There are two general types of auto transport companies: auto transport brokers and auto transport carriers. 

Auto transport brokers don't ship vehicles themselves. Brokers specialize in finding carriers who can move a vehicle for the price you want and when you want it. They usually have access to a vast carrier network and can leverage this to find a truck going in the right direction with an open spot. Also, auto moving brokers often offer pricing that is equal to or better than you might find on your own dealing directly with auto transport carriers because they can find those empty spots and get your vehicle on a truck at a discount.

Auto transport carriers are the trucking companies who will actually transport your vehicle(s) from point A to point B. Many people prefer to work with a shipper, feeling that they want to be able to personally contact those responsible for their vehicles and make arrangements directly. By dealing with a single transporter you're putting all your eggs in one basket and are limited to the service that one company can offer. While it might be slightly less expensive, it may take a good deal of time and many phone calls to find a transporter that can fit your needs.

1. Flexibility

Auto transport carriers typically don’t have the staff or budget to market themselves to the public. They typically rely on word of mouth or local advertising to bolster the business they get from brokers.

Auto transport brokers have access to hundreds of transporters and can generally accommodate you on any location you may need service to or from. Working with a broker may help you get a better price or find a company you wouldn't otherwise know about.

2. Best Rate

You would think that working with the transporter directly would get you the best rate because you cut out the middleman by not involving a broker. Often this is the case, but often it's not. That's because not every auto transport carrier offers the best price on every possible route. By working directly with a transporter, you're limited to whatever routes they serve and prices they offer.

By contrast, a broker contracts with many different transporters and can find the cheapest transport carrier for your particular route. You may or may not save money by using a transporter directly. Since auto transport brokers move a lot of vehicles and can choose the best carrier for the route you need they can potentially offer lower rates.

3. Scheduling

Since auto transport carriers actually own the trucks, they may be able to give a more definite delivery schedule than most brokers can. But just as with cost, you can't assume that you'll get better scheduling information just because you use a transporter directly.

Auto transport brokers usually cannot, however, give you an exact loading schedule for your vehicle at the time you book your vehicle shipment order. Since they do not own the trucks they cannot dictate what routes they run. They can provide you with estimated times for loading and delivery but until they know which auto carrier will be moving your car they won't be able to give exact dates.

4. Routes

Auto transport carriers usually transport vehicles only on a specific route at a definite schedule. If they don't run the route you need, they either won't be able to help you or they'll charge a very large fee to deviate from their route.

Customers instead of that may rely on auto transport brokers to provide them with the shipping load that they transport. And because of this, most carriers would just stay in the background during an auto transport deal – you still need to talk to a broker.

5. Insurance

You can also be sure that your vehicle will be insured by the actual company you are dealing with - a guarantee that can never be given by a broker. Remember that auto transport brokers do not insure vehicles. At best, all that the broker can do is find a reputable carrier for your vehicle and mediate in the settlement of the insurance claims in case of loss or damages.


In summary, both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Some companies offer both services, so be sure you know which sort of company you're dealing with and what exactly is included in the service.