Navigating Car Shipping: Understanding Auto Transport Brokers and Selecting Reliable Carriers

When seeking quotes for shipping your car, it’s important to understand that the majority of sales calls you’ll receive are from brokers. These brokers usually have the dual authority from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate auto transport trucks/trailers and broker loads to other carriers. It’s crucial to verify their MC/DOT number for good standing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to determine the type of authority they possess—be it as a broker, motor carrier, or both.

The quoted price from a broker includes their fee, often referred to as a deposit or broker fee, in addition to their estimation of what it will take to secure a willing and able driver to transport your car. This estimation is based on previous payments for similar routes, considering factors such as the time of year. It’s essential to know the broker fee upfront. A reputable company will charge a reasonable fee and strive to obtain the best price for you, rather than exploiting the situation to increase their profit margin.

Exercise caution if you receive price quotes that seem unusually low. Such quotes may not offer enough compensation to the actual carrier, making it challenging to secure a driver. Consequently, this could end up costing you more in alternative transportation methods like rideshare, taxis, car rentals, or storage at the point of origin. Generally, if the per-mile amount falls below $0.50, there’s a likelihood of potential issues.

So, how do auto transport brokers connect with carriers? They, much like car carriers, utilize a load board called Central Dispatch. Part of the broker’s fee covers access to this platform, which functions as the MLS for the real estate industry, but exclusively for car industry professionals. Unfortunately, you won’t know the actual carrier or driver until the booking has been made on your behalf through a broker. It’s worth noting that the equipment used and the level of professionalism vary significantly among different carriers.

In the event of a damage claim to your vehicle, you’ll be dealing with two separate entities. Building a rapport with the driver and carrier transporting your vehicle can help address concerns and potentially mitigate any issues. Refer to our post on the importance of understanding your most vital document.

For a hassle-free option of working with a broker instead of searching for a carrier independently, we recommend reaching out to A1AutoTransport at 1-866-780-2152. Additionally, you can use our convenient Auto Transport Company List to connect with a reputable car hauler in your area.

PS: If you prefer the ease of making a single call to a broker rather than seeking a carrier on your own, we recommend reaching out to A1AutoTransport at 1-866-780-2152.