Moving can be a hassle, especially if you are moving to a new country or across state lines. If you can’t drive your car, you might consider shipping it to your new address. Car shipping is a relatively common practice, with thousands of vehicles shipping across the country and worldwide every year.
There are two main types of car transporters, and it might be overwhelming to have to decide between the two. If you’re moving overseas and trying to bring your car, this decision could have a significant impact on your relocation. What is the difference between a car broker and a car carrier, and how will it affect your move?
Brokers
Hiring a broker is the standard method most people think of when someone mentions transporting a car. A broker has a network of individual carriers and shipment schedules, and they will fit your automobile within their schedule. Brokers have extensive networks and can work with multiple shipping companies to transport your car to its destination with as little administrative delay as possible for you.
If you are traveling far or headed over an ocean, a broker is probably the wisest choice for you. Brokers might be a little more expensive than individual carriers, but they have a more extensive range and can book companies to transport cars worldwide. Brokers can also find good deals on long-distance trips.
However, a car undergoing broker transport might face delays due to weather, transport issues, or forces beyond anyone’s control. Because the broker does not control the entire shipment process, they might not be able to help you if your car stalls behind a transport bottleneck. A broker will do their best to ensure your vehicle arrives at your home promptly, but the trade-off is that they have less control over your actual transport.
Carriers
On the other hand, individual carriers often have much smaller delivery fields than brokers. These professionals usually stick to one country or continent to reduce overhead. Instead of having connections all over, carriers can be individuals who will drive your car or carry it on an auto transport truck. Carriers are an excellent option if your vehicle needs to move a shorter distance or you aren’t moving overseas.
Carriers are often cheaper than brokers because they cut out the middleman and ship vehicles directly. Some moving companies double as car carriers and take your car along with your other belongings for an additional fee. Auto carriers are also easier to investigate if you wish to ensure that your driver is safe before hiring them, as you’ll be dealing with your transporters directly.
However, carriers are generally smaller operations and might experience some unexpected delays. If your carrier’s truck breaks down, there’s no immediate replacement like there would be with a broker. A carrier will do their best to move your vehicle to its destination and will do it without a middleman’s interference.
Final thoughts
There are pros and cons to both a personal carrier and a car broker. Both types of business will transport your car–it just depends on your personal preferences for price, speed, and personalization of your transportation. Whether you decide to use a broker or a carrier, shipping your car should be an easy process.
