The auto transport industry is 90% run by brokers! Most auto transport companies do not own auto trailers. They don’t have the staff or the budget to market themselves to the public or the customer service team to support their customers. They usually rely on word of mouth or local advertising to get the business. Carriers rely heavily on brokers to fill their trucks and keep them moving.
Auto freight agents have access to hundreds of carriers and can typically accommodate you anywhere you need to pick up or drop off your car. Working with a reputable broker can help you get a better price or find a company that you might not otherwise find on your own. The broker can also provide you with a more competitive price quote and offer you better support. Many of the drivers are either one-man operations or under-staffed to provide you with quality customer service.
How does the auto transport industry work?
When you get a quote from different companies / brokers, they are all competing for your business. But the reality is, you are actually bidding for drivers to move your car. If your quote is too low, your car will not be picked up or delivery may take a few weeks.
Here’s an example of how this works: let’s say the path is (NJ to FL). Typically, there are between 20 and 40 cars waiting to be picked up at the dispatch board used by every truck driver in the industry. All are priced from highest to lowest. Drivers will be more attracted to loads that pay more. So if you picked the lowest quote and there are 10 cars listed higher on the list, your car will be sitting in your driveway for a while. Your cargo will be the last to be picked up, or you may simply never be assigned a driver while a rogue broker promises you the world and takes your money.
How to get the correct auto transport quote?
In the industry where money talks, your budget will determine the price for your vehicle to be picked up and delivered. It is not always recommended to choose the lowest rates for car transportation. We constantly hear complaints from consumers who first dealt with low quotes and then go for a higher quote – they picked up their vehicles in 2-4 business days.
Search Google for “auto shipping quotes,” “auto shipping rates,” or “auto shipping quotes” and check out various auto transport company websites. Get quotes from individual companies or comparison sites and compare rates. You can check the company’s history on sites like Transport Reviews.