What Brokers Do
Auto transport brokers are intermediaries. They take your order, find a carrier willing to move your vehicle, and pocket the difference between what you pay and what the carrier receives. About 80% of the car shipping companies you find online are brokers, not carriers.
What Carriers Do
Carriers own the trucks and physically transport your vehicle. They employ the drivers, maintain the equipment, and carry the cargo insurance. Going direct to a carrier can save the broker markup — but most carriers don't market directly to consumers.
The Broker Problem
The broker model creates a fundamental misalignment: brokers are incentivized to quote low (to win your business) and pay carriers low (to maximize their margin). This leads to underquoted shipments, slow carrier assignment, and the infamous 'price increase after booking' tactic.
How AutoTransport AI Is Different
AutoTransport AI uses AI-powered carrier matching that connects you directly with vetted carriers at fair market rates. No broker markup, no bait-and-switch. You pay the quoted price, carriers get paid fairly, and vehicles move faster because carriers aren't incentivized to skip underpriced loads.
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Get Instant QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to use a broker or carrier for car shipping?+
Going direct to a carrier saves the broker's 15–30% markup. However, most carriers don't work directly with consumers. AutoTransport AI provides direct carrier access without the traditional broker model.
How do I know if a company is a broker or carrier?+
Check their FMCSA profile: brokers have an MC number with 'Broker' authority. Carriers have 'Carrier' authority. You can look this up at the FMCSA SAFER website.
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