Published November 14, 2025

What's the Problem with the Car Shipping Business?

Mike, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co., breaks down the real issues in auto transport: hidden costs, unreliable carriers, and the value of a solid broker.

What's the Problem with the Car Shipping Business?

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What's the Problem with the Car Shipping Business?\n\nAlright, let's talk straight. You're looking to ship a car. You probably think it's simple. Get a quote, book it, car shows up. If only that were true. As a Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co., and with AMG Endeavors (our parent company) being a carrier, I've seen both sides. There are problems. Big ones. And understanding them is why you need a broker like us.\n\n## The Wild West of Auto Transport Quotes\n\nFirst up, getting a quote. You punch in your details, hit enter, and suddenly you're flooded with numbers. Some seem too good to be true. They usually are. This industry is rife with bait-and-switch tactics. Lowball quotes are designed to hook you, then the price magically creeps up. It's frustrating. It's why phrases like \"affordable car shipping without hidden fees\" resonate. But how do you actually get that?\n\nA direct carrier might give you a rock-bottom price. Why? Because they're hedging their bets. They'll prioritize bigger, more profitable loads. Your single-car transport might sit. This isn't laziness; it's business. Carriers deal with dangerous roads, tight schedules, and enough problems without babysitting every individual customer's anxiety. That's our job.\n\n## Carriers Aren't Exactly Customer Service Pros\n\nLook, truckers are good at driving trucks. They're professionals. But their expertise isn't hand-holding or intricate logistics. They don't want to deal with people and their problems. The primary reason many carriers don't work with people directly isn't just a lack of customer service. It's also because, frankly, there are a lot of instances where people don't pay. This leads to a trust issue. The carriers willing to take that risk often charge regular people more money to offset it. They rely on brokers to solve these problems for them.\n\nThis is where a good auto transport broker Texas or anywhere else comes in. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, the backend systems. All the stuff outside of maintaining and driving the trucks. We provide that buffer. We ensure consistent communication. It's a stronger customer experience, plain and simple.\n\n## The 'Fraud-Filled Industry' Reputation\n\nYou've heard the stories. People pay, and their car disappears, or it shows up damaged, and the carrier is nowhere to be found. The auto transport industry has a reputation. A bad one. It's hard to know who to trust. Finding a trusted car shipping broker reviews will tell you is critical.\n\nAt AMG Transport Co., we aim to be a guiding light. We work exclusively with vetted, insured carriers. Every shipment involves a VIN scan at pickup and delivery. For your peace of mind, deposits are processed securely through Stripe. We provide honest quotes from the start. Our job is to weed out the bad actors and ensure your vehicle is handled properly.\n\n## The Cost Factor: A Balancing Act\n\n\"How much does it cost to ship a car cross country?\" It's the most common question. It's never going to be \"cheap\" to get the job done right. But a good broker keeps rates reasonable. Carriers have their operating costs. Brokers have their margin. The difference? A broker with strong relationships with carriers can get better rates and better service for their clients.\n\nWhat affects car shipping cost per mile? A lot. Distance, vehicle size (shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference is real), route popularity, whether it's an open car carrier transport or enclosed auto transport for luxury cars, and even the time of year. A vehicle could be anywhere in the country at any point in time. We understand these moving parts. We know the lanes, whether it is shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles, or relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, we utilize our network to match your vehicle efficiently and effectively.\n\n### Open vs. Enclosed Transport\n\nWhen considering cost and protection, you'll choose between open and enclosed transport. Here's a quick look:\n\n| Feature | Open Car Carrier Transport | Enclosed Auto Transport |\n|-------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|\n| Cost | Generally lower | Higher, premium service |\n| Protection | Exposed to elements, road debris | Full protection from elements, road debris |\n| Availability | More common, flexible | Less common, specialized |\n| Best For | Standard vehicles, everyday cars | Luxury cars, classic cars, exotic cars |\n| Keywords | open carrier car shipping pros & cons | classic car transport enclosed carrier, luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open, enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars |\n\nFor luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open is often a no-brainer. If you're moving a classic car or an exotic car, enclosed transport protects your investment from weather and road grime. For standard vehicles, open carrier transport is perfectly fine and more economical.\n\n## Why a Broker is Practically Required\n\nPeople couldn't work with most carriers if they wanted to. Many carriers only work with brokers. They don't have the marketing, the customer service infrastructure, or the sales teams to deal with individual customers directly. So, not only is it a good idea to work with an experienced broker like a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide, it's almost required.\n\nWe coordinate everything. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service means you don't lift a finger. We typically quote 72-hour pickup windows because we know situations change on the road. We track your vehicle with our carriers, providing updates so you know how long does car shipping take cross country. Whether it's multi-car transport for families or shipping a non-running vehicle what to know, we handle the intricacies. We even specialize in vehicle shipping for dealerships.\n\n### AMG Transport Co.: Your Solution\n\nAt AMG Transport Co., we simplify what can be a complex and stressful process. We provide transparent auto transport quotes how to compare, making sure you understand where your money goes. Our excellent auto transport safety record and reputation speak for themselves. We aim to be the vehicle logistics company Texas residents and beyond trust.\n\nWe provide nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. We're not just another auto transport broker; we're your partner in moving your vehicle safely and efficiently. Don't navigate the problems of car shipping alone. Let us be your experienced car shipping broker you can trust.\n\nGet an honest quote today.\n\n*\n\nWritten by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.

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