(877) 786-1789
contact@paylessautoshippingservices.com
contact@paylessautoshippingservices.com
When the time comes to move a vehicle—whether it’s a cross-country move, a vintage car auction, or a major purchase—the choice of who will actually transport your valuable asset is the most important decision you’ll make. The auto transport industry can be confusing, often leaving customers to wonder, “Am I dealing with the actual truck company, or a middleman?”
At Our Company Payless Auto Shipping Services, we believe in total transparency. The core distinction lies between a Car Hauling Broker and a Car Hauling Carrier (sometimes called an Auto Transport Carrier). Understanding this difference is not just about logistics; it’s about knowing who is responsible for your vehicle, who sets the price, and what level of customer service you can expect. This guide is designed to help you cut through the confusion and make an informed choice that prioritizes safety, timeliness, and budget.
A Car Hauling Carrier is a company or owner-operator that physically owns the transport truck, employs the drivers, and holds the primary cargo insurance. They are the ones who do the actual car hauling and physically move your vehicle from Point A to Point B.
Direct Communication: with the person moving your car.
Limited Availability: They only operate on their specific routes and with their own fleet size.
Lower Cost Potential: No “middleman” fee is added to the price.
Slower Quotes: You must call multiple carriers to compare prices and availability.
Direct Control: over their equipment and internal schedule.
Less Flexible: If their truck breaks down, they have no vast network for backup
Who They Are Best For: Customers shipping on a common, high-traffic route who are able to book their transport well in advance and prefer dealing with the driver directly.
A Car Hauling Broker does not own trucks. Instead, they act as the essential intermediary, connecting customers (shippers) with a vast network of thousands of vetted, licensed Car Hauling Companies (carriers). They are licensed and regulated to manage the logistics of the shipment from beginning to end.
Network Power: Access to thousands of carriers means faster, more reliable pickup times across the country.
Higher Potential Cost: A fee is added for their negotiation and logistics service.
Best Price Sourcing: They use their network to negotiate on your behalf to find the best market rate for your route.
Indirect Communication: You communicate with the broker, not the driver, until your shipment is assigned.
Logistics Management: They handle all vetting, insurance verification, scheduling, and coordination.
Quote Variability: You must choose a reputable broker, as some less-reputable ones may “lowball” the initial quote.
Who They Are Best For: Customers who need flexibility, speed, a stress-free process, and the peace of mind that comes from having a logistics expert manage the entire shipment.
Choosing a company shouldn’t be based on price alone. Reliability and safety are paramount. Use this checklist to properly vet any auto transport company, whether they are a broker or a direct carrier.
1. Verify Licensing and Credentials
Before you book, verify that the company is legally authorized to transport vehicles across state lines.
FMCSA Registration: Every legitimate company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Ask for their MC (Motor Carrier) Number and DOT (Department of Transportation) Number.
Check the Safer System: Go to the FMCSA’s SAFER website and enter the MC or DOT number to check their operating status, safety record, and licensing. This is the single most important step you can take for verification.
2. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Reputable Car Hauling Companies should always have cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it is on their truck.
Ask for Proof: Request a copy of the carrier’s Certificate of Insurance. Do not accept a verbal assurance.
Understand the Deductible: Confirm the total coverage amount and ask about the deductible. In the event of damage, you need to know how much is covered by the carrier and what your responsibilities are.
Theft and Damage: Ensure the policy clearly covers both damage (e.g., in an accident) and theft.
3. Review the Company’s Online Reputation
Look beyond the testimonials on the company’s own website to find genuine, unfiltered customer feedback.
BBB Rating: Check their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Independent Review Sites: Look for patterns in reviews on Google, Transport Reviews, or Yelp. A few negative reviews are normal, but a recurring theme of damage, significant delays, or price hikes is a major red flag.
Longevity: Companies with five or more years in the industry typically have the established carrier relationships and processes to handle complex logistics smoothly.
Stop wading through confusing quotes and unreliable options. With Payless Auto Shipping Services, you partner with logistics experts who do the hard work of vetting the best car hauling companies for you. Our goal is simple: to provide a quick, transparent quote and ensure your vehicle is safely transported by a top-rated carrier. Take the first step toward a stress-free move today—click the button below to get your free, instant auto transport quote!
Once the Customer reserves the transport, the Usual Turn Around Time is 1-5 Business days, however ideally the Job can be done sooner once the Driver/ Truck-space is available.
The drivers are constantly picking up and delivering 8-9 vehicles at a time and can only travel 400 to 500 miles per day according to US Department of Transportation guidelines. Cross country transit time is usually 5 to 8 days.
Auto Carrier Companies we work with are the ‘Top A Rated’ have a up to $250,000 in cargo insurance. There will be thorough Inspection of the vehicle before/after transit and noted on the Bill of Lading.
**Please note Insurance companies will not cover any damage that is not noted during Inspections as mentioned on the BOL (Bill of Lading). **
Get free car shipping quotes for estimated rate to transport your car in the 48 states Nationwide or call us at 877 786 1789. Quotes are mere estimates and are subject to change as per availability of Truck Space and Trailers on the route.
To reserve your spot on the Trailer, 1/4th Advance amount paid via credit /debit card, Zelle, Venmo, or Secure payment link. the remaining 3/4th balance is paid to the carrier upon delivery. Payment methods on delivery include Cash, Zelle, Venmo Cash-app and Cashier’s check are accepted.
Yes, you are allowed to put under 100 LBS of belongings in the trunk of the vehicle during transport.
Open auto transport is the most economic shipping method as they are more frequent. They carry between 8-10 cars and usually do Cross Country. In the Open Trailer Both the Sides and Top of the trailers are open and can vary in size from a 1-car flat Bed to an 11-car dual-level car carrier.
It is considered as Premium service which is the Safest and Quickest when opted by the Customer. The Enclosed auto transport involves transporting vehicles in Box trailers. Enclosed carriers are typically used for high-end/ Luxury cars or showcase vehicles, classic cars, hot rods or Customized cars. They have climate control inside the trailer so that the vehicle is safe not subjected weather changes or outside influence to cause damage.
After Customer confirms the details, the Dispatcher will Instruct the Driver about vehicle condition and carry the necessary equipment required to Load it on the Trailer.
We are a 5 Star Rated Company having 100 % ratings on the Centralized system and Google. We do 48 states Nation Wide and take Loads of Cars, SUVs, Bikes, Trikes, Boats, Pick-up trucks and do specific Heavy Loads too.
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