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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

Midwest Transport Specialists Inc

USDOT 854215 MC-376623 Kansas City, KS (913) 333-3077

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-376623.

  • Authority was revoked in the past (2000)

    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 October 2004).

  • In business for 26 years

    Registered with FMCSA since February 2000.

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

    Vehicles were put out of service in 25% 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.

  • 2 reported crashes in the last 24 months

    0 with injuries, 0 fatal, across a fleet of 25 trucks. Crash reports don't say who was at fault.

Company details

Contact

Address
400 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105-1308
Phone
(913) 333-3077
Fax
(913) 621-2271
Email
sbell@midwestts.com

Company

Legal name
Midwest Transport Specialists Inc
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
Mark Sales
Process agent (BOC-3)
Process Agent Service Company, Inc. — Sioux Falls, SD
USDOT issued
Feb 10, 2000
Last MCS-150 update
Jul 8, 2025

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
General freight, Household goods, Motor vehicles, Drive-away / towaway, Logs, poles, lumber, Building materials, Machinery, large objects, Fresh produce, Liquids / gases, Intermodal containers, Meat, Dry bulk, Refrigerated food, Beverages, Paper products, Construction, Motor Vehicles
Trucks
25 power units
Drivers
22 (22 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
1,887,671 (2024)
Hazardous materials
Yes, registered to carry hazmat
Safety rating
Satisfactory (Oct 2004)

Safety record, last 24 months

39Roadside inspections
25%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
0%Driver out-of-service rate
National average 6.67%
2Crashes
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 8, 2026MTDriver only (III)1No
Sep 21, 2026MODriver only (III)0No
Sep 3, 2026MTDriver only (III)0No
Aug 12, 2026MODriver only (III)1No
Jul 29, 2026SDWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Jul 11, 2026TXWalk-around (II)0No
Apr 21, 2026KSDriver only (III)0No
Mar 26, 2026MOWalk-around (II)1No
Mar 25, 2026NEDriver only (III)0No
Mar 25, 2026KSWalk-around (II)0No
Dec 30, 2025MODriver only (III)0No
Dec 19, 2025COFull (Level I)6Vehicle
Dec 3, 2025NEDriver only (III)1No
Dec 3, 2025IAWalk-around (II)3Vehicle
Dec 1, 2025CAFull (Level I)0No
Nov 19, 2025IADriver only (III)0No
Nov 19, 2025IADriver only (III)1No
Oct 16, 2025CADriver only (III)0No
Oct 16, 2025MODriver only (III)1No
Sep 30, 2025SDWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Sep 12, 2025MTWalk-around (II)0No
Sep 4, 2025NMWalk-around (II)0No
Sep 4, 2025SDFull (Level I)0No
Aug 26, 2025MODriver only (III)0No
Jul 28, 2025NMFull (Level I)0No
Jul 23, 2025SDDriver only (III)0No
Jul 3, 2025NMDriver only (III)1No
Jun 11, 2025NVDriver only (III)0No
May 13, 2025NMDriver only (III)1No
May 9, 2025TXWalk-around (II)2No
May 5, 2025CODriver only (III)1No
May 2, 2025INDriver only (III)4No
Apr 25, 2025CAFull (Level I)0No
Apr 23, 2025NMWalk-around (II)0No
Apr 11, 2025SDDriver only (III)0No
Mar 24, 2025NEDriver only (III)1No
Dec 13, 2024MOWalk-around (II)1No
Nov 6, 2024NEDriver only (III)0No
Oct 29, 2024NDDriver only (III)0No

Crashes

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

DateWhereInjuriesDeathsVehicle towed
Dec 6, 2025Ripon, CA00Yes
Sep 17, 2025Not Reported, NE00Yes

