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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

Reliable Carriers Inc

USDOT 242599 MC-172994 Canton, MI (734) 453-6677

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-172994.

  • Liability insurance on file

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

  • Cargo insurance on file

    A cargo policy — the one that pays if your car is damaged — is filed with FMCSA.

  • Satisfactory safety rating

    FMCSA audited the company and found its safety controls adequate (rated April 2015).

  • In business for 42 years

    Registered with FMCSA since February 1984.

  • 205 roadside inspections, out-of-service rate above average

    Vehicles were put out of service in 26.7% of inspections (national average 22.26%), drivers in 0% (national average 6.67%). The difference rests on only a few inspections, so treat it as a hint rather than a verdict.

  • 11 reported crashes in the last 24 months

    7 with injuries, 1 fatal, across a fleet of 292 trucks. Crash reports don't say who was at fault.

Company details

Contact

Address
41555 Koppernick Road, Canton, MI 48187-2415
Phone
(734) 453-6677
Fax
(734) 453-8608
Email
adanko@reliablecarriers.com

Company

Legal name
Reliable Carriers Inc
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
Ann Danko, Thomas Abrams
Process agent (BOC-3)
Trucker's Nationwide, Inc. — Sioux Falls, SD
USDOT issued
Feb 14, 1984
Last MCS-150 update
Sep 26, 2025

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
General freight, Motor vehicles
Trucks
292 power units
Drivers
273 (273 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
21,855,796 (2025)
Hazardous materials
Yes, registered to carry hazmat
Safety rating
Satisfactory (Apr 2015)

Safety record, last 24 months

205Roadside inspections
26.7%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
0%Driver out-of-service rate
National average 6.67%
11Crashes
7 with injuries · 1 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 6, 2026MDDriver only (III)0No
Sep 24, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Sep 19, 2026CODriver only (III)1No
Sep 7, 2026TXDriver only (III)0No
Sep 7, 2026NVDriver only (III)0No
Sep 5, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Sep 4, 2026TNWalk-around (II)1No
Sep 3, 2026NYDriver only (III)2No
Sep 3, 2026MIWalk-around (II)0No
Aug 28, 2026MODriver only (III)0No
Aug 28, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Aug 27, 2026CTFull (Level I)3Vehicle
Aug 25, 2026NJWalk-around (II)1No
Aug 25, 2026GADriver only (III)0No
Aug 24, 2026TNFull (Level I)1Vehicle
Aug 20, 2026UTDriver only (III)0No
Aug 19, 2026UTDriver only (III)1No
Aug 18, 2026CAWalk-around (II)2No
Aug 17, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Aug 14, 2026NEDriver only (III)2No
Aug 13, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Aug 13, 2026MIDriver only (III)1No
Aug 11, 2026FLDriver only (III)1No
Aug 6, 2026ARWalk-around (II)3Vehicle
Jul 29, 2026ILDriver only (III)0No
Jul 27, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Jul 26, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
Jul 23, 2026MIDriver only (III)1No
Jul 16, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Jul 8, 2026MODriver only (III)0No
Jul 4, 2026MSDriver only (III)0No
Jul 1, 2026INWalk-around (II)1No
Jul 1, 2026NCDriver only (III)0No
Jun 25, 2026FLDriver only (III)0No
Jun 17, 2026ARDriver only (III)1No
Jun 13, 2026CTWalk-around (II)0No
Jun 2, 2026NMDriver only (III)0No
May 31, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
May 30, 2026CAFull (Level I)2Vehicle
May 29, 2026NMDriver only (III)0No
May 25, 2026NDFull (Level I)0No
May 20, 2026TNFull (Level I)0No
May 19, 2026UTFull (Level I)0No
May 19, 2026TNFull (Level I)1Vehicle
May 13, 2026GADriver only (III)1No
May 13, 2026CAFull (Level I)1No
May 8, 2026KSWalk-around (II)0No
May 7, 2026CAFull (Level I)2Vehicle
May 7, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
May 7, 2026INDriver only (III)1No
May 6, 2026TNDriver only (III)0No
Apr 30, 2026MIDriver only (III)1No
Apr 27, 2026KYWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Apr 16, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Apr 14, 2026FLFull (Level I)1Vehicle
Apr 13, 2026WVDriver only (III)1No
Apr 9, 2026UTDriver only (III)0No
Apr 6, 2026TXDriver only (III)3No
Apr 3, 2026MSDriver only (III)0No
Apr 2, 2026FLDriver only (III)0No
Apr 2, 2026NYFull (Level I)0No
Mar 30, 2026NMWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Mar 17, 2026MTDriver only (III)0No
Mar 13, 2026MIWalk-around (II)2No
Mar 12, 2026TNFull (Level I)0No
Mar 10, 2026WAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Mar 5, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Mar 4, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Mar 1, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
Feb 26, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
Feb 26, 2026INDriver only (III)3No
Feb 25, 2026NEWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Feb 24, 2026SCDriver only (III)1No
Feb 20, 2026MDWalk-around (II)0No
Feb 20, 2026UTFull (Level I)1No
Feb 11, 2026ILDriver only (III)0No
Feb 9, 2026NYWalk-around (II)0No
Feb 9, 2026NCDriver only (III)0No
Feb 4, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Feb 3, 2026MIDriver only (III)2No
Feb 2, 2026CADriver only (III)3No
Jan 30, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
Jan 28, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
Jan 25, 2026NMDriver only (III)0No
Jan 24, 2026NCDriver only (III)0No
Jan 23, 2026TNWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Jan 19, 2026NMDriver only (III)0No
Jan 16, 2026AZWalk-around (II)2No
Jan 15, 2026CAFull (Level I)3No
Jan 6, 2026MIDriver only (III)0No
Dec 30, 2025TXWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Dec 11, 2025NEDriver only (III)0No
Dec 9, 2025GADriver only (III)1No
Dec 9, 2025VADriver only (III)1No
Dec 8, 2025TNWalk-around (II)1No
Dec 7, 2025ALDriver only (III)0No
Dec 5, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Dec 4, 2025WAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Nov 25, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Nov 25, 2025VADriver only (III)0No

