When it comes to transporting your vehicle, trust is everything. You’re handing over one of your most valuable possessions to a broker who promises to get it from point A to point B safely, on time, and for a fair price. Unfortunately, not all brokers are as honest as they should be. While many in the industry operate with integrity, some brokers tell lies that can lead to severe consequences for unsuspecting customers. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the most common lies brokers tell, why they do it, and the unfortunate outcomes that customers often face as a result.
1. “We can guarantee a pickup/delivery date.”
One of the most alluring promises a broker can make is guaranteeing a specific pickup or delivery date. It’s a comforting thought—knowing exactly when your car will be on its way or when it will arrive at its destination. However, in reality, this is a promise that no reputable broker can truly make. The nature of the auto transport industry is unpredictable. Traffic, weather conditions, mechanical issues, and unforeseen delays can all impact timing. So why do some brokers make this promise? It’s simple—they know it’s what the customer wants to hear, and it often closes the deal quickly.
Consequences: When that guaranteed date isn’t met, the customer is left frustrated and often financially burdened. You may have to rearrange plans, miss deadlines, or even incur additional costs, such as storage fees, if your car isn’t delivered on time. The stress and inconvenience of relying on a false promise can turn what should be a straightforward process into a logistical nightmare.
2. “Your car will be transported on our own truck.”
Many brokers create the impression that they own a fleet of trucks and that your vehicle will be transported directly by them. This lie is designed to make the customer feel more secure, as it suggests that the broker has complete control over the transport process. However, most brokers do not own any trucks; they act as intermediaries between the customer and independent carriers.
Consequences: When a broker outsources your job to a third-party carrier, they lose control over many aspects of the transport. This can lead to communication breakdowns, delays, and a lack of accountability if something goes wrong. If your vehicle is damaged or delivery is delayed, the broker may point fingers at the carrier, leaving you stuck in the middle trying to resolve the issue.
3. “We offer the lowest price, guaranteed.”
In an industry as competitive as auto transport, price is often the deciding factor for customers. Some brokers capitalize on this by promising the lowest price, sometimes even “guaranteed.” However, this is often just a bait-and-switch tactic. The broker may offer an unrealistically low quote to get your business, knowing full well that the actual cost will be higher.
Consequences: Once you’ve committed, you may find that the low price doesn’t include necessary fees or that your car won’t be picked up until you agree to pay more. This tactic can lead to last-minute stress, unexpected financial strain, and a feeling of being trapped. What seemed like a great deal initially can end up costing you more in the long run—both in terms of money and peace of mind.
4. “Your car is fully insured with no deductibles.”
Insurance is a critical component of auto transport, and brokers know that customers are concerned about potential damage to their vehicles. To ease these fears, some brokers falsely claim that their service includes full insurance coverage with no deductibles. This statement is designed to reassure customers that their vehicle is in safe hands, but it’s often misleading.
Consequences: When damage occurs, customers may discover that the insurance coverage isn’t as comprehensive as they were led to believe. There may be exclusions, limitations, or high deductibles that leave you footing the bill for repairs. Worse, if the broker didn’t properly vet the carrier’s insurance, you might find yourself dealing with an uninsured or underinsured carrier, leaving you with little recourse.
5. “We have a truck in your area right now.”
Creating a sense of urgency is a classic sales tactic, and some brokers use it to persuade customers to book immediately by claiming that they have a truck “in your area right now.” The implication is that you need to act fast or risk missing out on a quick and convenient pickup. However, in most cases, this is nothing more than a fabricated story.
Consequences: The “truck in your area” is often non-existent, and you may find yourself waiting days or even weeks for a driver to actually become available. This lie not only causes delays but also erodes trust between you and the broker. It’s a clear indication that the broker is more interested in securing your business than providing honest, reliable service.
6. “We don’t charge a deposit until we assign a driver.”
Another common lie is the promise that no deposit will be charged until a driver is assigned to your shipment. This makes the booking process seem risk-free, encouraging customers to commit without hesitation. However, some brokers will charge a non-refundable deposit upfront, regardless of whether they’ve assigned a driver or not.
Consequences: If the broker fails to assign a driver or if you decide to cancel the service, you may find that getting your deposit back is impossible. This can be particularly frustrating if you need to make alternative arrangements quickly. The non-refundable deposit can also act as a trap, making it difficult to switch to a more reliable broker once you realize you’ve been misled.
