Free tool
Auto transport company verifier
Type a USDOT number, MC number or company name to check any car shipping broker or carrier against live FMCSA records: operating authority, out-of-service status, liability and cargo insurance on file, broker bond, safety rating, crash count and inspection out-of-service rates. A company that is not in these records cannot legally arrange or perform interstate vehicle transport.
Updated September 2026
What a clean record looks like
| Check | Broker (should show) | Carrier (should show) |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Active broker authority (MC-B) | Active common/contract carrier authority |
| Financial responsibility | $75,000 BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust | BIPD liability ≥ $750,000 and cargo insurance on file |
| Equipment | 0 power units (normal) | ≥ 1 power unit, drivers listed |
| Status | No out-of-service order; MCS-150 current | No out-of-service order; OOS rates near national average (21% vehicle / 6% driver) |
Red flags this tool surfaces
- No FMCSA record at all for the name or number on the quote.
- “Not allowed to operate” or an active out-of-service date.
- A company calling itself a carrier with zero power units, or a “broker” with no bond on file.
- No cargo insurance on file for a carrier that will haul your vehicle.
- MCS-150 biennial update overdue (a sign of an abandoned or dormant registration).
- Vehicle or driver out-of-service rates far above the national averages.
Auto transport company verifier FAQ
What is the difference between an MC number and a USDOT number?
The USDOT number identifies any company operating commercial vehicles or arranging interstate transport. The MC (docket) number is the operating authority: MC-B for brokers, MC-C for carriers. A legitimate car shipping broker shows both; a carrier shows a USDOT number and carrier authority.
What should a legitimate auto transport broker show on FMCSA?
Active broker authority, a $75,000 BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust on file, no out-of-service order, and a current MCS-150 update. Brokers have zero power units because they do not own trucks; that is normal.
What should a legitimate carrier show?
Active carrier authority, liability (BIPD) insurance on file at the required level, ideally cargo insurance on file (not federally required for auto haulers, but you want it), at least one power unit, no out-of-service order, and inspection out-of-service rates near or below the national averages (about 21% vehicle, 6% driver).
Is a missing safety rating a red flag?
No. Most small carriers have never had a compliance review and show no rating. An Unsatisfactory or Conditional rating, or an active out-of-service order, is the red flag.
Where does this data come from?
Live from the FMCSA QCMobile API, the same source behind SAFER. Records are cached for 24 hours. Insurance figures are as filed with FMCSA; always confirm the actual certificate with the carrier before pickup.
