The Role of the FMCSA in Auto Transport: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Duties - Industry

2/6/2025

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays a critical role in regulating the auto transport industry, ensuring safety, accountability, and consumer protection.

What the FMCSA does for the Auto Transport industry

Whether you're shipping a car across the country or hiring an auto transport company, understanding FMCSA’s role can help you make informed decisions.

What's the Role of the FMCSA in Auto Transport?

The FMCSA [1] is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial motor carriers, including auto transport companies.

Duties of the F.M.C.S.A. in Auto Transport

1. Licensing and Regulation of Auto Transport Companies

Auto transport carriers must be registered with the FMCSA and obtain a Motor Carrier (MC) number and a DOT number to legally operate. The FMCSA ensures that only qualified companies are authorized to transport vehicles.

2. Enforcing Safety Standards

FMCSA sets strict safety regulations for carriers, including:

Driver qualifications (background checks, training, and licensing)
Vehicle maintenance requirements to prevent breakdowns and accidents
Hours of service (HOS) rules to prevent driver fatigue and ensure safe travel

3. Monitoring Insurance Requirements

The FMCSA requires auto transport carriers to carry a minimum amount of liability and cargo insurance to protect customers in case of damage or loss. Consumers can verify a company's insurance status through the FMCSA website.

4. Protecting Consumers from Fraud

One of the biggest risks in auto transport is fraudulent brokers and scam companies. The FMCSA regulates brokers, requiring them to:

Obtain a broker bond of at least $75,000 to ensure financial responsibility
Follow truthful advertising practices and avoid misleading customers
Maintain proper records of transactions to prevent fraud

5. Providing a Complaint Resolution Process

If a consumer experiences issues such as overcharges, vehicle damage, or a carrier failing to deliver, they can file a complaint with the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB). The agency investigates complaints and takes action against non-compliant companies.

How to Check if an Auto Transporter is FMCSA-Registered

Before hiring an auto transport company, you can verify their credentials on the FMCSA website by searching for their MC and DOT numbers. This ensures you're dealing with a legitimate, licensed carrier or broker. [2]

The FMCSA plays a vital role in ensuring safety, fair business practices, and consumer protection in the auto transport industry. By regulating carriers, enforcing insurance requirements, and preventing fraud, the agency helps customers avoid scams and ensures that vehicles are transported safely. Before booking auto transport services, always verify FMCSA registration to ensure a secure and compliant shipping experience.

Auto Transport Industry