Whether it is moving from one part of the country to another, shipping a vehicle bought or just purchasing a car abroad, all these and other instances indeed require having auto transporters on board. These shipping firms dealing in automobiles offer various delivery procedures and insurances. But, much like any lucrative industry, this one has its share of fraudsters and con artists. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has been recording an increasing number of complaints labeled against auto transporters and car transport brokers alike. Given that these criminals are thriving, despite the times changing, everyone ought to remain smart and informed. And, the best way to stay away from them is by being a well-informed consumer. Choosing the best auto transporter for the job entails: Considering the number of years in business, Researching the transport broker before contracting, and If it's too good to be true, it usually is. - If a company is offering an extremely low price head caution, they may be contracting your shipment to an uninsured, unlicensed transporter. There are many other factors, but these are the major ones. However, staying clear of the fraudulent and deceptive business practices should not be under-estimated. If you are seeking to transport your car, just consider the following: The differences between an auto broker and a vehicle transporter: While the two may seem one and the same, the reality is, everyone of them is unique. An auto broker majors in organizing the transportation of the automobile and isn’t involved in the physical handling of the car at all. Since the same firm only acts as an agent, the payments are done in terms of commissions only. It’s, thus, important to carefully review the site and check if the person you are dealing with is a broker or a transporter. If they are registered with the FMCSA... It’s important that you know if who you are dealing with is registered with the FMCSA. Irrespective of if you are engaging with an auto transport broker or a carrier, the law states that both are registered, especially when they are conducting interstate operations. For registered transport agents, all registrations come with a six-digit “MC Docket” number. But for registered auto transporters, the best form of evidence is a seven digit “U.S. DOT” number. You should verify the validity of both parties’ registrations by conducting a “carrier search” online, through http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/. Nearly all legitimate auto transporters and brokers display publicly their MC Docket number on their sites for all to see. However, if you would like to be extra smart, avoid any website without the code clearly and prominently displayed. For all payments made via credit or debit cards... If the broker or transporter requests that you transact using your credit or debit card, be smart with all the dealings. Carefully monitor the transactions with the firm and, if possible, have the exact amount of money as requested in your account. By so doing, you will only send what you have. However, to file a complaint against one of the two (an automobile transporter or auto transport broker), simply call 1-888-DOT-SAFT or 1-888-368-7238. Alternatively, lodge your complaint through the official FMCSA website -https://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/nccdb/home.aspx. Kathleen T Bliss, President, Nationwide Transporters Group
...read more