Home › Guide
Who Actually Moves Your Car? Brokers, Carriers and Dispatchers Explained
A plain-English look at the different businesses that may handle one car shipment, and why it matters for price and accountability.
One shipment, several players
When you book, you may be talking to a broker that sells the shipment, which is then posted to a load board where a carrier, the trucking company with the trailer, accepts it. Some carriers use a dispatcher to find loads. Knowing who is who tells you who to call if something goes wrong.
How it affects you
- Price: with a broker, the final price depends on what a carrier will accept.
- Timing: pickup waits until a carrier commits to your route.
- Claims: damage is usually claimed against the carrier's cargo insurance.
Questions to settle up front
- Which company will physically transport the car, and when will I know?
- What are your USDOT and MC numbers, and the carrier's?
- Who do I contact for a delay or a damage claim?
Compare companies side by side. See public Google, Trustpilot, BBB and Yelp ratings, recent 1-star reviews and written terms on our comparison page.
More guides
- Reading a Car Shipping Quote: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Car Shipping Red Flags: A Before, During and After Checklist
Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.