The auto shipping industry has a bait-and-switch problem. Some brokers post unrealistically low quotes to win your business, then raise the price after booking — often at the last minute when you have no time to find another carrier.

A quote that’s significantly below market rate almost always means one of two things: the price will change, or the carrier assigned will be of lower quality.

Legitimate auto shipping companies do not require large deposits before your vehicle is picked up. Requiring a significant upfront payment — especially before a carrier is even assigned — is a red flag.

Once money changes hands, your leverage disappears. Carriers can delay, companies can become unresponsive, and getting a refund can be a lengthy battle.

At pickup, the carrier will complete a Bill of Lading — a condition report noting any existing damage. This document is critical. If you don’t review it carefully and note every existing scratch, dent, and chip, you have no proof of what was pre-existing versus what happened in transit.

Disputes about transport damage without a proper Bill of Lading almost always go against the customer.

It’s tempting to use your car as extra moving storage — but personal belongings left in a vehicle during transport are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. If items are damaged or go missing, you have no recourse through the carrier.

Additionally, excess weight from personal items can technically void the transport agreement with some carriers.

Last-minute bookings — especially during peak season — are the single most common cause of delayed pickups and elevated pricing. Carriers plan their routes in advance. A vehicle that needs to ship tomorrow has far fewer options than one booked a week out.

During fall snowbird season to Florida, last-minute bookings can face 1–2 week delays and prices 20–30% above market rate.

All licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance — but the coverage limits vary widely. A carrier with minimum coverage may only insure your vehicle up to a fraction of its actual value. For luxury or high-value vehicles, this can be a costly gap.

Some brokers quote one price and charge another at delivery — citing fuel surcharges, route changes, or “market conditions.” Without a clear price lock in writing, you’re exposed to this at the worst possible moment: when your car is already on the truck.