Direct car shipping means working directly with a car shipping carrier instead of going through a broker. Some clients prefer this method for greater control and cost savings. This blog will guide you through finding reliable direct car shipping carriers. We will cover the pros and cons of this method and provide examples of when this type of vehicle transportation is most convenient.
What Is Direct Car Shipping?
Direct car shipping is when you hire a car shipping company that owns the trucks and handles the transportation of your vehicle themselves. Brokers, on the other hand, act as middlemen.
So, working directly with the carrier means you are in touch with the person moving your car—there is no middleman involved.
Pros of Working Directly with Car Shippers
Approximately 80% of car carriers in the United States are single owner-operators, each managing a fleet of one to two trucks. These small car shipping companies often rely on brokers to connect with customers, but it’s cheaper to work directly with carriers bypassing brokers.
Cost Savings
Avoid broker commissions and fees. Brokers do not handle vehicle transport themselves. Instead, they connect you with carriers and can charge commissions as high as 60% of the shipping rate.
So, in some cases, working directly with the car shipping carrier company is more financially beneficial.
Clear Communication
Deal directly with the carrier, ensuring clearer updates and fewer misunderstandings. Working through a broker can cause communication to become delayed or distorted, as you rely on a middleman to relay updates from the carrier. Direct communication with the carrier allows for faster, clearer updates, reducing the risk of misinformation.
Better Control
You have direct influence over timelines and service specifics. Brokers often have policies that limit client involvement in shipment details. For example, you may be restricted from requesting adjustments like collecting license plates from an auction or changing the delivery address after pickup. Working directly with a carrier allows you to negotiate specific requests more effectively.
Transparency
Know exactly who is responsible for shipping your vehicle. Some brokers may use vague language such as 'our driver is on the way' without directly verifying the carrier's identity. Direct car shipping ensures you know exactly who is responsible for transporting your vehicle, providing greater accountability.
Cons of Working Directly with Car Shippers
Limited Availability
Carriers often have restricted routes and limited service areas, making it challenging to find a reliable car shipping carrier in your area. Some carriers lack visibility on Google, which can complicate the search process. At CarShiply, we simplify this for you by offering access to a database of over 500,000 trusted carriers across the U.S., ensuring you find the best match for your shipping needs.
Time-Consuming
Finding and verifying a direct carrier can be time-consuming. Beyond just locating a carrier (which can be difficult due to limited online presence), you must verify their legitimacy using services like FMCSA and TIA to confirm licensing and insurance coverage. CarShiply handles this entire process for you. We conduct thorough research on each carrier or broker before making a recommendation, ensuring legal compliance and proper insurance coverage.
Logistics Challenges
Fewer carriers operate during peak seasons or in remote areas, which could make it challenging to secure car shipping services on time. If you live in a small town or need urgent shipping, availability could be limited. CarShiply can assist by leveraging our network to find the most suitable carrier for your location and timeline. Fill our our car shipping cost calculator to get the best quotes from car shipping companies.
Risk of Limited Insurance
Some direct car shipping companies may offer limited insurance coverage compared to brokers. Always verify whether their insurance fully protects your vehicle during transport. We covered all of the steps on how to verify the COI (Certificate of Insurance) of the car shipping company.
Bonded vs. Insured
Brokers are bonded, meaning they have financial guarantees to protect clients from fraud or service issues. Carriers, on the other hand, are insured, covering damages during transport. While working with a broker may cost up to 40% more, it often ensures a smoother process with better protection. However, the right choice depends on your specific needs.
How to Find Reliable Direct Car Shippers
Search Online Directories
Use resources like the FMCSA website to locate registered carriers. You can also post your vehicle on platforms like Central Dispatch, Ship.Cars, and Super Dispatch. However, to access these platforms, you must be a registered business with valid MC and DOT numbers as a broker or shipper.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Explore review platforms such as BBB, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Central Dispatch, Ship.Cars, and FMCSA. These platforms can help you review a carrier’s profile, check their Certificate of Insurance (COI), and identify any past or open claims.
Verify Licensing
Ensure the shipper has valid USDOT and MC numbers to avoid scams, which are unfortunately common nowadays. Check out our blog for tips on how to identify and avoid car shipping scams.
Ask for References
Ask the carrier for references and actually reach out to their past clients! Find out how their experience went by asking things like: Were they on time? Did the car arrive in good condition? Was the service overall smooth? Doing this helps you feel more confident you're choosing the right carrier.
Compare Quotes
Request multiple quotes to compare pricing and service quality. However, keep in mind that direct carriers often do not have websites, so you may receive quotes primarily from brokers, often including commissions of 30-60%. Skip the hassle and contact CarShiply directly, our platform can help you search and submit multiple quotes at once to find the best car shipping company.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Unverified Credentials
Be cautious of missing or invalid licensing information. Verify company’s DOT and MC numbers. For tips on identifying scams, check our blog on about how to avoid being scammed when shipping your car.
Upfront Payments
Avoid carriers requiring full payment upfront. Brokers typically take 30-50% of the payment in advance, while carriers often prefer Cash on Delivery (COD) or Cash on Pickup (COP), because some brokers delay payments to carriers for up to 30 days after delivery. You can use Zelle, CashApp or ACH check to pay directly to the car shipping company bypassing the broker's fee.
Poor Communication
Delays in responses or vague answers can be warning signs. Consistent updates from the carrier are crucial for a stress-free experience. Make sure you stay connected with a driver during the transportation.
Lack of Contract Clarity
Ensure all insurance coverage details and service terms are clearly outlined in the contract. For help understanding COI documents, visit our blog on How to Verify Certificate of Insurance of Car Shipping Company
Is Direct Car Shipping Right for You?
Direct car shipping works best for those looking for cost savings and control but requires time for careful vetting. If you value convenience and broader service options and you do not have time for updates and carrier searches, a broker may be the better choice.
Direct Car Shipper vs. Broker: Which One Should You Choose?
Finding a reliable direct car shipper takes a bit of research and effort. By checking credentials, comparing quotes, and reading reviews, you can make a smarter choice and feel more confident in your decision. It's all about balancing cost, control, and convenience for a stress-free car shipping experience. Want to skip the hassle? Just reach out to CarShiply! We will match you with a trustworthy transport company that fits your needs perfectly.
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