Do I Have To Book The Car Carrier Direct
You may be surprised to find out that the person who quotes you for your auto transport is not going be driving the truck if you're like most first-time shippers. He or she is working in an office, using a headset and not driving a truck. Everybody who responds to your quote request is actually a broker who uses the quote to contract a carrier. However, not everyone will be able to tell you. Some brokers will let you make assumptions about their industry. Some brokers will tell you anything you want.
Option 1: Booking Directly with the Carrier:
One option is to book directly with the car carrier. This involves contacting the carrier directly and negotiating the terms of the transport, including the price and pick-up and delivery locations.
Option 2: Using a Broker:
Another option is to use a broker to book the car carrier. A broker is a third-party company that acts as an intermediary between the customer and the carrier. The broker will handle the logistics of the transport and negotiate the terms on behalf of the customer.
Option 3: Self-Booking:
In some cases, it may be possible to self-book the car carrier using an online platform. This involves entering your transport details and receiving quotes from multiple carriers. You can then choose the carrier and book the transport directly through the platform.
You may find it more convenient or cost-effective to deal directly with the man driving the truck. Truckers are often busy driving their trucks. Truckers don't have the time to make phone calls, haggle, or explain the process. They just have to keep driving. Once they're done with one run, they have to get back on the road. Truckers don't have office hours.
Truckers can find their loads via broker listings at the industry hub, Central Dispatch. There are all the waiting jobs listed and truckers can choose the routes and pay they prefer. They will respond to the most lucrative and easy jobs. They will immediately lock down a contract. Contracts are not available for jobs that are difficult to fill, require a lot of travel, are in rural areas, require super-sized vehicles, or have low pay. If they are contracted, it is to a desperate carrier.
A reputable broker should handle the contract. To confirm that a carrier is reliable, a broker should recommend a market-based price. Good brokers will verify that the carrier's documentation is up-to-date. A good broker will have a track record with carriers and know which ones are responsible. A good broker will be available to answer any questions you may have and to give you realistic expectations.
Although you will be able to speak directly with your driver at some point in the process, carriers cannot give estimates or prepare customers for transport. This is a logistical reality that has been adapted for the benefit of both the driver and the customer. Your broker exists for a reason. This relationship is industry-standard.