How to Verify a Car Shipping Company's FMCSA and USDOT Numbers

USDOT number: The FMCSA's identifier for companies operating in interstate commerce. It tracks safety and registration.

MC number: Historically, the docket number for operating authority — the legal right to act as a for-hire carrier or broker across state lines.

The FMCSA has been moving toward the USDOT number as the main identifier, so search by USDOT first when you have it. Either number should lead you to the same company record. Learn more in our USDOT information FAQ.

1. Get the company's numbers: Ask for the USDOT and MC numbers, or find them on the website and quote.

2. Open the FMCSA SAFER site: Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and choose the Company Snapshot search.

3. Search by USDOT number: It's the most precise search. You can also search by MC number or name.

4. Check the four critical fields (below).

5. Save a copy: Print or save the snapshot as a PDF with the date, so you have a record of what you checked.

Operating status: Should show Active and authorized for hire. Avoid anything showing Out of Service, Inactive or revocation pending.

Entity type: Broker, carrier or both. A broker arranges shipments; a carrier owns the trucks. Make sure it matches what the company told you.

Name and address: Should match the website and quote. A residential address, PO box or a mismatched name is a red flag.

Insurance and bond: Carriers must have liability insurance on file. Brokers must have a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund on file (filed as BMC-84 or BMC-85). If these filings are missing, the company can't legally operate.

Federal law requires every licensed property broker to maintain financial security of $75,000. The bond exists to make sure brokers pay the carriers they hire and meet their obligations. It's a basic sign that a broker is real and accountable.

It's not insurance for your car — that's the carrier's coverage — but a broker without an active bond shouldn't be booking your shipment.

• Inspection and crash history: On carrier records, this data takes time to appear, so a brand-new carrier may show little history.
• Authority age: Very new authority isn't automatically bad, but combine it with other signals.
• Ask for the carrier's details before pickup and verify that carrier too.
• Compare with independent reviews, keeping in mind that review sites can be gamed.

You can also browse our auto transport carriers directory, which lists public USDOT and MC numbers for each company.

You can check us the same way. ShipMyCar US is listed under USDOT 9016315 and MC 57541812. Look us up, then get a free quote or call 1-888-706-8784.

• Status shows Out of Service, Inactive or Not Authorized
• The legal name doesn't match the company you're talking to
• The phone number or address is different from the website
• The authority is very new and the company claims years of experience
• No insurance or bond on file
• A carrier with a high number of out-of-service inspections

If you book through a broker, the broker's record shows it can arrange shipments. The carrier that actually hauls your car has its own record. Ask for the carrier's name and USDOT number before pickup and check it the same way. The Bill of Lading should show the same carrier.

• Your state's attorney general consumer complaints
• The Better Business Bureau
• Independent review sites, read carefully
• The FMCSA's complaint database

No single source tells the full story, but together they give a clear picture.

Every licensed property broker must maintain $75,000 in financial security, filed with the FMCSA as a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund. Its main purpose is to make sure brokers pay the carriers and shippers they work with. FMCSA's updated broker financial responsibility rules, in effect from January 2026, tightened how that security must be maintained and what happens when it's drawn down.

On SAFER, check the "Insurance" or "Licensing & Insurance" details for the bond or trust filing. A broker without one shouldn't be booking your shipment.

Different parts of the FMCSA record update on different schedules. Operating status and insurance filings usually update within a few business days. Inspection and crash data can take longer because states report it on a delay. A brand-new company may show little or no history, which isn't automatically bad — but it means you should rely more on other checks, like the company's address, reviews and willingness to share details.

1. Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and choose "Company Snapshot."

2. Select USDOT Number, enter the number and search.

3. On the results page, read the Entity Type, Operating Status and Operating Authority Status lines first.

4. Check the Legal Name, DBA Name and Physical Address against the company's website and quote.

5. For carriers, look at the Inspections and Crashes sections.

6. Follow the link to licensing and insurance details to confirm the bond or insurance filing.

7. Save or print the page with the date.

• Status: Active
• Authority: Authorized for property (carrier) or broker of property (broker)
• Name and address match the company you're dealing with
• Bond or insurance on file and active
• For carriers: an inspection history without a high rate of out-of-service violations

ShipMyCar US is listed under USDOT 9016315 and MC 57541812 — you can check us the same way.

Scammers sometimes use a real company's USDOT or MC number on a fake website. That's why matching details matters: the phone number, address and email domain on the FMCSA record should line up with the company you're talking to. If anything doesn't match, call the number listed on the official record to confirm.

Brokering or hauling interstate shipments without active authority is a federal violation that can bring civil penalties. A company operating that way has already shown it's willing to ignore the rules — not someone you want handling your car or your money.

Records can change after you book. A company's authority might be revoked, its insurance might lapse, or its listing could be updated. Saving a dated PDF or screenshot of the Company Snapshot at the time you book gives you a record of what you checked. If anything goes wrong, it shows you did your homework, and it can help a complaint or claim.

A broker's record shows broker authority and a bond or trust. A carrier's record shows motor carrier authority, insurance and an inspection history. Some companies hold both. When you book with a broker, verify the broker first, then ask for the carrier's details before pickup and verify that record too. Read why an auto transport broker is your best choice.

Get the USDOT or MC number, search it on SAFER, confirm the status is Active, check that the name and address match, and make sure the bond or insurance is on file. Save a copy. Then ask for the assigned carrier's number before pickup and check it too.

What is a USDOT number?: It's the unique identifier the FMCSA assigns to companies operating in interstate commerce, including auto transport brokers and carriers.

Is it free to check a company on FMCSA SAFER?: Yes. The Company Snapshot is free and requires no login.

What is a BMC-84 bond?: It's the $75,000 surety bond a licensed broker files with the FMCSA as financial security. A BMC-85 is the trust fund alternative.

How often is SAFER data updated?: Authority and insurance changes usually appear within a few business days. Inspection and crash data can take longer because states report on a delay.

What if a company only gives an MC number?: You can search SAFER by MC number too. Make sure the record shows active authority and matching details.

Is a company with no crash history safe?: No crashes is good, but for a new company it may just mean little history. Combine it with other checks.

Can I verify the carrier before pickup?: Yes. Ask your broker for the assigned carrier's name and USDOT number and look it up.

What does 'Out of Service' mean on SAFER?: The company is not allowed to operate. Don't book with it.

What if the address on SAFER is a home?: Small carriers are often run from home. For brokers, a mismatched or missing address is more concerning. Combine it with other checks.

Does ShipMyCar US have a USDOT number?: Yes. USDOT 9016315 and MC 57541812.

Is a broker's MC number enough to trust them?: It's a start. Also confirm the status is Active, the bond is on file, and the name, address and phone number match the company you're dealing with.