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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

American Auto Transport Inc

USDOT 1291429 MC-500892 Lombard, IL (224) 431-0784

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-500892.

  • Authority was revoked in the past (2005, 2008)

    It was reinstated and has been active since. Old revocations usually followed a lapse in insurance or a bond filing.

  • 1 revocation notice in the last 3 years

    FMCSA warned it would revoke the authority — usually over a missing insurance or bond filing — and the company fixed it in time. Repeated notices can be a sign of money trouble.

  • 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.

  • No safety rating

    FMCSA has never audited this carrier. That is normal — most carriers are never rated.

  • In business for 22 years

    Registered with FMCSA since October 2004.

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

    24 inspections in 24 months. Vehicles were put out of service in 50% of inspections (national average 22.26%), drivers in 12.5% (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

Company

Legal name
American Auto Transport Inc
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
Rustam Gappoev
Process agent (BOC-3)
Allamerican Agents Of Process — Sioux Falls, SD
USDOT issued
Oct 1, 2004
Last MCS-150 update
Sep 28, 2026

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
General freight, Motor vehicles, Logs, poles, lumber, Machinery, large objects, Fresh produce, Paper products
Trucks
61 power units
Drivers
61 (61 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
75,642 (2025)

Safety record, last 24 months

24Roadside inspections
50%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
12.5%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 11, 2026KYDriver only (III)0No
Oct 8, 2026ARDriver only (III)1No
Sep 27, 2026ILDriver only (III)0No
Sep 23, 2026FLDriver only (III)1No
Sep 8, 2026MNDriver only (III)0No
Jul 19, 2026COWalk-around (II)0No
Jun 22, 2026NYWalk-around (II)10No
Jun 19, 2026NDDriver only (III)0No
Jun 10, 2026MTWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Jun 4, 2026IAWalk-around (II)0No
Jun 2, 2026WAWalk-around (II)2No
Jun 1, 2026ORDriver only (III)2Driver
May 4, 2026TXDriver only (III)0No
Apr 20, 2026ORDriver only (III)3Driver
Apr 13, 2026UTDriver only (III)1No
Apr 9, 2026NMWalk-around (II)1No
Apr 2, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
Mar 30, 2026AZDriver only (III)3Driver
Mar 26, 2026TNDriver only (III)0No
Mar 10, 2026WAWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Mar 1, 2026MSDriver only (III)0No
Dec 14, 2025MTWalk-around (II)3Vehicle
Dec 12, 2025NMWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Nov 18, 2025WYWalk-around (II)1Vehicle

Crashes

No crashes were reported in the last 24 months.

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Liability (BIPD)Ms Transverse Insurance CompanyTINCA5886975$1,000,000Aug 14, 2026

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)Ms Transverse Insurance CompanyAug 13, 2026Aug 14, 2026Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Occidental Fire & Casualty Company Of North CarolinaApr 22, 2026Aug 14, 2026Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Geico Marine Insurance CompanyDec 6, 2025Apr 22, 2026Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Artisan & Truckers Casualty CompanyDec 6, 2023Dec 6, 2025Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Artisan & Truckers Casualty CompanyMar 21, 2023Jan 10, 2024Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)County Hall Insurance Company, Inc A Rr GroupJun 26, 2022Jun 24, 2022Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)County Hall Insurance Company, Inc A Rr GroupJun 24, 2022Mar 21, 2023Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Artisan & Truckers Casualty CompanyJun 26, 2019Jun 26, 2022Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyJun 26, 2016Jun 26, 2019Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Occidental Fire And Casualty Co. Of N.c.Jun 26, 2015Jun 26, 2016Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Artisan & Truckers Casualty CompanyMay 15, 2015Jun 26, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Liability & Fire Ins Co.Apr 2, 2015May 15, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance CompanFeb 13, 2015Apr 2, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Castlepoint National Insurance CoFeb 13, 2014Feb 13, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Sparta Insurance CompanyNov 17, 2013Feb 20, 2014Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Star Insurance CompanyNov 17, 2012Nov 17, 2013Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Star Insurance CompanyFeb 27, 2012Nov 17, 2012Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Star Insurance CompanyNov 17, 2011Feb 27, 2012Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Star Insurance CompanyNov 17, 2010Nov 17, 2011Replaced by a new policy
CargoTravelers Property Casualty Co. Of AmericaNov 17, 2009Jul 27, 2016Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)Star Insurance CompanyNov 17, 2009Nov 17, 2010Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Lincoln General Insurance CompanyNov 17, 2008Nov 17, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat American Insurance Co.May 6, 2008Nov 17, 2009Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaJan 15, 2008Nov 17, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat American Insurance Co.Dec 20, 2007May 6, 2008Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaNov 17, 2007Jan 15, 2008Name changed
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaNov 17, 2006Nov 17, 2007Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Commerce And Industry InsuranceNov 17, 2005Nov 17, 2006Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)American Home Assurance Co.Feb 9, 2005Nov 10, 2005Cancelled, no replacement
Liability (BIPD)American Home Assurance Co.Jan 25, 2005Feb 9, 2005Replaced by a new policy
CargoGreat American Insurance Co.Dec 10, 2004Jan 15, 2008Name changed
Liability (BIPD)American Home Assurance Co.Nov 4, 2004Jan 25, 2005Name changed
CargoAdriatic Insurance CompanyNov 3, 2004Dec 10, 2004Replaced by a new policy

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 Apr 17, 2026 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jun 20, 2022 — the company kept its authority.

  3. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jun 28, 2016 — the company kept its authority.

  4. Revocation notice Carrier

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

  5. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on May 18, 2015 — the company kept its authority.

  6. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Apr 2, 2015 — the company kept its authority.

  7. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Feb 12, 2015 — the company kept its authority.

  8. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Feb 18, 2014 — the company kept its authority.

  9. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 18, 2013 — the company kept its authority.

  10. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 12, 2009 — the company kept its authority.

  11. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 17, 2008 — the company kept its authority.

  12. Authority reinstated Carrier
  13. Authority revoked Carrier
  14. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 19, 2007 — the company kept its authority.

  15. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 17, 2006 — the company kept its authority.

  16. Authority reinstated Carrier
  17. Authority revoked Carrier
  18. Authority reinstated Carrier
  19. Authority revoked Carrier
  20. Authority granted Carrier

Source: FMCSA records published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, checked 23 hours ago. Authority and insurance come from Motus, FMCSA's current registration system. 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.