When shopping around for auto transport, it's important to know how the auto transport industry works. There are two types of companies in the auto shipping industry: auto transport brokerages and auto transport carriers. Brokers actually setup the auto transport and handle all the paperwork and all the money; auto transport carriers just ship the vehicle. Auto transport brokerages are incredibly important in the industry because they keep all the prices lower than they would if the auto transport carriers were setting the prices, because there is fierce competition between the auto transport brokerages. What is interesting about the auto transport industry as well is that, though brokerages typically set the prices for transport, the carriers do have a say.

Auto transport companies who price things too low won't get their freight moved – it is a common misconception among customers that the lower price is better, but the fact of the matter is that you, as an auto transport customer, want to find a middle ground. If you pay too little for auto transport, your vehicle will take a while to move as there will be few auto transport carriers who will be willing to transport your vehicle for little money; if the price is too high, it's a possibility that you are overpaying for your auto transport. However, the more money you pay, the faster your vehicle will get picked up (transport times are always the same, however – ask your auto transport brokerage for more information on transit times).

The best explanation for this is called trucker economics. Auto transport carriers need to cover their fuel costs and actually make a profit, so if there is a load that isn't priced right or priced too low, they won't take it. Auto transport brokerages usually are pretty good about staying up with the pricing, but sometimes they do quote too low. This is why it is important for you, as an auto transport customer, to get as many quotes as possible. However, make sure that your auto transport quotes are coming from auto transport brokerages and not carriers – if you were to get quotes directly from auto transport carriers, the prices would most likely be higher, as they want as much money as they can get.

Auto transport brokerages, like most others, charge a fee for their services, but what you get is really peace of mind. The auto transport brokerage you arrange your auto transport with will handle all the paperwork for you and arrange everything regarding your transport; you will deal mostly with them when arranging your auto transport. You will speak to the auto transport carrier they hire when he is close to the arranged pickup or delivery destinations, but other than that the brokerage will handle everything else. Even the money. Ask your auto transport brokerage about different payment methods – all brokerages will take their deposit, but depending on which one you contract with you may pay the full transportation amount up front (known as prepaying) or just the deposit, paying the rest to the auto transport carrier upon delivery.