“Merry” is a word you hear a lot this time of year.

But for Montway Auto Transport, it’s not about holiday cheer. It’s about security.

The third-party logistics brokerage announced it has integrated the Ship.Cars Fraud Detection Tool — personified by Montway’s new security icon, Merry Montana — into its platform.

In a news release, Montway said the proprietary, artificial intelligence-powered system provides “an unprecedented level of proactive asset protection in vehicle logistics” by securing dealer assets before dispatch.

The company said it’s an example of its commitment to “using cutting-edge technology to create an impenetrable line of defense” against fraud, the single biggest issue facing the auto transport industry today.

“Our dealer customers rely on us to move their highest-value assets, and their security is an important metric,” Montway executive vice president of business development Mike Trudeau said. “When our technology partner Ship.Cars developed its fraud detection tool, we knew we were getting the industry’s first solution designed to predict risk, not just react to it.

“We’ll be adding a visual of Merry Montana to the platform to provide a clear symbol of the intelligence and vigilance protecting every shipment.”

Merry represents a technology that goes beyond static security checks, the company said, analyzing carrier behavioral data against established norms to flag suspicious activity in real time.

Montway cited a recent case in which the integrated system flagged an attempted theft 45 minutes before it could have been manually caught, preventing the fraudulent transfer of nine vehicles valued at $500,000.

“That half-million-dollar save speaks volumes about the advantage we now offer,” vice president of business development Mary Bartlett said. “The technology acts as an invisible security perimeter on every single shipment, giving our dealer partners peace of mind they can’t get with any other logistics provider.

“We are not just moving cars. We are actively protecting their bottom line.”

The Ship.Cars Fraud Detection Tool, recognized with a 2025 MOTOR Top 20 award by MOTOR Information Systems as one of the automotive and transportation industry’s “most innovative and impactful products” — is a core component of Montway’s digital platform. It includes:

Behavioral intelligence: Analyzing live carrier activity against industry data compiled by Ship.Cars and flagging it when it deviates from established norms for vetted carriers.

Proactive risk mitigation: Real-time monitoring and automated assessments identify and address risks before they can escalate, the company said, protecting vehicles immediately.

Risk profiling: The integrated technology is designed to gather intelligence from multiple sources to build a risk profile and flag carriers that require attention.

Adaptation: The tool is designed to constantly adapt to new fraud methods and patterns.

Montway featured on ‘Military Makeover’

Montway was featured in Lifetime TV’s Military Makeover with Montel, a home improvement series created to honor and support U.S. service members and their families.

Montway appeared in episode 2 of the show’s current season, which spotlighted the Linn family of Hampton, N.J. and first aired last week. The episode is currently streaming on MilitaryMakeover.tv and will re-air on Lifetime TV and the American Forces Network.

Military Makeover, hosted by veteran and advocate Montel Williams, transforms the homes and lives of military families across the country, with each episode rallying local communities and brand partners to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who serve.

“Supporting our nation’s service members and their families is deeply personal to our team,” Montway chairman and CEO Tom Gartland said. “Military families face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to complex transitions between duty stations. We’re honored to play a small role in making their lives easier, whether through car shipping services or by supporting programs like Military Makeover that give back to those who’ve given so much.”

Stephen Linn served nearly a decade in the U.S. Army with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning multiple honors, including two Valorous Unit Awards, the Army Commendation Medal and being named a Distinguished Member of the 30th Infantry Regiment.

After his military career, Linn served as a Critical Care Registered Nurse at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. His wife, Leah, and their three children are also featured

Montway’s on-air segment, “Driving Hope: How Auto Transport Services Deliver for Veteran Families,” highlighted how the company’s auto transport services help military households navigate major moves with confidence.

The segment features Montway’s TruePrice Guarantee, which ensures transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and its 5-star-rated customer experience.

Montway offers a special discount to active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families as part of its year-round commitment to the armed forces community. The company is the only auto transport provider in the USAA Perks program, extending benefits to members.