If you’re looking to ship your car and you’re shopping for prices from brokers and carriers, you may notice that the quotes can be vastly different. But which one is accurate?
We’ll break down exactly what’s different about broker quotes, why they are different, and help you choose what’s best for you. By the end of this article, you’ll know when to use what type of quote and how to book your shipment confidently through a reliable provider such as Car Shipping Instant Quotes.
Understanding the Difference: Brokers vs. Carriers
But before looking at those quotes, it is important to understand what brokers and carriers do.
Carriers
A carrier is the company whose trucks and drivers will actually ship your vehicle. When you book directly with a carrier, you are dealing with the company that will move your car from pickup until delivery.
Brokers
The broker connects customers to carriers. They do not own trucks but have a database of licensed and insured carriers. Brokers match you with a carrier that is suitable for your route and type of vehicle at the best price.
In the auto shipping industry, brokers and carriers are two legitimate types of business that each have their own methods of quoting.
How Broker Quotes Differ from Carrier Quotes
Broker Quotes Are Often Estimated, Not Final
Instead of driving the vehicle themselves, the brokers will solicit quotes based on current market conditions such as demand of that route and availability of carriers.
Bear in mind that these quotes are often competitive because carriers are bidding for your job.
Carrier Quotes Tend to Be More Fixed
Because carriers know their operating costs (fuel, labor, and truck space), and because they do not post to a bidding board, their prices are also more consistent despite being slightly higher than the lowest bid posted to a bidding board.
Broker Quotes Can Offer More Options
Because brokers represent multiple carriers, a broker quote may also contain multiple options, such as:
- Faster pickup
- Cheaper transport with a different carrier
- Transport, enclosed and open
Carriers may have fewer variants as they only provide their own service.
Carrier Quotes Reflect Real-Time Truck Space
The carrier may quote you a higher price if they don’t have much space left on the truck and if the route is empty, a great rate may be possible. Broker quotes smooth out these fluctuations by averaging market prices.
Broker Quotes Sometimes Include Service Fees
If included, the broker fee is typically a nominal amount included in the quote. Some brokers may charge separately. Carrier quotes usually do not include any broker fees.
How to Decide Which Quote Is Better for You
Step 1: Compare the Transparency
Brokers should disclose that the quote is based on market conditions. Carriers should offer predictable rates. Ask questions about the quote if it seems too good to be true.
Step 2: Look at the Pickup Timeframe
- As brokers are able to contact many carriers, they can offer faster service.
- Carriers usually work on their own schedule; this may mean less flexibility with your pickup date.
Step 3: Evaluate Communication
The top brokers provide customer support throughout, which can be a great asset if you:
- You’re a first-time shipper
- Your car is worth a lot of money
- You’re shipping on a tight timeline
Carriers may not always provide the same level of communication, especially during peak seasons.
Step 4: Check Carrier Reviews (Even When Booking Through a Broker)
If you’re using a broker, you can still ask for the name and USDOT number of the carrier that will be doing the move prior to pickup so you can check their safety records.
Step 5: Consider Flexibility and Budget
- For the lowest price, brokers are generally the best option.
- For low fixed rates and no negotiations, carriers are often the best choice.
Real-World Example: How Broker and Carrier Quotes Compare
An example is shipping a sedan from Florida to Texas.
- Estimate: $850
- Pickup window: 1-3 days
- Carrier options: 3 available
Final price depending on carrier acceptance
Carrier Quote:
- Price: $975
- Pickup window: fixed date
Only one company available
- Thus, the broker offers you flexibility and perhaps lowers prices, while the carrier predicts and locks in a timetable for you.
- Neither option betters something objectively: it depends beyond your priorities.
Why Using a Trusted Broker Can Be the Best Choice
This means you don’t have to call multiple companies, the broker does all this for you.
More Carrier Options
Brokers deal with carriers on a daily basis and know trends.
Better Pricing
During periods of heavy demand, such as during summer or holidays, brokers do better.
Easier Availability During Peak Seasons
Good brokers hold your hand through quote to delivery. Carriers rarely offer this level of service.
Support Throughout the Journey
Good brokers stay with you from quote to delivery. The carrier’s hand rarely holds yours.
At Car Shipping Instant Quotes you get:
- Instant online quotes
- Access to a nationwide network of carriers
- Transparent pricing
- Real-time updates
- Experienced shipping advisors can provide assistance.
This guarantees a smooth and stress-free car shipping experience.
In Summary
Broker quotes are different from carrier quotes. Brokers have flexibility, pricing options, and a wider selection of carriers. Carriers have set prices and greater control over the process. Before you choose, consider whether flexibility competes with fixed pricing in relation to customer service then consider pick-up and delivery timeframes under carrier safety records. We offer the best combination of expert advice and reliable carriers, so we can deliver fast, accurate and competitive pricing, every time. You can get instant car shipping quotes for your unique needs and book your auto transport service with confidence at Car Shipping Instant Quotes.
