With your car being a very valuable asset, deciding on a company that can ship it isn’t a light decision at all. There are plenty of factors to consider to ensure the safety of your vehicle. One of which is choosing between carriers and brokers. Which one will be the best service provider for you? In this article, you’ll learn the difference between auto transport brokers and car carriers to help you get past that first step.
The Role of a Car Carrier
In general, companies of car carriers or auto transporters are the “hands-on” ones responsible for the shipping process. They should be able to safely load your mode of transportation take it to its final location, and unload it carefully. They are also in charge of ensuring that all height, weight, and other vehicle limitations are rigorously followed at all times.
Since they are the ones who will directly do the job for you, you’ll only have one point of contact. No different departments and no intermediaries. Things are a lot simpler, too. On top of that, car carriers have great first-hand experience and are usually highly knowledgeable of the routes they specialize in.
The Role of an Auto Transport Broker
On the other hand, unlike car carriers, brokers do not transport the vehicles themselves. Instead, they assist you in locating experts who do. One of the greatest benefits of collaborating with a broker is how much time it saves you. They ensure that identifying the appropriate mode of transportation for the job is easier. and much faster. Plus, you can be at ease knowing that your car is shipped and handled by a legitimate carrier.
An auto transport broker will also help you find carriers who are suitable for your budget, so you won’t have to stress about it. Furthermore, they will also take care of investigating car carriers’ track records and insurance coverage. On top of all this, an excellent broker constantly will go above and beyond in order to maintain continuous communication between you and the carrier.
Key Differences Between Auto Transport Brokers and Carriers
Now that you know the role of each one, let’s discuss their details further as we break down their key differences into the following categories:
Price
The first thing to consider is how much does it cost to ship a car to your area. On average, a price of $50 for every 100 miles should be expected. However, the price can differ depending on different factors. Between auto transport brokers and car carriers, you should be able to get more accurate price quotes from carriers. Brokers usually give a lowball estimate but end up charging more on the final bill. This can still differ, and the only thing you can do is ensure you’ve glanced over reviews of companies you’re considering.
Availability
When choosing between auto transport carriers and brokers, know that, in number, there are far more carriers than brokers. However, you should be aware that brokers are easier to track down since they usually maintain an online presence. Meanwhile, car carriers rarely have their own page or website. If you’re looking for convenience in this part, you need to go with brokers.
Communication
Brokers are easy to get in touch with when getting a quote. However, plenty of them won’t stay in touch once you have an assigned carrier. This can be a potential problem if you need a status update on your vehicle. On the other hand, carriers may be difficult to reach for a quote but are much more likely to stay in touch with during the delivery process.
