At Auto Carrier Corp, based in Calgary, Alberta, we’ve been shipping vehicles all across Canada and into the United States for years. We’re a fully certified company with active FMCSA and USDOT registrations, backed by a team of professionals who prioritize safety, legal compliance, and transparency. Over the years, we’ve seen it all — and we want to help you steer clear of the most common scams in the car shipping world.
We know that shipping your vehicle can be stressful — especially during a big move or life change. That’s when scammers usually make their move. So here are the 5 most frequent scams in auto transport — and how you can stay protected.
ALERT #1: The Infamous “Double Brokering”
This is one of the sneakiest and most dangerous tricks in the book. Double brokering happens when a carrier you’ve booked hands your shipment off to a completely different company, without telling you. Worse yet, the second company is often unqualified, uninsured, or not legally registered.
That means your vehicle might end up in the hands of a random third party — no guarantees, no accountability, and a real risk of theft or damage. Plus, this shady handoff often creates a payment nightmare where the actual driver never gets paid, and you get stuck in the middle.
At Auto Carrier Corp, we have strict protocols to verify every carrier’s credentials. We never work with brokers posing as carriers, and we reject any shipment involving unauthorized subcontracting.
ALERT #2: Lowball Quotes with Hidden Strings Attached
If a quote looks way too cheap, it probably is. This scam lures you in with a lowball price, then slaps you with surprise fees once your vehicle is on the truck.
Some common tactics:
- Fuel surcharges
- Weather-related fees
- Weight overages
- Random “taxes” or admin charges
Even worse, some shady carriers refuse to release your car until you pay up. Others might vanish after taking your deposit — fake phone numbers, no address, gone without a trace.
To avoid this:
- Always ask for a detailed written quote.
- Read the contract carefully — watch for fine print.
- Don’t trust anyone demanding full payment upfront.
At Auto Carrier Corp, our pricing is clear, upfront, and contract-backed. No hidden charges. No surprises.
ALERT #3: Theft Disguised as Shipping
Some criminals pretend to be legitimate brokers or carriers just to steal your vehicle. They hack into systems, forge paperwork, reroute the shipment, and boom — your car disappears.
In some cases, they even impersonate real employees to trick drivers into handing over your car. It’s scary, but it happens.
That’s why we always say: Only trust transporters with verified DOT and MC numbers, current insurance, and a solid online presence. At Auto Carrier Corp, we’ve spent over 10 years operating safely, legally, and without a single theft incident.
ALERT #4: No Documentation, No Protection
A real auto transport company should always provide:
- A signed Bill of Lading (BOL)
- 15+ vehicle photos before and after shipment
- A current insurance certificate
- Valid DOT and MC numbers
No paperwork? That’s a huge red flag. The BOL is your legal proof of the car’s condition and shipment agreement. If anything goes wrong, this is your lifeline.
Every shipment with Auto Carrier Corp is fully documented, photographed, and confirmed with a client signature — because transparency is non-negotiable for us.
ALERT #5: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…
Scammers often rely on emotional stories or “limited-time” deals to trick you. Maybe it’s a sob story, maybe it’s a luxury car at a crazy low price — and then comes the request for upfront payment.
We’ve seen it happen with customers looking for deals on Facebook Marketplace or other platforms. The seller gets pushy, the story doesn’t check out, and things feel… off.
Pro tip: Never trust offers that can’t be verified. No corporate email? No online footprint? No real phone conversation? Walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check if a shipping company is legit?
Look up their DOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website, check Google reviews, and ask for insurance proof.
Should I pay upfront to ship my car?
Ideally, pay after delivery or with a small deposit under contract. Avoid full prepayments without protection.
What if my car gets damaged during shipping?
With a signed BOL and photo documentation, you can file a claim through the carrier’s insurance. That’s why documentation is everything.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed & Ship Smart
Shipping your car doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right information and the right company, it can be safe, smooth, and stress-free.
At Auto Carrier Corp, we take pride in operating with honesty, legal compliance, and real customer care. We know your car isn’t just a vehicle — it’s part of your life. And we’ll treat it that way.
Ready to ship your car the right way? Get your free, no-obligation quote now