Legit Car Transporters

According to reports from BBB (Better Business Bureau), most cases of automobile shipping scams happen when car owners fail to verify the legitimacy of the car shipping company. It seems that people are too busy to really check things out in person and are too happy to close business deals and make payments over the internet. Here are tell-tale signs to spot bogus and legit car transporters.

Bogus car transport companies Scammers are always smooth talkers. You would not have the slightest inkling that you are being fooled. They would also offer cheaper services and seem to have all that you need. Soon, as negotiations seem to be going very smoothly, they will rush you into closing the deal and making quick payments online.

Payments should not be made in check or bank transfers, but through online payment systems that are irretraceable. Car shipping scammers will also try to convince you to make 100% deposit to guarantee a spot on the carrier truck. You will be made to believe that you need to pay more and quickly if you wished to make sure you car gets shipped on your desired date.

Legit car transportation companies typically don’t give a guarantee to the time and date of delivery. They know too well that car shipping is unlike sending a parcel through UPS or DHL. When shipping an automobile overland or oversea, there are too many factors to consider, such as the weather, sea or road conditions, mechanical failure, and others. When shipping internationally, there are also Customs and exportation issues to consider.

An authorized car shipping company will always be in BBB’s list of reliable shippers. You should see this list before hiring a shipper. BBB or Better Business Bureau is a private group of business leaders who have bonded together to fight scams, protect the consumers, and promote the businesses of legitimate companies. The group’s objective is to educate the American people in making correct choices and steps when engaging in any kind of transactions. Their website maintains a list of reliable companies.

You can also find a list and get advice from the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT). You cannot trust everything you see on the internet but the BBB and DOT definitely you can trust. You may also visit MCSA Safety to check a car shipping company’s credentials or other car shipping company review websites on the web.

Finally, the best way to make sure your car shipping company is not a scam is to make a personal connection. Visit their office or at least make a phone call. In the first place, it is advised that you hire a company that is near your area so that should make it easy for you to go visit.

Once there, you can ask to see their authorizing documents, IDs, and licenses. Typically, their company name, address and license number are printed on one side of their carrier trucks. Legit car transporters would not mind accommodating your inquiries and proving that they are authorized and reliable companies.