In order to have a seamless experience with your automotive transport, it is important to understand the various roles people play. A common problem arises when people confuse carriers and brokers. This understanding is vital because it essentially determines how the shipping process will unfold.
In this blog post, our goal is to shed light on the disparity between carriers and brokers so that we can better inform you on whom to engage for your vehicle transport needs.
What is a Car Shipping Carrier?
A carrier is a person or car shipping companies that has access to the vehicle transport services required to move your vehicle from one location to another. They have the necessary trucks or trailers to transport automobiles. Carriers take part in the transportation process of cars through trailers for hire and accept full liability for their safety.
Responsibilities of a Car Shipping Carrier:
- Transporting Your Vehicle: The carrier is responsible for the transportation of your car from the designated pickup location to the drop-off point. This includes all steps like loading your vehicle onto the trailer, unloading, and securing the vehicle on the trailer.
- Handling Vehicles in Transit: Carriers must operate the truck that transports your vehicle. They observe all safety measures so as to bring the car to its destination in the same state it was picked up.
- Providing Insurance: Most of the carriers that provide vehicle transport services will offer basic insurance for the vehicle’s transportation. It is wise to confirm the insurance level provided, as basic insurance may be insufficient, in which case additional insurance could be warranted.
Carriers usually take a more active role in the shipping process, providing real-time updates and contact throughout the journey.
What is a Car Shipping Broker?
A broker is an intermediary who connects you with a carrier to ship your car. A broker does not have trucks or trailers, but he has a network of carriers from which he can get an appropriate one for the business. The broker arranges the schedule, deals with pricing, and performs other relevant work on behalf of the customer.
Responsibilities of a Car Shipping Broker:
- Connecting Customers with Carriers: Brokers have a mandate and liaise on behalf of the customer so that they select an appropriate carrier based on their needs and preferences, ranging from vehicle type, shipping method, and price.
- Collecting Quotes and Negotiating: A broker compiles estimates from different carriers and gives you an estimate for your car shipment. They can also negotiate on your behalf.
- Customer Service and Management: Most brokers take care of customer service, which is why there is a dedicated area looking into booking-related issues, and also one for post-booking delivery inquiries.
- Making Certain That Carrier Regulations Are Met: A broker will request compliance documentation from the carrier that has been provided to them and will ensure that all documents, such as license, insurance, and operational experience, have been provided.
Brokers have an advantage in that they might not deal with the actual transport but can take the burden of organizing shipment and have a variety of carriers to choose from.
Carrier Versus Broker: Main Differences. Having defined the two carriers and brokers, let us take a closer look at the two so that their combination will best serve the purpose for which you require their services.
1. Direct service and Indirect service
Carrier: When engaging a carrier, you deal directly with the company that will transport your vehicle. You gain more control over communication during the actual shipping process.
Broker: A broker is a middleman who connects you with a carrier. While you lose some level of direct contact, brokers often have good working relationships with a number of carriers, which makes it easier for you to access a reliable one.
2. Pricing and Transparency
Carrier: Pricing is usually more straightforward when working directly with a carrier. There is usually no extra charge for the broker’s commission, and with the absence of a middleman, pricing may be more competitive. But sometimes it can be a struggle to figure out whether you’re getting the best price possible.
Broker: Having access to many carriers allows brokers to compare prices, which is to your advantage. This means that brokers can get the best deal that caters to all of your specifications. Nevertheless, working with a broker will mean that a commission will be added, which may make the total amount higher than that of working directly with a carrier.
3. Service Variety
Carrier: Carriers have a limited range of services because their focus is on transportation. That said, carriers do offer open transport and enclosed transport.
Broker: As brokers work with different carriers, they are able to offer a wide array of services. They can provide specialized carriers to transport luxury and oversized cars and motorcycles.
4. Availability of Carriers
Carrier: When dealing with a carrier directly, one can only work with the carriers that they have on hand at that moment. You might have to delay some of your operations or search for alternative transporters if the trucks are not available at that time.
Brokers: Finding a carrier that works for you is less of a headache with brokers because they have a large pool of carriers to choose from. However, the availability of brokers may be reduced in certain seasons or locations.
5. Customer Support
Carrier: The transportation provider usually offers direct accounts, and so the customer support functions with the carrier may be lean to non-existent. Fortunately, many carriers do communicate with their customers and provide updates on the working vehicle.
Broker: One may be assigned to a single member of staff who will take care of their issues for the entire duration of transport. Such members of staff are called brokers, and they attend to all customer queries during shipping. Because they are informed of the challenges that the shipper faces, they are able to provide comprehensive progress reports on the shipment.
Which Option is Right for You?
Since we have looked at the difference between a carrier and a broker, I assume all of you are now wondering which is preferred. Whichever option one chooses, it will depend on a number of factors, which include the amount of money one is willing to spend, the time allocated, and the level of ease one wants during the entire movement.
When to Choose a Carrier:
- You want to deal with the specific company that will do the transport work.
- You have a certain kind of vehicle, like a vintage or luxury car, and would like to make sure that it is shipped by a specialized company.
- You would like to avoid paying any fees for brokerage services and are willing to do all the work yourself.
When to Choose a Broker:
- You want professional help with the shipping, communication, and logistics with the carrier.
- You want a cheap quotation for car shipping because you want to receive multiple company quotes.
- You have a niche request for a carrier that will require some specialized services, either in the shipping request or in the timing of delivery.
How to Find a Reliable Carrier or Broker
Regardless of whether you engage a car shipping broker or a carrier, choosing the right company will guarantee you a smooth experience and a good level of service. Here’s how to find a trustworthy option:
- Look for Feedback: Look for the reviews posted on various websites, and take note of what past customers have to say regarding the services rendered. Pay attention to timeliness, service rendered, and level of satisfaction, among other things.
- Confirm Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the broker or carrier has proper licensing and insurance coverage. You can confirm the company’s credentials with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) databases.
- Receive Multiple Quotes: Brokers and carriers can be compared using Move My Car and other similar services that aggregate quotes. This will aid in providing the best value while maintaining service quality.
- Ask for References: Trustworthy businesses often have a record of past clients who are willing to speak on their behalf and are ready to provide references to help a new client make the right choice.
Conclusion
Grasping the distinction between a carrier and a broker can change your experience in shipping a car. A broker is focused on finding an appropriate carrier for you, while a carrier is focused on physically transporting your vehicle to a location you specify. Each approach offers pros and cons, but ultimately, what you choose depends on how you prioritize service, ease, and pricing.
For cost-effective car shipping options, check out Move My Car and similar services, which allow you to search for reliable companies and compare their quotes so you can choose what works best for you. Performing due diligence is recommended regardless of whether you opt to go through a broker or hire a carrier directly, and doing so will ensure your vehicle is shipped by a company you trust.