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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

Central Valley Auto Transport Inc

USDOT 978079 MC-411692 Strathmore, CA (559) 568-1000

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-411692.

  • 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 August 2021).

  • In business for 25 years

    Registered with FMCSA since September 2001.

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

    Vehicles were put out of service in 19.8% of inspections (national average 22.26%), drivers in 0.8% (national average 6.67%).

  • 5 reported crashes in the last 24 months

    2 with injuries, 0 fatal, across a fleet of 76 trucks. Crash reports don't say who was at fault.

Company details

Contact

Address
19704 Road 222, Strathmore, CA 93267
Phone
(559) 568-1000
Fax
(559) 568-1300
Email
david.ertl@cv-at.com

Company

Legal name
Central Valley Auto Transport Inc
Business type
Authorized for hire
Company officers
David Ertl
Process agent (BOC-3)
Process Agent Service Company, Inc. — Sioux Falls, SD
USDOT issued
Sep 17, 2001
Last MCS-150 update
Dec 10, 2025

Operations

Operation
Interstate (can cross state lines)
Cargo it hauls
General freight, Motor vehicles
Trucks
76 power units
Drivers
70 (70 with a CDL)
Miles driven a year
3,897,550 (2024)
Hazardous materials
Yes, registered to carry hazmat
Safety rating
Satisfactory (Aug 2021)

Safety record, last 24 months

148Roadside inspections
19.8%Vehicle out-of-service rate
National average 22.26%
0.8%Driver out-of-service rate
National average 6.67%
5Crashes
2 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
Sep 29, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
Sep 23, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Sep 16, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Sep 16, 2026AZWalk-around (II)1No
Sep 4, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Aug 24, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Aug 24, 2026NVWalk-around (II)0No
Aug 19, 2026CADriver only (III)3No
Aug 14, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)1No
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)1No
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 13, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 13, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Aug 13, 2026CAWalk-around (II)2No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 12, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 11, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 11, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 11, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 11, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 11, 2026CAVehicle only (V)0No
Aug 11, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Aug 11, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
Aug 6, 2026TXWalk-around (II)0No
Jul 28, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
Jul 22, 2026CADriver only (III)2No
Jul 20, 2026CAWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Jul 17, 2026CADriver only (III)2No
Jul 16, 2026CAWalk-around (II)3Vehicle
Jul 11, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Jul 9, 2026NVWalk-around (II)0No
Jul 2, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
Jun 27, 2026UTDriver only (III)1No
Jun 26, 2026CADriver only (III)2No
Jun 23, 2026CADriver only (III)2No
Jun 12, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
May 26, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
May 21, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
May 11, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
May 6, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
May 6, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Apr 29, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Apr 29, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
Apr 27, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
Apr 22, 2026TXWalk-around (II)0No
Apr 16, 2026UTDriver only (III)1No
Apr 15, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Apr 10, 2026CAWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Apr 8, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
Mar 31, 2026CADriver only (III)1No
Mar 9, 2026CAFull (Level I)0No
Feb 23, 2026CADriver only (III)3No
Feb 18, 2026NVDriver only (III)0No
Feb 18, 2026CAWalk-around (II)0No
Feb 10, 2026CAWalk-around (II)2Vehicle & Driver
Jan 30, 2026CAWalk-around (II)2No
Jan 16, 2026CADriver only (III)0No
Jan 15, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Jan 14, 2026CAWalk-around (II)1No
Jan 8, 2026NMWalk-around (II)0No
Jan 4, 2026NMDriver only (III)0No
Dec 31, 2025NVWalk-around (II)3No
Dec 31, 2025CADriver only (III)1Vehicle
Dec 30, 2025CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Dec 26, 2025CADriver only (III)1No
Dec 11, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Dec 11, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Dec 9, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Nov 21, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Nov 17, 2025ORWalk-around (II)0No
Nov 14, 2025CADriver only (III)0No
Nov 11, 2025CAWalk-around (II)1Vehicle
Nov 4, 2025CAWalk-around (II)3Vehicle
Nov 4, 2025NMWalk-around (II)1No
Oct 31, 2025CAWalk-around (II)2Vehicle
Oct 22, 2025CADriver only (III)0No
Oct 17, 2025AZDriver only (III)0No
Oct 16, 2025CADriver only (III)3No
Oct 5, 2025CADriver only (III)1No
Oct 2, 2025CAWalk-around (II)1No
Sep 29, 2025CADriver only (III)2No
Sep 24, 2025CADriver only (III)1No
Sep 23, 2025CADriver only (III)2No
Sep 23, 2025CADriver only (III)1No
Sep 17, 2025NMDriver only (III)1No
Sep 8, 2025AZDriver only (III)1No
Sep 2, 2025CAWalk-around (II)1No
Aug 27, 2025CAWalk-around (II)0No
Aug 25, 2025CAFull (Level I)2Vehicle
Aug 20, 2025TXWalk-around (II)0No
Aug 18, 2025TXWalk-around (II)1No

