Table of contents
Quick answer
A carrier owns the trucks and moves your car; a broker arranges the shipment with a carrier from its network. Brokers usually offer more dates and routes, while carriers give you direct contact with the company moving your car. Either is a good choice if it's licensed, insured and transparent.
What's the difference?
Carrier
Owns the trucks and employs or contracts the drivers.
- You deal directly with the company moving your car
- Limited to its own routes and schedule
- Needs FMCSA operating authority and insurance
Broker
Arranges your shipment with a carrier in its network.
- Searches many carriers for your route and dates
- The carrier may be named only after booking
- Needs FMCSA broker authority and a $75,000 bond or trust
Some companies are both: they run their own trucks on common routes and broker the rest.
How each is licensed and insured
Broker vs. carrier at a glance
| Item | Broker | Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Route and date options | Many carriers to choose from | Only its own trucks |
| Who moves the car | A carrier the broker assigns | The company you booked |
| Price | Set to attract a carrier on your route | Set by the carrier directly |
| Point of contact | Broker, then the driver | One company throughout |
| Best for | Most moves, tight or unusual routes | Routes the carrier runs regularly |
Route and date options
- Broker
- Many carriers to choose from
- Carrier
- Only its own trucks
Who moves the car
- Broker
- A carrier the broker assigns
- Carrier
- The company you booked
Price
- Broker
- Set to attract a carrier on your route
- Carrier
- Set by the carrier directly
Point of contact
- Broker
- Broker, then the driver
- Carrier
- One company throughout
Best for
- Broker
- Most moves, tight or unusual routes
- Carrier
- Routes the carrier runs regularly
Which should you choose?
- Choose a broker if you want the most dates and options, or your route isn't on a major corridor
- Choose a carrier if it regularly runs your exact route and you want one point of contact
- Either way, get the carrier's name and USDOT number before pickup
Frequently asked questions
Is a carrier cheaper than a broker?
Not necessarily. A carrier with an empty spot on your route can be cheaper, but a broker can find a truck already heading your way. Compare quotes from both.
How can I tell if a company is a broker or a carrier?
Look up its USDOT number on FMCSA. The record shows whether it holds broker authority, carrier authority or both.
Verify a companyWho is responsible if my car is damaged?
The carrier that moved the car and its cargo insurance are usually responsible. A good broker will help you file the claim.
Car shipping insurance
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
