Spot common warning signs before you book. Choose a company to run an automated check against FMCSA and directory data.
Spot the warning signs before you pay a deposit
Most car-shipping problems trace back to a company whose paperwork was already a red flag on day one. Carrier Check reads the same public FMCSA records the pros use and flags anything worth a second look, so you are not relying on a slick website or a friendly phone voice.
Operating authority
Confirms the company holds active FMCSA authority (MC/USDOT). Revoked, inactive or missing authority means they cannot legally arrange or haul your vehicle.
Insurance on file
Checks that required insurance is recorded with FMCSA. No insurance on file is a serious warning sign for any move.
Safety & history
Surfaces the safety rating and how long the operation has existed. Brand-new shells and poor safety records get flagged.
Profile completeness
Notes missing basics like a real address or phone. Legitimate companies are easy to verify; ghosts are not.
Frequently asked
What are the biggest red flags?
A large upfront deposit demanded before a carrier is assigned, a price far below every other quote, no verifiable FMCSA authority or insurance, no physical address, and pressure to book "today only." Any one of these is a reason to slow down.
Broker or carrier, does it matter?
Both are fine when legitimate. A broker arranges your move with a vetted carrier; a carrier owns the truck. What matters is active authority, insurance on file and an honest track record, which is exactly what this check reports.
A company passed, am I guaranteed safe?
No tool can promise that. A clean check means the fundamentals are in order; it does not replace reading recent reviews, getting everything in writing, and confirming current status on the official FMCSA SAFER system before you pay.
Where does this data come from?
Public Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records plus the details on each company's directory profile. We do not invent ratings, every flag points to a verifiable fact.