Home › Guide
Car Shipping Red Flags: A Before, During and After Checklist
What to watch for at each stage of shipping a vehicle, from the first phone call to the moment the car is unloaded.
Before you pay anything
- Search the company's USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA website.
- Look at the BBB profile and how complaints were answered.
- Sort reviews by lowest rating and read the newest ones first.
- Be wary of a price that is far below the others you received.
While you wait for pickup
- Get the driver's name, phone number and pickup window once a carrier is assigned.
- If the price is suddenly raised, ask for the reason in writing before agreeing.
- Keep copies of every email, text and receipt.
At pickup and delivery
- Walk around the car with the driver and mark existing damage on the Bill of Lading.
- Take dated photos from every side, plus the odometer.
- At delivery, inspect before you sign, and write any new damage on the paperwork.
- Paying by card, where possible, keeps the option to dispute a charge.
Compare companies side by side. See public Google, Trustpilot, BBB and Yelp ratings, recent 1-star reviews and written terms on our comparison page.
More guides
- Reading a Car Shipping Quote: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Who Actually Moves Your Car? Brokers, Carriers and Dispatchers Explained
Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.