When shipping a vehicle, you may receive broker quotes and carrier quotes along the way. But why does it matter? Although both quotes are regarding moving your car, they are not the same thing. Knowing the differences can help you make a more knowledgeable choice when it comes to car shipping service.
In this guide, we will take a look at what broker quotes and carrier quotes are, what the differences are, and which one may be best for you. Let’s look closely at the way in which each of them works and why it is important that you know the difference between the two.
What is a Broker Quote in Car Shipping?
A broker quote is the quote you receive from a car transport broker. Simply put, the broker is an intermediary between you the customer and the carriers the transport companies. Brokers usually don’t possess transport vehicles or drive them themselves. Instead, they connect with a network of licensed carriers to pair customers with available transporters that meet their needs.
Here’s how it works:
- A broker assists you in finding an available carrier to transport your car, based on your requirements (location, car, budget, etc).
- A broker quote is an estimate from a broker, using their knowledge of the transport market, and covering all involved services (pick-up, delivery, timing, etc.).
- Brokers typically charge a small fee or markup for their services, which is in addition to the cost of shipping. The broker may include it as part of the quote.
Advantages of Broker Quotes:
- Brokers can provide a variety of options to shippers as they maintain relationships with multiple transport companies to offer flexibility in routes, dates and prices.
- A broker handles all the communication with the carrier for your convenience. This saves up a lot of time.
- Brokers usually negotiate for a better rate, especially in situations where the vehicle location is remote or hard to move.
At Shipping Cars, we offer broker quotes that connect you to the best carriers at competitive prices.
What is a Carrier Quote in Car Shipping?
A carrier quote comes from the company who will physically transport your vehicle (the carrier). In this context, the transport agency owns the gadgets and vehicles for car transportation. You will get a quotation based on the services they offer including.
- Type of transport: Open or closed transport.
- Distance: The route between the pickup and delivery points.
- Vehicle type: The size, weight, and condition of your vehicle.
- Timeline: The shipping schedule and availability.
Carrier quotes are typically more simplistic as they come straight from the service solution provider. The carrier’s internal costs determine the price you receive, which include fuel and driver pay, insurance, and the cost of running the transport equipment.
Advantages of Carrier Quotes:
- Directly booking with the carrier means you deal directly with a company which can lead to better clarity and communication while booking and later too.
- Government regulations have put in place a minimum price for the shipping service aiding the transparency of rules, charges of the carrier.
- By working directly with the carrier, you can eliminate the middleman. This can simplify the logistics process in some cases.
We also link you with the right carrier to ensure reliable and convenient transport services at Shipping Cars.
Key Differences Between Broker Quotes and Carrier Quotes
Having defined a broker quote and a carrier quote, let’s look at some of the biggest differences.
Who Provides the Quote?
- The broker is the one who gives the quote, this means the broker is working as a middleman between you and transport companies.
- Carrier Quote The quote will come directly from the transport company (the carrier) that will transport your vehicle.
Scope of Service
- Brokers provide a greater selection of quotes because they deal with many different carriers. They can assist you with finding the best available deal as per your choice.
- A quote given by a specific carrier for the services that it offers is a carrier quote. The carrier is for you if you are looking for a direct quote from a single company.
Pricing Structure
- Brokers may add a small markup to the carrier’s base price. Their charge includes their commission or fees to them.
- Carrier quotes represent the actual price for transport and other services charged by the carrier without adding a broker or intermediary markup.
Level of Control
- Broker Quote: Brokers have the flexibility to work with different carriers, so they might offer more flexibility with routing, scheduling, and pricing.
- Carrier Quote: With a carrier, you’ll have more direct control over the process, but you’re limited to their services, routes, and availability.
Which One is Better for You: Broker Quote or Carrier Quote?
Whether a broker quote or a carrier quote is the best choice comes down to your priorities. Here is how to decide:
Choose a Broker Quote If You:
- As a customer, you want access to a variety of options from multiple carriers.
- Need assistance in negotiating better prices or facing difficulties in navigating the complex shipping of cars.
- Looking for a broker who is able to manage most of the processes for you smoothly.
Choose a Carrier Quote If You:
- Prefer working directly with the company which will transport your vehicle.
- We Want Transparent Pricing Without Intermediaries
At Shipping Cars you can get broker quotes and carrier quotes to choose the best of both based on your needs.
Broker Quotes vs. Carrier Quotes—Which Is Right for You?
Carrier quotes and broker quotes both have their certain advantages. You will save time and money with the right shipping quote. So, understanding how each type of quote works, and which one you need, will serve you well. For flexibility and convenience, you might want to go for a broker quote. If you want to communicate directly and clearly, a carrier quote might be your best bet.
At Shipping Cars, we offer broker quotes that provide access to trusted carriers and a choice of carrier quotes for more personalized services. No matter what option you go for, we will make sure your car shipping comes at the most affordable prices.
