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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 & broker

Right Way Auto Transport Inc

USDOT 355181 MC-220178 Elkton, MD (410) 392-7872

Email

No red flags in FMCSA records

The company is registered, authorized and insured. Still get the price and terms in writing before you pay anything.

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-220178.

  • Authority was revoked in the past (2003)

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

  • 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.

  • Satisfactory safety rating

    FMCSA audited the company and found its safety controls adequate (rated June 2002).

  • In business for 37 years

    Registered with FMCSA since May 1989.

  • 28 roadside inspections, out-of-service rate normal

    Vehicles were put out of service in 0% of inspections (national average 22.26%), drivers in 0% (national average 6.67%).

  • 2 reported crashes in the last 24 months

    1 with injuries, 0 fatal, across a fleet of 37 trucks. Crash reports don't say who was at fault.

Company details

Contact

Address
1911 E Old Philadelphia Rd, Elkton, MD 21921-6857
Mailing address
P O Box 248, Elkton, MD 21922-0248
Phone
(410) 392-7872
Cell phone
(443) 907-2467
Fax
(410) 392-8125
Email
barry@rightwayautotransport.com

Company

Legal name
Right Way Auto Transport Inc
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
Ronald B Wright, Ronald E Wright
Process agent (BOC-3)
Process Agent Service Company, Inc. — Sioux Falls, SD
USDOT issued
May 26, 1989
Last MCS-150 update
Feb 24, 2026

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
Motor vehicles
Trucks
37 power units
Drivers
37 (37 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
3,014,473 (2025)
Hazardous materials
Yes, registered to carry hazmat
Safety rating
Satisfactory (Jun 2002)

Safety record, last 24 months

28Roadside inspections
0%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
0%Driver out-of-service rate
National average 6.67%
2Crashes
1 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 1, 2026GADriver only (III)1No
Sep 28, 2026KYWalk-around (II)2No
Aug 27, 2026GADriver only (III)1No
Jun 3, 2026SCDriver only (III)2No
Apr 16, 2026MDWalk-around (II)0No
Mar 25, 2026MDDriver only (III)1No
Mar 25, 2026KYWalk-around (II)0No
Feb 17, 2026NCDriver only (III)0No
Jan 16, 2026TNDriver only (III)1No
Jan 7, 2026TNDriver only (III)0No
Dec 29, 2025GADriver only (III)1No
Dec 12, 2025ARDriver only (III)1No
Dec 6, 2025ALWalk-around (II)2No
Dec 1, 2025MDDriver only (III)1No
Nov 5, 2025SCDriver only (III)0No
Oct 21, 2025TNDriver only (III)0No
Sep 17, 2025WVWalk-around (II)0No
Sep 16, 2025USFull (Level I)0No
Aug 27, 2025DEDriver only (III)1No
Aug 19, 2025SCDriver only (III)2No
Jul 8, 2025WVWalk-around (II)1No
Jun 23, 2025INDriver only (III)2No
Apr 10, 2025TNDriver only (III)0No
Mar 22, 2025MDWalk-around (II)0No
Feb 24, 2025WVWalk-around (II)0No
Jan 16, 2025TNDriver only (III)1No
Dec 2, 2024KYDriver only (III)2No
Nov 5, 2024LAWalk-around (II)0No

Crashes

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

DateWhereInjuriesDeathsVehicle towed
Jan 28, 2026Chattanooga, TN00Yes
Dec 4, 2025Not Reported, VA10Yes

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyZACAT9267406$1,000,000Aug 1, 2026
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyZACAT9267405$1,000,000Aug 1, 2025

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)Arch Insurance CompanyAug 1, 2025—Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyAug 1, 2024Aug 1, 2025Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyAug 1, 2023Aug 1, 2024Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyAug 1, 2022Aug 1, 2023Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyAug 1, 2021Aug 1, 2022Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Arch Insurance CompanyOct 1, 2020Aug 1, 2021Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Occidental Fire And Casualty Co. Of N.c.Oct 1, 2018Oct 1, 2020Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Casualty CompanyOct 1, 2016Oct 1, 2018Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)American Alternative Insurance CorporationOct 1, 2015Oct 1, 2016Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Harco National Insurance Co.Oct 1, 2014Oct 1, 2015Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaJan 13, 2014Oct 1, 2014Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaOct 1, 2013Jan 13, 2014Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Zurich American Insurance CompanyOct 1, 2012Oct 1, 2013Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Zurich American Insurance CompanyOct 1, 2011Oct 1, 2012Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Zurich American Insurance CompanyOct 1, 2010Oct 1, 2011Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Zurich American Insurance CompanyOct 1, 2009Oct 1, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Empire Fire & Marine Insurance Co.Oct 1, 2007Oct 1, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Great American Insurance Co.Aug 14, 2001Sep 30, 2003Cancelled, no replacement
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Indemnity Insurance Co. Of North AmericaAug 14, 2000Aug 14, 2001Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Empire Fire & Marine Insurance Co.Sep 14, 1999Feb 22, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoFireman's Fund Insurance Co.Jul 15, 1999Aug 14, 2005Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaSep 14, 1998Oct 7, 1999Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat American Insurance Company Of New YorkJul 15, 1996Aug 19, 1998Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)Empire Fire & Marine Insurance Co.Sep 14, 1994Oct 20, 1998Cancelled, 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 Oct 3, 2016 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Revocation notice Carrier

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

  3. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 2, 2013 — the company kept its authority.

  4. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 27, 2012 — the company kept its authority.

  5. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 27, 2011 — the company kept its authority.

  6. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 29, 2010 — the company kept its authority.

  7. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 28, 2009 — the company kept its authority.

  8. Authority revoked Broker
  9. Authority granted Broker
  10. Authority granted Broker
  11. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 24, 1993 — the company kept its authority.

  12. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 22, 1992 — the company kept its authority.

  13. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 7, 1991 — the company kept its authority.

  14. Authority granted Carrier
  15. Revoked Carrier
  16. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 5, 1990 — the company kept its authority.

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.