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.
Watch: Broker or Carrier? What the Difference Means for Your Car
A broker arranges your car shipment. A carrier owns the truck that moves it. Both are federally licensed, but the carrier's insurance is what covers your car on the road. Ask which carrier is assigned, then look up its USDOT number.
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
