When it comes to choosing an auto transport company, chances are most people don’t even know what type of auto transport company they need to book their shipment with. But that’s alright, because let’s face it - not everyone uses auto transport every day. In the auto transport industry, there are two different types of auto transport companies: auto transport brokerages, and auto transport carriers. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences in each and tell you which one is better to book your auto transport with.

The first type of company we’ll talk about is the auto transport carrier. Also known as carriers, these companies are the actual auto transport companies that move the vehicle - they literally “carry” the vehicle from its pickup location to its delivery location. These auto transport companies operate the large ten-car haulers that you see taking new cars to the dealerships, except they transport vehicles for the population and not just automobile manufacturers.

Auto transport carriers are all over the country; some transport vehicles across the country, but a lot of auto transport carriers are regionally-based, servicing only certain parts of the United States. Few auto transport carriers ship into Canada or Mexico, mainly due to the high prices.

The other auto transport companies out there are auto transport brokerages - chances are those types of auto transport companies are the ones you’ll come across in your searches across the internet. Auto transport brokers are the type of auto transport company you want to book your auto transport with, for several reasons. First off, auto transport carriers don’t have the time to sit and call all their customers - they’re on the road too much, and they aren’t allowed to talk on the phone while driving. Therefore, they use auto transport brokerages to communicate with the customers. Also, auto transport brokerages have the resources to advertise online, and they also help to keep the prices low.

Auto transport carriers want to make as much as they can per load they transport - with the rising costs of fuel and maintenance, auto transport carriers are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet, so they must charge more. Auto transport brokerages help them to make enough to stay on the road and business, but not too much that customers are alienated by the prices.

Ultimately, what type of auto transport company you book with depends on you. But we want to make you aware of what types of companies are out there, to better prepare you when it comes to booking your auto transport. Just make sure to do your homework and choose the best auto transport company for you and your specific needs.