The following list of important things that the Department of Transportation expects for you to know when shipping a vehicle:

1.   Does the shipping document include a clear statement of the exact service, which the broker is to provide?

2.   Has the shipping document been signed by the broker or an authorized company representative?

3.   Did the broker provide a complete copy of the signed bill of lading or contract of carriage prior to the vehicle being loaded?

4.   If a broker prepared the shipping document, does the document include the full name, address, telephone number, and FMCSA authority numbers of all motor carriers to the extent known to the broker at that time, which will perform or participate in the transportation?

5.   If the broker or freight forwarder does not know, at the time of preparation of the bill of lading, which carrier or carriers will be providing the transportation service, does the broker agree in the shipping document to transmit in writing, within a specified time of selection of a carrier or carriers, a statement of each carrier’s name, address, telephone number, and FMCSA “MC” number and commit not to give the vehicle to that carrier or carriers until approved by the shipper?