Ripoff Report | Express auto transport complaints, reviews, scams, lawsuits and frauds reported, 25 results (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my car transport company is legit? ›

Imposter auto transporters

Be sure to verify a company's contact information and identity before doing business with them. You can verify a company's legitimacy by looking up its FMCSA or DOT numbers.

A vehicle history report can give you a generally accurate glimpse into your car's past — how it was maintained, records of accidents it's been in and the like. But errors can occur, and what's more, there are scams associated with these reports that target consumers buying or selling used cars.

Scammers need to get your money before you've thought things through. If a seller says they're moving soon, going overseas, or selling fast for a relative, there's a good chance it's a scam. If they want you to pay with gift cards, it's definitely a scam. Don't do it.

Verify the Address

You may help confirm that you are working with a legitimate company and lower your risk of being scammed by checking a car shipping company's address. Prior to accepting any services, it is still crucial to conduct extensive research on the business and read reviews from prior clients.

The best car shipping companies in 2024 are Montway, Mercury Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Sherpa and SGT Auto Transport. When finding who is the best car shipping company for you, consider cost, reputation variety of vehicle services, speed of shipment and included insurance coverage.

Standard attributes of fake shipping companies include: Phony Websites and Social Media Profiles: Scammers often create fake websites and social media profiles that imitate trustworthy shipping companies. They use deceptive tactics such as logo imitation, industry jargon, and fake testimonials.

A free CARFAX report is also available through many dealer websites. As you browse a dealer's used car inventory, look for links to free CARFAX Reports. If a link is unavailable, contact the dealer and ask them for the CARFAX Report. Free CARFAX Reports are available at many car dealerships in your area.

Yes! Because VIN data is not public record, providing your car's VIN to a potential buyer, whether online or in person, is completely safe. A VIN number can only be used to obtain general information about the service records and history of your vehicle. After all, anyone can approach your car and read its VIN.

AutoCheck Provides More Value Over Carfax

Even if you already have access to a vehicle history report from a provider, AutoCheck has its own set of exclusive data that may uncover further information about a vehicle you're considering.

Unsolicited offers: Don't respond to unsolicited cold calls, emails, junk mail, late-night commercials or infomercials, or social media posts that are either overly attractive or fear-inducing. These are all common tactics scammers use to entice you to engage.

How to spot a fake title? ›

In some cases, your local police will be able to help track down scammers — for example, if you've lost money or know anything about the scammer. To file a police report, you'll need: Your FTC report. Personal identification in the form of a driver's license, Social Security card, or passport.

Most companies display MC and DOT numbers on their websites, but if you're unable to find them, a quick search on the FMCSA website will help you determine whether the carrier you're researching is lawful and legitimate.

To summarize, these are our picks for the cheapest car shipping companies: Mercury Auto Transport: $0.69 per mile. AmeriFreight: $0.75 per mile. Ship A Car Direct: $0.78 per mile.

The best option for shipping an engine is via less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. LTL shipping is a popular choice for transporting items that are too large for parcel carriers but don't require an entire truck's space.

Verify USDOT Number

A USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) number is a specific identifier issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for commercial vehicles. It provides the ability to check an organization's legitimacy, safety rating, and previous complaints.

Many transport companies offer tracking services that allow you to monitor the location of your vehicle. You can usually access this information through the company's website or by contacting their customer service department.

We rate Easy Auto Ship an 9.0 out of 10.0 for its cash discount and coverage options. See what we uncovered about the auto broker in our Easy Auto Ship review.