Easy Car Transport | Car Shipping & Auto Transport Company

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Carriers & Brokers

To begin with, there needs to be a clear understanding what the difference between a carrier and a broker exactly is. On a consumer level, there really isn’t much of a difference and it’s as simple as both being able to pick up and deliver your vehicle as needed. But upon further inspection, there are slight differences.

As it normally goes, there is two sides to every coin and you’ve come to the perfect place to compare and evaluate the processes that take place on both sides of the auto transportation industry, for both the consumer and the company.

Auto Transport Direct Carriers

By definition a direct carrier is a company that has an Owner/Operator license as well as their own trucks and drivers. At one point, in the not-too-distance past, carriers were the only type of auto transportation companies around.
Although carriers are the trailblazers of the auto transport industry, it soon became a realization that the demand for car shipping services would certainly exceed the capacity of which direct carriers were able to fill. Which leads us to the next and most recent – brokers.

Auto Transport Brokers

An auto broker is defined as a third party, rather than a direct carrier, that offers, sells, coordinates, arranges for and negotiates auto transportation jobs and services with a motor carrier for compensation. In essence, a broker is able to meet the needs of consumers that a direct carrier may not be able to. This is made possible by the following advantages: saving money, saving time, customized shipments and peace of mind.

WHY CHOOSE A BROKER?

Money Saver
Time Saver
Customized Shipments
Assurance

Often times, direct carriers are in a position where they are in limited in space to load new shipments onto their trucks which in turn can mean that the consumer is literally buying a spot – and that can cost more than that of a broker who is usually partnered with multiple carriers. Rather than being narrowed down to one carrier, brokers open the door for different options and that essentially makes the cost more flexible.

Due to brokers not owning their tucks, they are more flexible in being able to meet deadlines. Because carriers are usually limited by the amount of space left on their trucks, a broker is affiliated with numerous owner operators which increases the likeliness of being able to ship cars quickly and conveniently.

Now that we know brokers are more flexible than carriers, this also means that brokers are more capable of being able to meet specific needs. This can include things such as different trailer types, different shipment methods, door-to-door delivery, specific time frames, and repeat shipments.

Although brokers do not own their trucks, they still accept full responsibility for your vehicle and your shipment. This means that you will receive a copy of all documentation as well as a contract confirming the entire agreement. You will also be able to contact the broker as well as your very own dispatch agent at any time, without a hassle.

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So How Does It All Work?

The Initial Quote

Most likely you will receive a quote one of two ways: online with a free quote generating system or directly over the phone with a live agent. You may be wondering what the difference is and that’s a good question.

Online quotes should only ever been taken as an approximation. Most online quote forms only gather basic information, enough to give you a general idea based on the distance between the point of origin and destination, and not taking into consideration specifics that may alter the price.
An over-the-phone quote is always going to be more precise because you will need to provide exact details about your vehicle, your time frame and your route which will help the agent give you a better understanding of how it will work based on your needs and wants.
Every auto transport job is different. This means that your quote will be customized around your specific needs including the year, make and model of your vehicle, the dates in which you need the vehicle picked up and delivered and the distance in which it is traveling.

The Contract

You’re comfortable with the quote and your agent has answered all of your questions, now it’s time to get the ball rolling! Your agent will ask you for specifics which include:

The exact address, city, state and zip code of where the vehicle will be picked up
The first name, last name and cell phone number of all parties that will be available at the time of pick-up and delivery. These parties will be required to sign off on the Bill of Lading at each end.
Your quote will be divided into two payments. A deposit is required up front and the remaining balance is due at the time of delivery to the driver. Once you have provided your agent with the exact details needed, you will be required to make the deposit payment over the phone with a debit or credit card. You will be emailed a copy of the contract as well as the receipt of the payment confirmation.

Dispatching the Vehicle

Your agent will give you an approximate time frame in which your vehicle should be assigned to a driver based on the quote you received. Your agent will remain in touch with you every 48 hours to give you an update on the status of your order. If the agent receives any offers from potential drivers (which can include a different price or time frame) they are required to run those options by you. You are able to accept or decline any of these offers. Keep in mind, that if you are having your vehicle expedited (pick-up within 24-48 hours) then your quote will accommodate your needs and your vehicle will be assigned to a driver immediately. Once you have accepted a driver, your agent will provide you with the name of the carrier company that will be handling the physical transportation process, the name of the driver, the driver’s phone number, a copy of the insurance coverage as well as the exact dates that the driver will pick up and drop off your vehicle. You will only be assigned a driver that is completely bonded and licensed through the United States Department of Transportation.

