Are you planning to ship your car but unsure how to choose the right auto transport company? Selecting a legally licensed, certified, and regulated auto shipper is essential to guarantee quality service and compliance with industry standards.
Certifications and licenses are important to prove the authenticity of any business, especially for auto transporters who ship high-value freight. This article will outline the required certifications and licenses that auto transport companies need to operate legally in the U.S., how to obtain them, and how to ensure quality and compliance.
The Required Auto Transport Licenses and Certifications
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) are the official entities that regulate auto transport companies.
They provide auto shippers with the licenses and certifications to operate legally across state lines. Every credible auto shipper must have the following:
FMCSA certification: Auto transporters owning a fleet of carriers or working as brokers must apply through the FMCSA website to be issued a Motor Carrier number. The issued MC number is a six digits number used to recognize the carriers approved to haul freight across the states. The official FMCSA website states that “both auto transport brokers and carriers that operate interstate are required to be registered with FMCSA.”
USDOT certification: Auto transporters that operate interstate are issued a seven-digit USDOT number, which helps car owners research a carrier’s safety history.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): All drivers operating heavy vehicles for commercial purposes must complete training programs for commercial drivers to obtain their CDLs and be allowed to operate car carriers. CDL has three different types, and they are ordered descendingly Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Auto broker bonds: Auto transport brokers should have freight broker bonds in addition to their MC and USDOT numbers. The broker bond guarantees that brokers pay the car carriers they work with. So, bonding helps protect both parties rights and is necessary for brokers to complete the FMCSA’s registration requirements.
Obtaining Auto Transport Licensing and Certifications
Auto transport companies can visit the FMCSA and USDOT official websites to learn more about the requirements and procedures needed to obtain the proper and required licensing and certifications.
However, American auto shippers can apply for the certification online by filling out specific applications on their websites and paying a registration fee. Then, they have to wait a short time for their applications to be reviewed and approved before receiving their registration numbers.
Importance of Auto Transport Licensing and Certifications
Obtaining proper licensing and certification is a crucial aspect of the auto transport process that benefits all parties involved. Hence, licensed transporters are held accountable for their work and must meet industry standards, assuring car owners that their vehicles are in good hands.
There are numerous benefits of licensing and certifications for American auto transport companies, with quality and compliance being the most significant.
Licensing and Certification Ensure Quality
When working with licensed and certified auto transport companies, car owners don’t have to worry about their vehicles’ safety and security. In fact, licensing and certification further promote auto transport companies’ credibility and professionalism, ensuring they are operating as legitimate businesses.
Additionally, licensed auto transporters can guarantee higher quality services since they compete for quality and reliability. In other words, customers are more likely to trust their services than those of unlicensed auto transporters.
It is worth noting that licensed auto transporters are willing to invest the right time and effort to provide better service to their clients, just as they take the initiative to demonstrate their licensing and certification.
Licensing and Certification Ensure Compliance
Licensed and certified auto transport companies must comply with the rules and regulations of each state in which they operate. Complying with the rules ensures the safety of auto transporters, drivers, and cargo.
On the other hand, trusting one’s car to an unlicensed company that does not follow the laws can pose a significant risk to the car, including potential damage and loss. Moreover, such companies may resort to illegal methods that could be unsafe.
Not to mention that car owners cannot claim reimbursement for the incurred damage since the company they chose was operating illegally in the first place, making it difficult to hold them accountable for any losses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a certified auto transport company ensures a smooth experience. Car owners do not need to feel frustrated and stressed when leaving their valuable vehicles in the hands of auto shippers, knowing that they have chosen a licensed and certified transporter.
If you are looking for a reliable auto transport company with the proper licensing and certification, Tempus Logix has you covered. Tempus Logix has been in the auto transport industry for over eight years and is licensed and bonded with FMCSA and USDOT.
Additionally, the company’s skillful team always checks the licenses and certifications of carriers before dispatch. So, you can safely rely on Tempus Logix services to help transport your vehicle anytime, anywhere across the U.S.