There are four ways to check the reputation of your auto transport company – the Federal Government’s website, the Better Business Bureau, or the local Chamber of Commerce.
First, check the Federal Government's web site: http://fhwa-li.volpe.dot.gov This will tell you if the company is on file and has a license and bond. You can also check the company's legal name or DBA Name. Use the company's city and state to help speed the search. It will be more accurate if you happen to get their MC or ICC number.
When you find a match, click on the button that says: "Screen." The company should be listed as a Broker and the bond information should be on file with the government.
There are also links listed where you can click to view the company's "Authority History" -- that will tell you how long they have been in business under that name, and if they've ever been suspended or had their license revoked. You can also click on "Insurance History" to find out the name of their insurance company or the company holding their bond.
If you don't find a match, or it shows that the company has Contract or Common Authority only, they are not licensed to take your order and broker it out to another trucking company. It's estimated that about 80% of the companies that advertise on the Internet or in the phone books operate this way. If you decide to use someone that is not licensed and bonded, the Government will do nothing in your behalf. Using a licensed and bonded company is for your protection and a really good idea, not matter how much you “might” save.
Second, check the Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/One of the easiest ways to look up a company is to use their telephone number. If you don't get results, then put in their company name with at least the state they are based in.
If you can't find the information through their Internet site, you may find a listing on their site of a local Better Business Bureau office where you can call for help.
The Bureau does not endorse any particular company, but it does keep records of unresolved complaints and problems. If you find that there's an over abundance of complaints and problems with the company your thinking about using, you should probably be looking at a different company.
Asking for References -- Asking for specific names as references probably won’t get you much information, since most companies will only give you the names of references that would give them a good recommendation.
But checking with the Federal Government site and the BBB site is your best bet for finding auto transport companies you can trust with your vehicle.