The auto transport industry has become increasingly crowded recently. Online and land-based shipping companies are roaming the US and hunting clients at any price. Amateur, inexperienced service providers are now taking advantage of the overcrowded market and intruding on a career that isn’t theirs for money.
Auto transport scams are now developing tools and strategies to convince potential clients to hire them. But the truth is, scammers can’t hide for long; rather, they expose themselves clearly; however, not all car owners can get these hints.
So, in this article, we’re discussing the top six signs a client must look for before hiring an auto shipping company. If one of those is found in a company, its reliability must be questioned, and it shouldn’t be hired.
No USDOT number
Operating commercial vehicles and shipping cars across the United States is risky and exposes many parties to dangers. As a result, the Department of Transportation requires all auto transport companies to register and obtain a DOT number.
The DOT imposes strict standards that ensure trucks’ safety and confirm they work according to laws. By obtaining a DOT number, an auto transport company will have access to federal highways and many other benefits that smooths and facilitates the shipping processes for drivers.
A company that doesn’t have a DOT number won’t be able to carry on auto transport shipments with the same efficiency a registered one can; in addition, it’s an unlawful one.
Anonymous clients reviews
The easiest way to spot a reliable or scam auto transport company is by reading its past clients’ reviews. A trustworthy auto transport company will have many positive and few negative feedback from authentic, real, past clients.
However, a scam service provider would have a very bad history with all clients who hired it. So, they use fake, positive, tool-generated reviews to deceive possible clients into hiring them.
One can spot fake reviews by looking at reviewers’ names and text. Generated reviews usually come from weird names and constantly use the same phrases “Very good!” “High-quality service,” “Like,” etc.
Unprofessional customer service
A lot can be revealed about a company only by contacting customer service. Reliable, professional companies will employ a team of the most collaborative and seasoned customer service agents to reflect a positive image of the company.
These professionals will be 24/7, ready to answer clients’ questions and help them through all phases. On the other hand, a scam service provider won’t invest in such a thing; they either hire amateur agents or do not even employ any.
Suspicious payment methods
Scammers don’t only provide a very low-quality service and might cause damage to the shipped car. However, some have greater expectations of stealing clients’ money; some auto transport companies might ask for the client’s credit card details at the early stages of placing the auto transport order, claiming it’s a part of the process.
A dependable auto transport company doesn’t require such sensitive information unless the contract is signed and all details are agreed on.
Unreasonable prices
Most people get attracted to the product or the service that costs less than its counterparts. However, some clients don’t know that the common price range for a service is set reasonably and ensures good service quality.
Nonetheless, when a company provides a suspiciously decreased price, a client must question it. A low price means that many hidden charges will reveal after the shipment is complete or the service is of a very low quality.
No Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document that proves the company’s liability to the shipped car. It also protects clients’ rights in case their car gets damaged. The client and the carrier driver must fill in all information required, including the car’s pre-shipping condition.
When the car’s state is documented in writing or pictures, there will be no chance for the company to evade responsibility in case damage occurs in transit.
But if a company doesn’t use a Bill of Lading in the first place, it’s a fraudster. Clients must remember that the FMCSA requires all legitimate auto transport companies to provide sufficient insurance coverage for all shipped cars.
A company that doesn’t do that is an unlawful, untrustworthy service provider and shouldn’t be considered, no matter what.
Conclusion
Auto transport scams constantly increase as they develop new techniques and strategies to get what they want. So, to be on the safe side, a client has only to deal with reputable auto transport companies that have been long in the industry. Long-experienced service providers must have developed a strong, unquestionable reputation in the industry that leaves no chance for doubt and no way for failure.
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Get My Free QuoteTempus Logix, the eight-year-old auto transport company, is one of the prominent companies that, in a short time, became known for its high-quality services, professional drivers, and most advanced trailers. Requesting an auto transport quote from Tempus Logix is easier than ever, as it’s regularly improving its website. It has integrated an AI cost calculator to save clients’ time and provide them with instant, accurate cost estimates.
