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Car shipping company lookup

Check any auto transport company before you book. Enter its USDOT number, MC number or name to see if it is licensed, insured and in good standing with the FMCSA — with red flags explained in plain English.

Examples: 2239816 (USDOT) · MC-795152 · or part of the company name. You'll find the numbers on the company's website, quote or contract.

Carrier

Auto Choice Express LLC

USDOT 1277377 MC-503261 Preston, ID (406) 868-2206

Email

Check the flagged items before you book

1 thing is worth asking the company about. None of them alone means a scam.

What we checked

  • USDOT number is active

    The company's federal registration is current.

  • Operating authority is active

    Authorized for hire across state lines as a carrier (it can haul cars itself) under MC-503261.

  • Liability insurance on file

    $1,000,000 of liability coverage is filed with FMCSA (required minimum: $750,000).

  • Cargo insurance not filed with FMCSA

    Federal rules don't require most carriers to file cargo coverage, so this is common. Ask for a certificate of insurance showing cargo coverage above your car's value.

  • Past out-of-service order, now lifted

    FMCSA once ordered this company to stop operating; the order was later rescinded.

  • Satisfactory safety rating

    FMCSA audited the company and found its safety controls adequate (rated November 2019).

  • In business for 22 years

    Registered with FMCSA since August 2004.

  • Out-of-service rate well above the national average

    13 inspections in 24 months. Vehicles were put out of service in 66.7% of inspections (national average 22.26%), drivers in 15.4% (national average 6.67%). Trucks or drivers put out of service at a roadside inspection had defects serious enough to stop them on the spot.

  • 0 reported crashes in the last 24 months

    No crashes were reported to FMCSA in the last two years.

Company details

Contact

Address
125 S 3rd W, Preston, ID 83263
Mailing address
Po Box 83, Preston, ID 83263
Phone
(406) 868-2206
Email
autochoiceexpress@gmail.com

Company

Legal name
Auto Choice Express LLC
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
Dan Buckingham, Brenda Buckingham
Process agent (BOC-3)
#1 A+ Agents Of Process, Inc. — Lone Tree, CO
USDOT issued
Aug 18, 2004
Last MCS-150 update
Jun 17, 2025

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
Motor vehicles
Trucks
4 power units
Drivers
5 (5 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
355,584 (2024)
Hazardous materials
Yes, registered to carry hazmat
Safety rating
Satisfactory (Nov 2019)

Safety record, last 24 months

13Roadside inspections
66.7%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
15.4%Driver out-of-service rate
National average 6.67%
0Crashes
0 with injuries · 0 fatal

Roadside inspections

Police and state inspectors stop trucks to check the vehicle and the driver. Out of service means a problem serious enough to stop the truck or driver on the spot.

DateStateInspectionViolationsOut of service
Oct 5, 2026MIDriver only (III)1No
Sep 17, 2026NEDriver only (III)4Driver
May 14, 2026IDWalk-around (II)3No
Jan 24, 2026WAWalk-around (II)3Vehicle & Driver
Jun 5, 2025SDWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
May 15, 2025NEDriver only (III)1No
May 2, 2025KSWalk-around (II)1No
Mar 27, 2025SDDriver only (III)0No
Mar 17, 2025MTDriver only (III)0No
Feb 28, 2025WADriver only (III)1No
Dec 3, 2024MTWalk-around (II)4Vehicle
Nov 23, 2024SDWalk-around (II)4Vehicle
Oct 31, 2024MTDriver only (III)0No

Crashes

No crashes were reported in the last 24 months.

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.CT9678471126$1,000,000Aug 19, 2024

Ask the company for a certificate of insurance and check that the insurer and policy number match this table.

Past policies

Earlier filings, newest first. Cancelled, no replacement means coverage stopped with no new policy in place — a gap in insurance.

TypeInsurerFromUntilHow it ended
Liability (BIPD)United Financial Casualty CompanyAug 19, 2023Aug 19, 2024Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyAug 19, 2019Sep 20, 2023Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)United Financial Casualty CompanyAug 19, 2017Aug 19, 2019Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Sentry Select Insurance CompanyAug 19, 2016Aug 19, 2017Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Jul 20, 2016Aug 19, 2016Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Jul 1, 2016Aug 24, 2016Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Aug 19, 2015Aug 9, 2016Name changed
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyJan 28, 2015Aug 19, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyOct 15, 2014Feb 17, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyAug 20, 2014Oct 31, 2014Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Sentry Select Insurance CompanyMar 27, 2013Aug 19, 2014Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Sentry Select Insurance CompanyAug 19, 2012Mar 27, 2013Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyNov 23, 2010Aug 19, 2012Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNorthland Insurance CompanyNov 23, 2010Sep 23, 2011Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyNov 24, 2009Nov 23, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNorthland Insurance CompanyNov 24, 2009Nov 23, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyJul 22, 2009Nov 24, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNorthland Insurance CompanyJul 22, 2009Nov 24, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyAug 19, 2008Jul 22, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNorthland Insurance CompanyAug 19, 2008Jul 22, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Carolina Casualty Insurance Co.Jun 26, 2008Aug 19, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoCarolina Casualty Insurance Co.Jun 26, 2008Aug 19, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Carolina Casualty Insurance Co.Aug 19, 2007Jun 26, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoCarolina Casualty Insurance Co.Aug 19, 2007Jun 26, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoFireman's Fund Insurance Co.Aug 19, 2005Aug 19, 2007Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Great West Casualty Co.Aug 19, 2005Aug 19, 2007Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat West Casualty Co.Aug 19, 2005Sep 28, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Transguard Insurance Company Of America Inc.Aug 19, 2004Aug 19, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoTransguard Insurance Company Of America Inc.Aug 19, 2004Aug 19, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over

Operating authority history

Every change FMCSA recorded to the company's license to operate, newest first.

