What Is The Difference Between An Auto Shipping Broker And An Auto Shipping Carrier?

By Tom Kearns

Ding, ding, ding In the left corner is auto shipping brokers, in the right corner is auto shipping companies; let's fight fair... GO!

Who are the Competitors?

Auto shipping carriers are like offspring rabbits. There are so many out there it is crazy. They provide a large and convenient function for traveling vehicles, dealers, and special needs customers. You can basically do it all online or call for immediate contact; a slight problem is doing an in house meeting with them for most of the shipping companies are far away from your local area. Although this may be, it is pretty easy to take care of the quoting and rates online or over the phone. Most carrier companies have excellent customer service. Included in their rates is insurance which is imperative for your vehicle safety. They present an abundant way of travel convenience for your vehicle or equipment. Offering your vehicle to be transported via open or enclosed, by truck, LTL, freight, or boat; these are just some of the available services.

Auto shipping brokers, on the other hand, are specific individuals acting as the carrier's agent. These people are the ones most often used when dealing with both you and the shipping companies. They not only make you, the customer's, life easier, they bring more client traffic and therefore revenue to the auto carrier companies. You as the customer are offered greater freedom as you do not have to be tied up with just one company. Your broker chooses from a variety of companies and prices for you and also has the advantage of direct communication with the shipper.

And the Winner Is.

The main difference between broker and carrier is brokers do not have their own trucks or transportation systems. Carriers have their own shipping utilities, and the cost is somewhat less expensive. Brokers are the people that find the companies for you, and get your vehicle picked up and delivered. A major problem for carriers is that their transportation services are far away from the customer and you can only use their services, but with a broker you are allowed full disclosure to a multitude of options without being tied down to any one company; as well as the benefit of relying on your broker to get the carrier to your destination quickly and easily.

If you choose a broker instead of the carrier itself, you will get various quotes and rates and select the one you want. The broker also can take advantage of immediate interaction with the carrier's drivers. Or so the promise goes. In reality, this is not always true. Most carriers do not have the equipment to communicate directly to the driver. Brokers, if they can communicate, are working with one shipper at a time. Contrast this to the carrier/shipper companies who have a huge supply of trucks or other drivers domestically, internationally or both, which hampers communication significantly.The carrier will most often drop off the vehicles at a terminal expecting you to pick it up there. A broker gives you door-to-door service as an added convenience.

The fight was a good one, but it all depends on your standards of competition. The one you pick will be the winner, so choose away! - 30242

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