If you are doing your research for shipping your car in Canada, you have probably have seen there are different types of companies that offer car shipping services. There isn’t really a right or wrong choice by type of company, but we always recommend to do some research on the auto transport service offers companies have. There are mainly the following types of auto shipping companies:
What is a Car Carrier Company?
Car carriers are companies that actually own their trucks to transport vehicles across Canada. Trucks must be licensed and have proper insured. Some are only certified to ship cars and only in certain provinces.
This type of companies can offer a variety of services, like:
- Terminals or auto ports
- Vehicle storage
- Open car carrier truck services
- Enclosed Auto transport services
- Live updates
- GPS tracking
- Others…
Car Shipping Broker Companies
Brokers on the other hand, are companies that hire actual car carriers to move vehicles. This companies have a wide directory of car carrier companies, whom they use depending on the type of vehicle they are shipping and the locations or direction this vehicle needs to go. Car shipping brokers do not have cargo insurance, nor control over truck schedules.
Car transport broker companies can offer a variety of services, like:
- Terminals or auto ports
- Vehicle storage
- Open car carrier truck services
- Enclosed Auto transport services
- Door pick up services
Car Carrier and auto shipping insurance
By law car carriers must have the proper insurance. For car shipping companies the three types of insurances are: Car shipping Cargo Insurance, Auto Transport Liability Insurance and Auto Shipping Garage Policy. Brokers on the other hand, cannot offer insurance directly, but if they are reputable company, they will make sure that the companies they use to move your car have the proper insurance and certifications.
Auto Transport Equipment
Car shipping companies can have a variety of equipment to better suit their market.
- Companies can own or use open car carriers. This is the main type of car shipping equipment used in Canada. Car dealerships across the country use open car carrier trailers to get their inventory delivered.
- There is also enclosed transport carriers. This is usually used for high end vehicles, antiques or classic vehicles. Enclosed car carriers help protect the vehicle from the elements of the outside like weather, or rock chips.
- Smaller carrier are also used for expedited deliveries. If you are looking for over night delivery (when possible) this service could be provided by a hot-shot company or by single car carrier.
Car Shipping service prices
The prices provided by the different type of companies may vary widely. Usually car carriers will charge by the distance and space the vehicle they are moving takes on their trailer.
Auto transport brokers on the other hand, may have different types of pricing depending on the company they will be booking and the agreement they have. Also brokers, may be using rail shipping services, which tend to be a little bit less expensive.
There are many factors that influence the pricing on each type of company.
Customer services auto transport
Car carrier companies tend to have more control on the whereabouts of your vehicle, as they are in control of the load and the driver. Auto Shipping Brokers would generally need to get hold of the company they hired to get the information.
Customer service provided by either or company could be outstanding. Usually companies that have been in the industry longer have more tools and experience to provide great customer care.
It is best to have a company you can trust in the vehicle transport industry that can help you get your vehicle delivered safely and effectively!
ShipMyRide has only the highest quality standards in vehicle shipping and our customers tell us all the time. We are proud to say that we are a platinum member of the Auto Transport Association since 2009 and continue to work hard to improve the auto shipping service in Canada. Are you ready to ship your ride? Contact us today!
