List your company

Free tool · FMCSA data updated daily

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

Big Sky Auto Transport Inc

USDOT 598761 MC-285702 Great Falls, MT (406) 453-4590

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 and as a broker under MC-285702.

  • Authority was revoked in the past (1999, 2009, 2020)

    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.

  • Broker bond on file

    The $75,000 broker surety bond or trust fund (BMC-84/85) required by FMCSA is in place.

  • Satisfactory safety rating

    FMCSA audited the company and found its safety controls adequate (rated November 2023).

  • In business for 31 years

    Registered with FMCSA since April 1995.

  • Only 9 roadside inspections in the last 24 months

    Too few to compare with the national average. Vehicles were put out of service in 25% of inspections (national average 22.26%), drivers in 0% (national average 6.67%).

  • 0 reported crashes in the last 24 months

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

Company details

Contact

Address
4825 53rd Ave Sw, Great Falls, MT 59404
Mailing address
Po Box 288, Great Falls, MT 59403
Phone
(406) 453-4590
Fax
(406) 453-0602
Email
dispatch@bigskyauto.us

Company

Legal name
Big Sky Auto Transport Inc
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
Donald Kirkhart
Process agent (BOC-3)
Service Of Process Agents, Inc. — Memphis, TN
USDOT issued
Apr 20, 1995
Last MCS-150 update
Jan 7, 2026

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
Motor vehicles
Trucks
7 power units
Drivers
5 (5 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
360,000 (2025)
Hazardous materials
Yes, registered to carry hazmat
Safety rating
Satisfactory (Nov 2023)

Safety record, last 24 months

9Roadside inspections
25%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
0%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
Jun 18, 2026UTDriver only (III)1No
Jun 10, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Feb 27, 2026UTDriver only (III)1No
Feb 24, 2026NVWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Nov 10, 2025CADriver only (III)1Vehicle
Jul 18, 2025NVWalk-around (II)0No
Jun 17, 2025MTWalk-around (II)2No
May 14, 2025UTDriver only (III)1No
May 6, 2025MTDriver only (III)1No

Crashes

No crashes were reported in the last 24 months.

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Liability (BIPD)Great West Casualty Co.GRT15365A$1,000,000Jan 19, 2024
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Nationwide Mutual Insurance Comp7901156779On fileSep 14, 2023

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
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Nationwide Mutual Insurance CompSep 14, 2023Dec 6, 2023Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)United Financial Casualty CompanyJan 19, 2023Jan 19, 2024Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Rock Ridge Insurance CompanyJan 19, 2022Jan 19, 2023Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Clear Blue Insurance CompanyJan 19, 2021Jan 19, 2022Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Clear Blue Insurance CompanyJan 19, 2020Jan 19, 2021Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyJan 19, 2014Jan 19, 2020Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)American Alternative Insurance CorporationJan 19, 2013Jan 19, 2014Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Jan 19, 2012Jan 19, 2013Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Jan 19, 2011Feb 29, 2012Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoUnderwriters At Lloyds LondonJan 19, 2011Mar 21, 2011Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyJan 19, 2010Feb 21, 2011Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoUnderwriters At Lloyds LondonJan 19, 2010Jan 19, 2011Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Plaza Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2009Jan 19, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoPlaza Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2009Jan 19, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Stonington Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2008Nov 2, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoStonington Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2008Nov 2, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Stonington Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2007Nov 2, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoStonington Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2007Nov 2, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Stonington Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2006Nov 2, 2007Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoStonington Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2006Nov 2, 2007Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Nov 2, 2005Nov 2, 2006Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNational Farmers Union Prop. And Cas. Co.Nov 2, 2004Nov 2, 2006Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Nov 2, 2004Nov 2, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNorthland Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2002Dec 7, 2004Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Northland Insurance CompanyNov 2, 2002Nov 2, 2004Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Athena Assurance CompanyNov 2, 2001Dec 6, 2002Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat American Insurance Company Of New YorkNov 2, 2001Nov 2, 2002Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoGreat American Insurance Company Of New YorkNov 2, 2001Nov 2, 2001Replaced by a new policy
CargoGreat American Assurance CompanyNov 2, 2001Nov 2, 2001Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Gulf Insurance Co.Nov 2, 2000Nov 2, 2001Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Frontier Insurance CompanyNov 2, 1999Dec 6, 2000Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Redland Insurance Co.Nov 2, 1998Nov 2, 1999Replaced by a new policy
CargoNational Indemnity CompanyFeb 13, 1998Dec 14, 1998Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyFeb 13, 1998Nov 2, 1998Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyFeb 13, 1997Feb 13, 1998Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNational Indemnity CompanyFeb 13, 1997Feb 13, 1998Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyFeb 13, 1996Feb 13, 1997Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoNational Indemnity CompanyFeb 13, 1996Feb 13, 1997Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoJefferson Insurance CompanyApr 3, 1995Mar 27, 1996Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Indemnity CompanyApr 3, 1995Jan 11, 1996Cancelled, no replacement

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 Broker

    Resolved on Nov 13, 2023 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Authority granted Broker
  3. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jan 19, 2023 — the company kept its authority.

  4. Revocation notice Carrier

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

  5. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jan 20, 2021 — the company kept its authority.

  6. Authority reinstated Carrier
  7. Authority revoked Carrier
  8. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jan 21, 2020 — the company kept its authority.

  9. Revocation notice Carrier

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

  10. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Mar 21, 2011 — the company kept its authority.

  11. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jan 20, 2010 — the company kept its authority.

  12. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 2, 2009 — the company kept its authority.

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

    Resolved on Nov 3, 2008 — the company kept its authority.

  16. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 5, 2007 — the company kept its authority.

  17. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 2, 2006 — the company kept its authority.

  18. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 3, 2005 — the company kept its authority.

  19. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 24, 2004 — the company kept its authority.

  20. Authority reinstated Carrier
  21. Authority revoked Carrier
  22. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 30, 1996 — the company kept its authority.

  23. Authority granted Carrier

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