The Impact of These Lies
The lies that some brokers tell can have far-reaching consequences for customers. Beyond the immediate frustration and financial losses, these dishonest practices erode trust in the entire auto transport industry. Customers who have been burned by one broker are likely to be wary of all brokers in the future, making it harder for reputable businesses to gain their trust. Moreover, the logistical challenges that arise from these lies—missed deadlines, damaged vehicles, and unexpected costs—can turn what should be a straightforward process into a source of significant stress.
How to Avoid Dishonest Brokers
To protect yourself from dishonest brokers, it’s crucial to do your homework. Start by researching brokers online—look for reviews, ratings, and any red flags that might indicate a history of dishonest practices. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions: What kind of insurance coverage is included? Can they provide proof of truck availability? Will they put their promises in writing?
Finally, verify everything. Get all agreements in writing, including details about pricing, insurance, and timelines. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A good broker will be transparent, straightforward, and willing to answer all your questions without hesitation.
The Importance of Reading Reviews—Especially the 1-Star Ones
When choosing an auto transport broker, one of the most important steps you can take is to read reviews from other customers. However, it’s not enough to just glance at the overall rating or the glowing 5-star reviews. In today’s digital age, it’s unfortunately all too common for companies to pay for fake positive reviews. These 5-star ratings can paint an unrealistically rosy picture, masking the real issues that customers might face.
To truly understand what you’re getting into, it’s crucial to dig deeper and pay close attention to the 1-star reviews. These reviews often tell the real story, highlighting the worst-case scenarios that customers have experienced. Whether it’s hidden fees, missed deadlines, poor communication, or damage to vehicles, the 1-star reviews can give you a clearer picture of what could go wrong.
By reading the worst reviews, you can identify recurring problems and decide whether you’re willing to take the risk. If multiple customers mention the same issues, it’s a red flag that should not be ignored. A company with a pattern of negative reviews, even if they are outweighed by positive ones, may not be as reliable as they seem.
In contrast, a broker with a mix of reviews, including some lower ratings that are transparently addressed by the company, may actually be more trustworthy. It shows that they are responsive to feedback and committed to resolving issues, rather than hiding behind a wall of paid-for praise.
Ultimately, reviews are a powerful tool for consumers—but only if used wisely. Don’t be swayed by a perfect 5-star rating alone. Take the time to read the detailed experiences of other customers, especially those who had a negative experience. This approach will help you make a more informed decision and avoid brokers who might otherwise take advantage of you.
Conclusion
In the auto transport industry, honesty and transparency are essential. While many brokers operate with integrity, the unfortunate reality is that some rely on deceptive practices to lure in customers. From false promises about pickup dates and prices to misleading claims about insurance and truck availability, these lies can lead to significant frustration, financial losses, and logistical headaches.
One of the best defenses against these dishonest practices is to be an informed customer. Don’t just take a broker’s word for it—do your research. Pay special attention to reviews, especially the 1-star ones, as they often reveal the truth behind the polished 5-star facade. By digging into the worst reviews, you can uncover potential red flags and make a more informed decision about who to trust with your vehicle.
Remember, a good broker will be upfront, transparent, and willing to answer all your questions without hesitation. By choosing wisely, you can ensure a smoother, more reliable auto transport experience and avoid the pitfalls that come with dishonest brokers.
Resources you can use to help avoid the bad actors in the auto transport industry:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- FMCSA Website
- For checking a broker’s credentials and finding more information on regulations.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- BBB Website
- Useful for checking the accreditation and reviews of brokers.
- Consumer Reports
- Consumer Reports Website
- Provides general advice on avoiding scams and checking company reputations.
- Transport Reviews
- Transport Reviews Website
- A dedicated platform for reading reviews about auto transport brokers and carriers.
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
- Angi Website
- For finding and reviewing local service providers, including auto transport.
- Yelp
- Yelp Website
- For checking customer reviews and experiences with brokers.
- Trustpilot
- Trustpilot Website
- Another platform for reading customer reviews and ratings.
- State Department of Transportation Websites
- Links to state-specific DOT websites can provide local regulations and additional resources for checking a broker’s legitimacy.
- National Auto Transport Association (NATA)
- NATA Website
- Provides information on industry standards and finding reputable transport providers.
- Online Scam Resources
- Scamwatch – For learning about common scams and how to avoid them.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Alerts – For general information on various types of scams.
Author: Drew Levine Owner of Simple Car Shipping LLC
Simple Car Shipping has brokers with integrity who work honestly. Giving our customers a minimal stress experience in an industry that can be hard to navigate. Feel free to check out our reviews here