Auto Shipping Glossary: The Auto Transporter
An auto transporter, also known as an auto transport carrier or simply carrier, is the physical transporter of your automobile.
Whereas you have quote providers, which are essential when you’re searching for competitive prices and trying to find a shipping companies, as well as brokers, the ones you want to book with, carriers are in a class all on their own.
Chances are you won’t find many on the internet, as most carriers are independent owner-operators who actually rely on brokers heavily for freight. Those among them who do have their own websites are generally not in a position to maintain them, which means that they don’t advertise online or try to maintain their web positioning – they’re too busy driving their trucks to get from one city to another.
Auto transporters spend ten hours or more driving from one major metro area to another.
They build their routes according to where they want to go and where the freight is taking them; sometimes there’s enough freight on a few major routes that they don’t have to deviate much, but they typically go where the freight goes, and freight generally goes out of major metro areas.
That’s also why prices for auto transport are typically lower to and from big cities: shippers are already going to be in or around there and so will be more willing and able to get to the pickup or delivery location to get your vehicle.
It’s best to book with a broker considering the fact that auto shipping carriers like to take what they can get, and when you book with one directly they generally are going to charge more than you would pay through a broker, because they like to gamble that you don’t know as much as you think you do.
If you are interested in getting a quote to transport your vehicle, you can fill out our free online auto transport quote request form to get a free quote directly from us. We work with only top-rated auto transporters who are fully licensed and insured. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry and we can move your vehicle on time and on budget.
You can also call our toll-free telephone number to speak to one of our helpful representatives, who can answer any questions you have as well as give you a quote over the phone. They can also book your shipment if you’re ready and much more. So if you need to move a car, let us help you get it done.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
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