Crashes

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

DateWhereInjuriesDeathsVehicle towed
Mar 19, 2026Tracy, CA00Yes
Aug 19, 2025Sacramento, CA00Yes
May 2, 2025Los Angeles, CA00Yes
Apr 24, 2025Ontario, CA40Yes
Nov 25, 2024AZ10Yes

Insurance and bonds

On file now

TypeInsurerPolicyLimitEffective
Liability (BIPD)National Interstate Insurance CompanyWPP 8200112-01$1,000,000Jun 1, 2023
CargoMax America Insurance CompanyMAXA4IM0011079—Sep 11, 2009

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)National Interstate Insurance CompanyAug 1, 2022Jun 1, 2023Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Union Fire Ins. Co. Of Pitsbgh. PaAug 1, 2021Aug 1, 2022Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Union Fire Ins. Co. Of Pitsbgh. PaMar 8, 2021Aug 1, 2021Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Union Fire Ins. Co. Of Pitsbgh. PaAug 1, 2020Mar 8, 2021Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaAug 1, 2019Aug 1, 2020Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaAug 1, 2018Aug 1, 2019Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaAug 1, 2017Aug 1, 2018Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)American International Underwriters Ins.(aiu)Dec 14, 2016Aug 1, 2017Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Aug 1, 2016Dec 14, 2016Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2015Sep 11, 2016Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2014Sep 11, 2015Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2013Sep 11, 2014Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Mar 21, 2013Sep 11, 2013Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2012Jan 30, 2013Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Jan 30, 2012Mar 21, 2013Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2011Sep 11, 2012Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Granite State Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2010Sep 11, 2011Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaMar 24, 2010Sep 11, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaSep 11, 2009Mar 24, 2010Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoMax Specialty Insurance CompanySep 11, 2008Sep 11, 2009Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)The Insurance Co Of The State Of PennsylvaniaSep 11, 2008Sep 11, 2009Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Carolina Casualty Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2007Sep 11, 2008Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Carolina Casualty Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2006Sep 11, 2007Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2005Sep 11, 2006Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2004Sep 11, 2005Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2004Dec 14, 2004Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Dec 19, 2003Sep 11, 2004Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2003Dec 19, 2003Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Jan 22, 2003Sep 11, 2003Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoFireman's Fund Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2002Sep 11, 2008Replaced by a new policy
Liability (BIPD)National Continental Insurance Co.Sep 11, 2002Jan 22, 2003Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Athena Assurance CompanyJan 1, 2002Sep 11, 2002Cancelled, another policy took over
CargoFireman's Fund Insurance Co.Jul 9, 2001Sep 11, 2002Cancelled, another policy took over
Liability (BIPD)Athena Assurance CompanyJul 9, 2001Feb 3, 2002Name changed

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 Aug 1, 2022 — the company kept its authority.

  2. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 28, 2021 — the company kept its authority.

  3. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 29, 2020 — the company kept its authority.

  4. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 26, 2019 — the company kept its authority.

  5. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Aug 1, 2018 — the company kept its authority.

  6. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jul 26, 2017 — the company kept its authority.

  7. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Nov 23, 2016 — the company kept its authority.

  8. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 11, 2015 — the company kept its authority.

  9. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 11, 2014 — the company kept its authority.

  10. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 12, 2013 — the company kept its authority.

  11. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Jan 22, 2013 — the company kept its authority.

  12. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 11, 2012 — the company kept its authority.

  13. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 8, 2011 — the company kept its authority.

  14. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 9, 2010 — the company kept its authority.

  15. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Mar 3, 2010 — the company kept its authority.

  16. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 14, 2009 — the company kept its authority.

  17. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 11, 2008 — the company kept its authority.

  18. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 11, 2007 — the company kept its authority.

  19. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 11, 2006 — the company kept its authority.

  20. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 15, 2005 — the company kept its authority.

  21. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Sep 21, 2004 — the company kept its authority.

  22. Revocation notice Carrier

    Resolved on Mar 25, 2002 — the company kept its authority.

  23. Authority granted Carrier

Source: FMCSA records published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, checked 23 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.