10 Tips to Ensure a Safe Auto Transport

Tip 1:
Steer clear of upfront deposits, particularly through ACH, Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.

These payment methods raise suspicions, often linked to scams originating from overseas call centers. Opt for major credit cards for added protection, as they offer dispute resolution services.

Tip 2:
Verify claims regarding truck availability before committing to booking.

Exercise caution if a company claims to have a truck readily available in your vicinity. Beware of such claims designed to entice orders without genuine substantiation.

Tip 3:
Exercise caution when confronted with guarantees of securing a spot on the truck with a deposit.

Be skeptical if a company promises that your deposit ensures a spot on the truck. Deposits should only be made following carrier confirmation and upon receipt of the driver’s name and contact information. Truck availability within your area and timeframe is unpredictable; rely on Safe Auto Shipping Guidelines, a national auto transport board, for licensed carriers and brokers.

Tip 4:
Hold off on paying a deposit until a carrier is assigned to your shipment.

Delay payments until your shipment is officially allocated to a truck. If a company claims to have a truck available, insist on obtaining the name and contact details of the trucking company. Refusal to provide this information may indicate a lack of a truck arrangement. Be wary of attempts to charge your credit card without confirming a carrier, as it may be a ploy to buy more time.

Tip 5:
Exercise caution with offers of gas cards upon completing your order.

Approach offers of a $200 gas card upon order completion with skepticism. Verify if these cards are genuine Visa Gas Cards and inquire about any associated processes, such as saving receipts and mailing them in. Research the “Free Gas Card Scam” online to understand the potential risks associated with such offers.

Tip 6:
Be cautious of companies serving as both brokers and carriers.

Some companies may represent themselves as both brokers and carriers, suggesting they’ll transport your order on their truck when they actually intend to broker it to another company. While brokering isn’t inherently problematic, misleading first-time auto shippers during the sales process can be deceptive. Even with a single truck, the likelihood of it being conveniently located with available space and heading towards your destination around your pickup date is minimal.

Tip 7:
Exercise caution with low-price quotes that exclude broker fees.

Some companies may offer seemingly low quotes while concealing additional broker fees in their terms. Failure to disclose the final price upfront often leads to unexpected charges, sometimes amounting to hundreds more than anticipated. At Lynx Auto Transport, we prioritize transparency by guaranteeing the final price upon carrier approval, ensuring no surprises for our customers.

Tip 8:
Be wary of companies with provisions allowing price hikes without customer consent.

Despite claiming the initial quote as the total price, certain companies may have terms enabling them to increase prices without customer agreement. Some companies gradually augment the carrier’s pay until a driver accepts the vehicle, all without necessitating a new contract or amendment from the customer.

Tip 9:
Exercise caution with companies threatening fees for credit card chargebacks.

Some companies may include terms stating they’ll impose fees if you initiate a credit card chargeback. However, imposing such fees violates the Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Merchant Agreement. If you’re subjected to such charges, report the company to the respective card network authorities, potentially resulting in significant fines for the company.

Tip 10:
Take heed of disclaimers in company terms, contracts, and quotes.

While some companies may assert to guarantee pick-up or delivery dates, it’s crucial to review the disclaimers often found at the bottom of their documents, as they frequently outline exceptions. Guarantees of specific days should be approached with caution due to the myriad factors influencing vehicle trucking companies. At Lynx Auto Transport, we prioritize meeting customer needs and strive to work collaboratively to accommodate strict date requirements, ensuring satisfactory solutions for all concerns. Consider these Safe Auto Shipping Guidelines when evaluating service providers.