The Bill of Lading

A Bill of Lading is a complete legal document between the shipper and the contacts of origin and destination. This document details the type of vehicle, the condition it is in and the date and time it is picked up and delivered. This will be required to be signed before the vehicle is loaded onto the trailer as well as once it is unloaded. The purpose of this document is ensure that vehicle arrives in the exact condition that it was picked up in. If it does not, the Bill of Lading then assists the owner of the vehicle in filing a claim with the carrier’s insurance company. Filing a claim is something that your dispatch agent from the brokerage will be able to assist you with if necessary. During the actual transit, you will be able to track your vehicle in route at any time by calling your driver personally or his dispatch office at any time.

Testimonials

VIP took on the job and got it done. The driver kept me informed.
Albert

I had a great experience of moving a car from Venice, CA to Durham, NC with this company. Everything went smoothly. The car was picked up promptly on Monday. The delivery was promised for 7-10 days but in fact the car arrived two days early catching me off-guard as I was out of town. The driver dropped it off at a depot and I was able to pick it up at my convenience without any hassle or extra charge. I highly recommend this company.
A. Pande

Very friendly, easy to deal with. I purchased my vehicle not running, one of the few shippers that deal with non-running vehicles, driver helped get my vehicle up my driveway with was a great help!!
Frad Mckenna Jr.

everything was perfect. great customer service (dealt with Frank), very easy transaction. I have shipped before with other companies and VIP was by far the best! no problems at all!
Nicole Baros

TOTALLY 1000% EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE. I called VIP due to an extreme delay with my care being shipped through another company. When I called, a guy named Richard True (no pun intended) placed my order. He called me back within, no lie, 10min to tell me a driver was assigned and who his dispatcher was. I was given all contact information for both dispatcher and driver and pick-up date. Wonderful and professional work. Exceeded my expectations.
Wanda Sikes

I need my car shipped fast ... and this company saved my life!!! I just wanted to say thank you for being Fast, Friendly and Reliable ... Extra thanks to Brett and Wendy for being honest and informative!
Cindy Martinez

FRANK & RICHARD ARE AWESOME. I use your company for all our out of state repos that I need transported back to our company . They both have provided me with efficient and over the top service. They remember my orders & cars even when I have forgot them. THANK YOU FOR ALL!
Crystal Bayliss

Every aspect of shipping my car from Phoenix to Charlotte was handled with complete professionalism. Richard in customer service,Iris,dispatch and John,driver thank you so much!!!!
Helen Dipasquale

Excellent customer service always available for questions , great rates ,door to door service and very courteous driver
Rita Morganit

Great service. Would definitely recommend. I have used them several times going from coast to coast and each time the delivery was very fast. Theyre a very reliable company and Kayla had excellent customer service.
Joseph P

Met expectations on pickup and delivery times. Took very good car of my car while in transport
chuck Scheibe

Richard was outstanding, his service was professional, his quote was precise and competitive. My best review will be when the car is delivered. So far, I am impressed with my reservation.
Georgianne Weiss

Richard True was the BEST rep I couldve ever had!!!!!
Sherry Hill

Thank you! If this shipping experience ends as well as its begun, Ill shout your accolades long and loud! Thanks again.
Bill Piper

No reason to be as nervous as I was. The transporter arrived at my home at the time mentioned and my cars were brought to their destination at an earlier time than anticipated. I was very happy to zip around in my own car, Thank You.
Joanna Amore

I worked with Richard True He was able to arrange a closed transport for my sons car and motorcycle in 2 - 3ays from Spokane to Orlando The driver picked up the vehicles on Friday and delivered them then next Wednesday Fabulous!
Wayne Friestad

I have been dealing with Wendy and Frank.It was a real pleasure to talk with both of these people. I had no doubt to be nervous about my car getting to its location with out any damages. They picked up the car when they said they would. They are going to deliver the car when it is convenient for my family to be there home. I would highly recommend using Vip Auto Transporters and to deal with Wendy and Frank. They are both real professionals.
Howard Haffer

Car arrived one day later that promised (delivery was promised on July 4th, Independence day - and the dispatcher insisted it would arrive on that day). Aside from that dispatch and driver were very nice to work with. Car arrived in perfect condition!! Tracking would have been nice, or, since VIP was closed on 7/4, driver contact details would have helped in determining delivery day.
Rav Jhaj

To whom it may concern , I had the pleasure of talking to Wendy Ochoa who is not only very knowledgeable about what i needed she was a very friendly person . And i hope that all of your representatives have this type of spirit she has so with that being said i recommend her for the next management position at your company or recognize her for a job well done. Thanks Carl
Carl Delesline

Greatly appreciate the service offered by Richard True. I gave the green light for a shipment from Houston to Albuquerque at 8AM and by noon that day, Richard had found a driver for pickup in a day and a half. Now thats quick service!
Paul Cassel

awesome services and filled with great knowledge
Nick Landon

I need my car shipped really quick..and they said it can take up to 5 days for them to find a driver. To my surprise, they called me back later the same day saying they found a driver and they were able to pick up the car the next day. They were helpful and informative and was able to help me get in contact with the trucking company very well. Special thanks to Wendy too
Brian