Major red flag
The bait-and-switch quote
You receive a quote significantly lower than competitors. At pickup or after your car is loaded, the driver demands more money. You're in no position to refuse.
"Quoted $750. Driver demanded $1,100 after loading. Had to pay or lose my car."
Major red flag
Large upfront deposit
Legitimate brokers collect $0-$200 at booking. Any company demanding $400+ before assigning a carrier, especially by wire transfer or Zelle, is a serious warning sign.
"They asked for $600 wire transfer to 'hold the spot.' Then went silent."
Major red flag
No FMCSA operating authority
Every legitimate broker must have active FMCSA broker authority. If a company can't provide their MC number or it comes up inactive at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, walk away immediately.
"MC number they gave was revoked. No insurance on file. Still operating."
Warning Sign
"Price subject to change" language
Any contract language suggesting the price can change after booking, subject to carrier availability, or final price determined at pickup is a contract designed to enable price changes.
"Contract said 'estimated price only.' That was the warning I missed."
Warning Sign
Suspiciously perfect review profile
A company with 200+ reviews that are all 5-star, all recent, all generic, and none mention specific routes or vehicles means the profile needs closer review. Real review profiles have a mix.
"Every review said 'Great service, highly recommend!' No specifics at all."
Warning Sign
Disappears after booking
The broker is responsive until they have your deposit, then becomes increasingly hard to reach. Pickup dates get pushed. Updates are vague. This pattern precedes most serious disputes.
"Answered every call before booking. Then, nothing. Had to track down my car myself."