  • Granted or reinstated
  • Warning, resolved
  • Revoked or suspended
  • Other
  1. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 21, 2017 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 7, 2016 — the company kept its authority.

  3. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 19, 2015 — the company kept its authority.

  4. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jan 29, 2015 — the company kept its authority.

  5. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 16, 2014 — the company kept its authority.

  6. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 21, 2014 — the company kept its authority.

  7. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 20, 2012 — the company kept its authority.

  8. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 16, 2010 — the company kept its authority.

  9. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 30, 2009 — the company kept its authority.

  10. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 21, 2009 — the company kept its authority.

  11. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 20, 2008 — the company kept its authority.

  12. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jun 6, 2008 — the company kept its authority.

  13. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 20, 2007 — the company kept its authority.

  14. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 23, 2005 — the company kept its authority.

  15. Authority granted Carrier

Source: FMCSA records published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, checked 21 hours ago. Authority and insurance come from FMCSA's licensing records (this company hasn't had a status change since FMCSA moved to its new Motus system in 2026). This report reflects public federal data only; it is not an endorsement or a guarantee of service.

What the lookup checks

Eight things to know before you hand over your keys

Every interstate car shipping company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The lookup reads that record and flags what matters to you as a customer.

  1. USDOT status

    Every company that moves vehicles across state lines needs an active USDOT number. Inactive means it has stopped operating or was shut down.

  2. Operating authority (MC number)

    Federal permission to ship cars for pay. Carriers hold carrier authority; brokers hold broker authority. No active authority, no legal interstate shipping.

  3. Liability insurance

    Carriers must keep at least $750,000 of liability coverage on file with the FMCSA. Most auto haulers carry $1,000,000.

  4. Broker bond

    Brokers must file a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund. It protects customers and carriers if the broker doesn't pay.

  5. Out-of-service orders

    An FMCSA order to stop operating — after failed safety audits, unpaid fines or an imminent hazard.

  6. Safety rating and crashes

    Satisfactory, Conditional or Unsatisfactory after an FMCSA audit, plus crashes reported in the last 24 months.

  7. Time in business

    Scammers rarely keep a name for long. A registration only weeks or months old deserves extra caution.

  8. Carrier or broker

    Whether the company hauls your car itself or books a partner carrier — and whether it is actually registered to carry vehicles.

Beyond the records

Car shipping scam red flags

A clean FMCSA record is the minimum. These warning signs matter just as much — most car shipping complaints start with one of them.

  • A quote far below everyone else's. Lowball quotes get raised after booking or sit with no carrier for weeks. Compare with our car shipping cost calculator.
  • A big deposit by wire, Zelle or gift card. Reputable companies take $0–$250 upfront, usually by card, and the rest at pickup or delivery.
  • A name that doesn't match the record. The legal name or DBA on the FMCSA record should match the website, the contract and the truck.
  • "Guaranteed" pickup dates from a broker. A broker can't promise a date until a carrier is assigned — get the date in writing and ask who the carrier is.
  • No written contract or Bill of Lading. Inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery — our car shipping checklist has a printable inspection form.

FAQ

Checking a car shipping company

Want companies that already passed these checks? Browse verified companies by state.

How do I check if a car shipping company is legit?

Look up its USDOT or MC number. A legitimate company has an active USDOT number, active operating authority (MC) as a carrier or broker, and insurance or a broker bond on file with the FMCSA. Then make sure the name on the record matches the company you are talking to, and be wary of any company registered in the last few months that asks for a large deposit.

What is the difference between a USDOT number and an MC number?

The USDOT number identifies the company and tracks its safety record, inspections and crashes. The MC number is its operating authority — federal permission to transport vehicles for pay across state lines. An interstate car shipping company needs both, and both must be active.

Where do I find a company's USDOT or MC number?

Licensed companies show them on their website (usually in the footer), in quotes and contracts, on the Bill of Lading and on the side of their trucks. If a company won't give you its USDOT or MC number, don't book with it.

Is it a red flag if the company is a broker?

No. Most online car shipping companies are brokers: they book your car with a partner carrier that runs the route. A legitimate broker has active broker authority and a $75,000 bond on file. Ask which carrier will haul your car and check that carrier too.

What insurance must a car shipping company have?

Interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 of liability insurance with the FMCSA (many auto haulers carry $1,000,000). Brokers must file a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund. Cargo insurance — the policy that pays for damage to your car — often isn't filed with the FMCSA, so ask for a certificate of insurance and check that the cargo limit covers your car's value.

What does "out of service" mean?

An out-of-service order is an FMCSA order to stop operating immediately, usually after an unsatisfactory safety rating, unpaid fines or an imminent hazard. A company under an active order must not move your car.

Where does this data come from and how current is it?

From the FMCSA's own records, published daily by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Results are refreshed at least every 12 hours. For a final check before you pay, you can also open the company's FMCSA SAFER snapshot from the report.