Auto Transport Brokers | Auto Transport Carriers

Auto Transport Brokers vs Auto Transport Carriers, which one is best for you?  There are advantages and disadvantages of both which we will explain for you.  The biggest item for most people is the cost.  In some cases it is cheaper to go directly with a carrier, but not always; often carriers know roughly what brokers are charging and try to charge a similar rate.  Next is does that particular carrier have trucks on that given route?  If not, they in some cases try to illegally broker out your car which can result in many problems for you if a something arises. 

The next point to focus on with regards to these two categories is reputation.  Regardless of price, regardless of availability, the reputation of the company you are choosing is vital to having a smooth experience.  Auto transport brokers generally have complaints because they underestimate the price to customers.  When jobs are underbid brokers generally have a hard time to get carriers to pick up and move your car.  Less reputable brokers will sometimes underbid jobs on the hopes that they will be able to get your automobile moved and charge you a deposit upfront.  If they aren’t able to find someone that deposit can be kept in some cases and you are left starting over again.  With carriers generally it can be a different cause for people to complain.  In some cases where customers go directly to carriers that are not reputable they will make promises to the customer that they cannot keep. 

For some carriers their reputation with one individual customer is not necessarily as important as maintaining a relationship with brokers because that is where they get the majority of their business.  Regardless of which direction you go, the safest bet you can make is to research each company you are considering by looking up their report on the Better Business Bureau.  Make sure the company you are considering has at least a couple years in business so you have a track record of how they conduct themselves with customers.  Often companies will habitually change their name in order to wipe away their complaints from other customers such as yourself.  The track record is a key point in the decision making process regardless of which direction you go.

The final point of comparison is what happens with a short notice breakdown or truck issue.  This can happen regardless of the reputation of the company or quality of equipment.  Engine problems or a hydraulic issue are things that are unpreventable and you can sometimes be on the receiving end of that inconvenience.  If you are going directly with a trucking company they will generally not have network of other drivers who can quickly get to your car.  In this circumstance having a reliable and hard working auto transport broker can be very beneficial.  Finding a auto transport broker that also has their own trucks can help give you the best of both worlds.  Again, some companies will lie and tell you they are both, don’t forget to do your homework.  If they have a good reputation likely they are being honest, but those with a large number of complaints on the Better Business Bureau, well you can make your own determination.