Crashes

Crashes reported by state police. The reports don't say who was at fault.

DateWhereInjuriesDeathsVehicle towed
Jun 26, 2026GA00Yes
May 13, 2026Livonia, MI00Yes
Jan 28, 2026Non-city Or Unincorporate, MO00Yes
Nov 20, 2025Gilbert, AZ00Yes
Nov 6, 2025Rural Tuscaloosa, AL10No
Oct 26, 2025Wexford Twp, MI11Yes
May 9, 2025Sterling Heights, MI10Yes
Mar 21, 2025Livonia, MI10Yes
Mar 13, 2025Miami Gardens, FL10Yes
Feb 2, 2025Pecos, TX10Yes
Nov 12, 2024AZ10Yes

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)United States Fire Insurance Company6031052487$1,000,000Jul 1, 2026
CargoProtective Insurance CompanyB-11986$5,000Jul 1, 2008
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Protective Insurance CompanyB-11986$1,000,000Jul 1, 2008
CargoProtective Insurance CompanyB-11986$5,000Jul 1, 2008

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)Protective Insurance Co.Jul 1, 2008Jun 6, 2018Cancelled, no replacement
CargoProtective Insurance Co.Jul 1, 2008Jun 6, 2018Cancelled, another policy took over
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Protective Insurance CompanyJul 1, 2008—Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Great West Casualty Co.Jul 1, 2001Aug 4, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat West Casualty Co.Jul 1, 2001Aug 4, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Gulf Insurance Co.Jul 1, 1999Jul 1, 2001Replaced by a new policy
CargoGulf Insurance Co.Jul 1, 1999Jul 1, 2001Replaced by a new policy
CargoThe Reliance Insurance Co.Jan 1, 1997Jul 1, 1999Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD), excessThe Reliance Insurance Co.Jan 1, 1997Jul 1, 1999Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD), excessSt. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co.Jan 1, 1995Feb 8, 1997Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co.Jan 1, 1995Feb 8, 1997Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoSt. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co.Jan 1, 1995Feb 8, 1997Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Vanliner Insurance CompanyJan 1, 1993Jan 1, 1995Replaced by a new policy
CargoFederal Insurance Co.Apr 1, 1988Jan 1, 1995Replaced 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 Jun 8, 2021 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Mar 20, 1997 — the company kept its authority.

  3. Authority granted Carrier
  4. Authority granted Carrier

Source: FMCSA records published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, checked 20 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.