What's the difference between brokers and carriers in auto transport?

So you need to move a car. You've probably seen two terms floating around: broker and carrier. They're not the same. And understanding the difference could save you a headache. Or worse, a lot of money.

Carriers: They Drive the Trucks

Think of carriers as the truckers. They own the trucks. They maintain the trucks. They drive the trucks. They are the ones actually moving your vehicle from point A to point B. AMG Endeavors, our parent company, is a carrier. They’re good at it. They handle the physical act of getting your car where it needs to go. That's their focus.

Now, here's the thing about carriers. They're on the road. A lot. Their job is dangerous enough without dealing with a constant stream of phone calls. They don't typically want to handle direct customer service, quoting, or coordinating. They've got routes to run. Deadlines to hit. And they certainly don't want to chase down payments from individual customers. It’s why many won't work with you directly, even if you wanted them to.

Another point: carriers often cherry-pick jobs. They want full loads going on efficient routes. A single car from Houston to Los Angeles might not be their first choice unless they can charge a premium. You might also find yourself waiting a long time before they have a truck going your way.

Brokers: Your Auto Transport Coordinator

That's where we, AMG Transport Co., come in. We are an auto transport broker. We act as the middleman between you, the customer, and the thousands of carriers out there. We handle everything the carriers don't want to do. The quoting. The scheduling. The customer service. All the administrative heavy lifting.

We provide you with a stronger customer experience. We’re a guiding light in an industry that's unfortunately prone to fraud. We also act as a buffer to keep rates reasonable. You want an honest quote without hidden fees. We work to get that for you.

How does a broker help you?

• Access to a network: We have access to many carriers. Not just one. This means more options for your vehicle, whether it's car shipping services Texas or cross-country car transport from coast to coast.
• Vetting and Vetting: We vet our carriers. We check their insurance. Their safety records. This means you don't have to. When you choose an experienced car shipping broker you can trust, you’re getting peace of mind.
• Negotiation Power: We work with carriers constantly. We know the going rates. We can negotiate better prices for you than you likely could on your own. It's never going to be cheap to ship a car cross country and expect it done right. But we ensure you're not getting fleeced.
• Problem Solvers: Roads are unpredictable. Accidents happen. Mechanical issues arise. If something goes wrong with your transport, who do you call? Us. We solve carrier problems. We're your single point of contact. This is crucial for door-to-door car shipping how it works.
• Fraud Prevention: The auto transport industry has its share of bad actors. We help you navigate this. We process VIN scans for accuracy and use secure payment methods like Stripe deposits. We ensure you're working with reputable companies.

Why Not Go Directly to a Carrier?

You might think cutting out the middleman saves money. In some cases, it might. But in auto transport, it often doesn't. Carriers know they can charge regular people more. They also face risks. People don’t always pay. Brokers, like us, have established relationships and a proven track record. This reduces the carrier’s risk, and they often offer better rates to brokers.

Plus, dealing directly with a carrier can be a nightmare. Imagine trying to find a truck that's available to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles on your schedule. Or trying to get a fair price for enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. Most carriers aren't equipped to handle individual customer inquiries efficiently.

AMG Transport Co.: Your Advantage

We offer transparent, affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, and all the backend systems. We provide a 72-hour pickup window, which is standard for the industry. Our job is to make your life easier when relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or anywhere else nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

We understand the challenges of shipping. Whether it's shipping a non-running vehicle what to know, or understanding the difference between open car carrier transport cost and enclosed, we're here to guide you.

Broker vs. Carrier: A Quick Look

| Feature | Auto Transport Broker (AMG Transport Co.) | Auto Transport Carrier (AMG Endeavors) |

| :------------------------ | :---------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------- |

| Customer Service | Primary contact; handles all inquiries | Limited direct customer interaction |

| Vetting Carriers | Yes; extensive | N/A (they are the carrier) |

| Price Negotiation | Yes; leverages volume & relationships | Direct pricing; often higher for individuals |

| Problem Resolution | Yes; manages issues with carriers | Focuses on transport; limited issue handling |

| Payment Security | Yes; secure systems (Stripe) | Varies; can be riskier for individuals |

| Network of Trucks | Access to thousands of carriers | Owns and operates their own fleet |

| Focus | Customer experience, coordination | Driving and physical transport |

Choosing a reliable auto transport broker like AMG Transport Co. is almost required for a smooth, stress-free vehicle shipping experience. Don't leave your valuable asset to chance.

Ready to get your car shipped with an experienced car shipping broker you can trust? Let us handle the logistics so you don't have to.

Get a free, honest quote today!

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.