How to Spot a Scam in Auto Transport — And Why Brokers Like EcoHub Are More Relevant Than Ever

By EcoHub Logistics

Every week, someone in America ships their car… and never sees it again.
Not stolen — just “lost” in the mess of fake carriers, shady brokers, and zero accountability.

Welcome to the car shipping industry. It’s unregulated chaos in parts of the market. And unless you know what to look for, you’re the easiest target.

Here’s how to spot a scam — and protect your vehicle, your wallet, and your sanity.

🔥 1. Too good to be true? It is.

If someone offers a pickup tomorrow, for half the price, with “no worries” — worry.
That’s the first sign of a scam.

✅ A real broker works through verified platforms, bids with licensed carriers, and knows availability shifts daily. Instant promises usually mean one of two things:

  • You’re being strung along
  • Or your car will be passed to an unqualified driver at the last minute.

🔍 2. Always check their FMCSA license

This is public.
Go to fmcsa.dot.gov → Search by company name or MC number.
What you want to see:

  • ✅ Active broker authority
  • ✅ Insurance on file
  • ❌ No massive complaint history

Scammers either don’t exist on FMCSA at all, or they use someone else’s credentials.

📞 3. Ask who’s really moving your car

The broker should say:

“Once booked, we’ll provide the carrier’s MC number, name, insurance certificate, and ETA.”

If you hear:

“Don’t worry about that” — WORRY.

📝 4. No contract? No deal.

A real broker sends:

  • Signed contract
  • Pickup & delivery window
  • Price breakdown
  • Clear cancellation/refund policy

Scammers give you a voicemail and a Venmo link.

💸 5. Never pay before your carrier is assigned

Legit brokers (like us at EcoHub) only charge after a carrier is confirmed.
No carrier = no payment.
That’s fair business.

🚘 So, who can you trust?

Not everyone with a slick website and a 1-800 number is legit. But here’s the good news: licensed, bonded brokers still exist — and some are doing it right.

At EcoHub Logistics, we:

  • ✅ Only work with licensed & insured carriers
  • ✅ Send full paperwork before payment
  • ✅ Offer live support from real humans
  • ✅ Never charge upfront
  • ✅ Cover coast-to-coast shipping, from motorcycles to RVs

We’re not here to hype. We’re here to deliver.

So, whether you’re shipping a Harley from Florida or a Tesla from California — don’t gamble.
Use a broker who actually gives a damn.


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