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanyCVP 2030066-01$1,000,000Sep 1, 2025
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanyCVP203006602$1,000,000Sep 1, 2026
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Lexington National Insurance CorporationL3509422279$75,000Sep 1, 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
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Lexington National Insurance CorporationSep 1, 2026Oct 11, 2026Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanySep 1, 2025Sep 1, 2026Replaced by a new policy
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Lexington National Insurance CorporationSep 1, 2024Sep 2, 2026Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanySep 1, 2024Sep 1, 2025Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanySep 1, 2024Sep 1, 2024Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanyOct 1, 2020Oct 4, 2024Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoAmerican Alternative Insurance CorporationNov 21, 2013Oct 26, 2024Cancelled
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)American Alternative Insurance CorporationNov 21, 2013Sep 1, 2024Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Great West Casualty Co.Oct 1, 2013Nov 3, 2020Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Canal Insurance Co.Oct 31, 2012Oct 1, 2013Replaced by a new policy
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)American Alternative Insurance CorporationFeb 22, 2012Dec 7, 2013Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Tower Insurance Company Of New YorkOct 31, 2011Oct 31, 2012Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)State National Insurance Co., Inc.Oct 31, 2010Oct 31, 2011Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoState National Insurance Co., Inc.Oct 31, 2010Oct 31, 2011Cancelled
Liability (BIPD)State National Insurance Co., Inc.Oct 31, 2009Oct 31, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoState National Insurance Co., Inc.Oct 31, 2009Oct 31, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)State National Insurance Co., Inc.Oct 31, 2008Oct 31, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoState National Insurance Co., Inc.Oct 31, 2008Oct 31, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)State National Insurance Co., Inc.Dec 31, 2007Dec 31, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoState National Insurance Co., Inc.Dec 31, 2007Dec 31, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Old Republic Surety CompanySep 6, 2007Feb 22, 2012Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Redland Insurance Co.Jun 26, 2007Jan 3, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoRedland Insurance Co.Jun 26, 2007Jan 3, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Clarendon National Ins. Co.Sep 14, 2006Jun 26, 2007Replaced by a new policy
CargoClarendon National Ins. Co.Sep 14, 2006Jun 26, 2007Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Clarendon National Ins. Co.Jun 26, 2006Sep 14, 2006Replaced by a new policy
CargoClarendon National Ins. Co.Jun 26, 2006Sep 14, 2006Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)Stonington Insurance CompanyJun 26, 2005Jun 26, 2006Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoStonington Insurance CompanyJun 26, 2005Jun 26, 2006Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Westport Insurance CorporationJun 23, 2005Jun 26, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoWestport Insurance CorporationJun 23, 2005Jun 26, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Westport Insurance CorporationJun 26, 2004Jun 23, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoWestport Insurance CorporationJun 26, 2004Jun 23, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Westport Insurance CorporationJun 26, 2003Jun 26, 2004Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoWestport Insurance CorporationJun 26, 2003Jun 26, 2004Cancelled, another policy took over
Broker surety bond (BMC-84)Old Republic Surety CompanyApr 9, 2003Sep 5, 2007Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Westport Insurance CorporationFeb 19, 2003Jun 26, 2003Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoWestport Insurance CorporationFeb 19, 2003Jun 26, 2003Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Frontier Insurance CompanyMar 7, 2000Sep 15, 2000Cancelled, 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 Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 10, 2024 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Revocation notice Broker

    Resolved on Dec 6, 2013 — the company kept its authority.

  3. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 31, 2012 — the company kept its authority.

  4. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 25, 2011 — the company kept its authority.

  5. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Oct 22, 2010 — the company kept its authority.

  6. Revocation notice Carrier

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

  7. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Dec 31, 2007 — the company kept its authority.

  8. Revocation notice Broker

    Resolved on Aug 13, 2007 — the company kept its authority.

  9. Authority granted Carrier
  10. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jun 27, 2006 — the company kept its authority.

  11. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jun 25, 2004 — the company kept its authority.

  12. Authority granted Broker
  13. Revocation notice resolved Broker
  14. Authority reinstated Carrier
  15. Authority revoked Carrier
  16. 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.