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Auto Transport Broker vs Carrier: What's the Difference?
How brokers and carriers work, the pros and cons of each, and what to ask either one.
Carriers
A carrier owns trucks and moves your vehicle itself. Carriers usually serve specific routes and may have limited dates.
Brokers
A broker arranges the shipment and hires a carrier from a network. Brokers can reach more routes and dates, but the final price and timing depend on a carrier accepting the load. Many well-known car shipping companies are brokers.
What to ask either one
- Are you a broker or a carrier? What is your USDOT/MC number?
- Is this price guaranteed in writing?
- How much is the deposit, when is it charged and is it refundable?
- How is the balance paid at delivery?
- Who handles a damage claim?
Compare companies side by side. See public Google, Trustpilot, BBB and Yelp ratings, recent 1-star reviews and written terms on our comparison page.
More guides
- How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? What Affects the Price
- How to Avoid Car Shipping Scams and Bait-and-Switch Quotes
Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.