics in Auto Transport

Bait-and-switch is the most common scam in car shipping. Learn exactly how it works, the warning signs, and how to protect yourself before you book.

What Is Bait-and-Switch in Auto Transport?

Bait-and-switch is a deceptive pricing tactic where a broker quotes a below-market rate to win your booking, then raises the price later, often right before your pickup window, when you're out of time to find an alternative.

It's the most common complaint in the auto transport industry and has a simple mechanism:

1. Broker quotes you a price 25-40% below the real carrier market rate
2. You book, feeling like you got a great deal
3. Days pass with no carrier assignment (because no carrier will haul at that low rate)
4. Broker calls to say "the market changed" or "no carriers are accepting your price"
5. They offer a new, higher price, now the real market rate
6. You're out of time, so you accept

Why Brokers Do This

Low quotes generate more leads. Customers naturally compare prices and gravitate toward the lowest number. A dishonest broker optimizes for getting your booking first, knowing they can negotiate up later.

The tactic works because:

• Most shippers are first-timers who don't know the real market rate
• By the time the price increase happens, the shipper often doesn't have time to rebook
• Non-refundable deposits trap some customers even after the bait-and-switch

Real-Life Example

Natalie needed to ship her 2019 Hyundai Elantra from Phoenix to Seattle. One company quoted $595. The average market rate for that route was $895-$1,050. She booked, excited about the low price.

Four days before her pickup window, the company called. No carrier would accept $595. The new price: $1,025. Natalie had already given notice at her apartment and bought her plane ticket. She had no choice but to accept.

She later booked with Web Auto Transport for a future move. Her quote reflected the actual market rate from day one, locked in with RateShield. No surprises.

All prices are estimated ranges based on current market conditions. Exact pricing depends on vehicle size, pickup flexibility, and season.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Compare multiple quotes. If one quote is 20%+ below all others, it's likely a placeholder, not a real rate.

2. Ask directly: "Is this the rate at which you'll actually dispatch a carrier? Will my price change after booking?" Listen for vague answers.

3. Require a price lock. Web Auto Transport's RateShield guarantees your booked price for 30 days. Ask any company what their price lock policy is.

4. Don't pay a non-refundable deposit. If the price changes, you want the freedom to walk away. Legitimate brokers don't require pre-dispatch non-refundable fees.

5. Read the cancellation policy before booking. Know what happens if the price is raised.

Web Auto Transport's Commitment

We quote based on actual, current carrier market rates for your specific route. Our price reflects what real carriers are accepting in the real market at the time of your quote. We don't quote low to win the booking.

With RateShield, even if market rates rise between booking and dispatch, you pay your original price.

Q&A

Q: How common is bait-and-switch in car shipping?

Very common. It's one of the top categories of complaints filed with the FMCSA and BBB about auto transport brokers.

Q: What can I do if I've been bait-and-switched?

File a complaint with the BBB, FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database (nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov), and the FTC. If you paid a non-refundable deposit, dispute the charge with your credit card company.

We never bait-and-switch. Get a real, locked-in quote at webautotransport.com, call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com