What a Broker Actually Does, and Why It Matters

Brokers do not own trucks

A licensed auto transport broker like QLT Nexus does not operate a fleet of car carriers. Instead, a broker's job is to source a qualified, insured carrier for your specific route and vehicle, then manage the shipment from pickup to delivery.

Why that is a good thing

Because a broker works with a large network of carriers instead of a single fleet, they can usually find a truck running your route faster and at a fairer price than a single carrier company could on its own.

What to check before you book

Verify the company's MC and DOT number, confirm they will not charge a deposit until a carrier is actually assigned, and ask who your point of contact will be for the duration of the shipment.

Common questions

How do I verify a broker's MC and DOT number?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a public lookup at the FMCSA SAFER website, where you can confirm a company's license status is active.

What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?

A carrier owns and drives the truck. A broker arranges the shipment by matching your vehicle with a carrier from its network, handling paperwork, insurance verification, and communication.

Does using a broker cost more than booking a carrier directly?

Not typically. Brokers often get better rates through volume and relationships with carriers, and most individual carriers do not sell direct to consumers in the first place.