Exploring the Difference Between an Auto Shipping Carrier and an Auto Shipping Broker
If you are searching for a way of moving your vehicle from one place to another, you have likely begun to look for auto shippers online. In doing so, you will find results for both auto shipping carriers and auto shipping brokers. Though they may sound similar, they play very different roles in the auto shipping industry, so it can help to know which one you need to speak with.
Auto Shipping Carriers
Auto shipping carriers are companies that will load your vehicle onto a truck and transport it from A to B. The carrier company actually owns the moving trucks and employs its own drivers. When you contact an auto shipping carrier, you will be speaking directly with the business who will be transporting your vehicle.
Auto Shipping Brokers
An auto shipping broker does not operate their own machinery or employ their own movers. Instead, an auto shipping broker utilizes their connections with the various shipping carriers in the area to find a shipping arrangement that will work well for you.
Should you work with a carrier or a broker?
Working with either an auto shipping carrier or an auto shipping broker comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Whether you should work with a carrier or a broker will be strongly dependent on your own personal preferences.
Working directly with the carrier is usually the most cost efficient way of shipping your vehicle. However, in order to find the right carrier, you will have to shop around for quotes. If this sounds like something you would prefer not to do, then a broker may be the right option for you. They will use their contacts in the industry to find the best carrier for your situation – though they will of course charge you a commission for doing so.
While cost tends to be one of the biggest factors in choosing a shipper, customers are also interested in having a smooth and worry-free shipping experience. Some customers prefer the straightforwardness of dealing directly with the carrier on any queries or concerns. However, many others prefer to have an experienced broker on their side to communicate with the carrier should any issues arise.
Ultimately, the decision between carriers and brokers will come down to your willingness to get down and dirty with the shipping process. If you are happy to do the legwork in order to save some money, it may be a good idea to work directly with a carrier. However, if you are willing to pay a little extra to have an experienced broker handle the details for you, it may be worth exploring that option.
