Key takeaways
- A carrier owns the trucks and physically moves your car.
- A broker, like TS Fast Auto Logistics, matches your shipment with a vetted carrier on your route and manages it to delivery.
- Both must be registered with the FMCSA; brokers must also hold a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund.
- Brokers give you access to many carriers, which usually means faster pickup and a fair market price.
What a carrier does
A carrier is the trucking company or owner-operator that owns the truck and trailer, employs the driver, and carries cargo insurance on your vehicle while it is loaded. Each carrier runs a limited set of routes.
What a broker does
A broker arranges the shipment. We take your details, price the trip, find a carrier already running your route, check its authority and insurance, and stay your point of contact until delivery. If a carrier cancels, we find another one, so your move does not start over.
How they are regulated
Both operate under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Carriers need operating authority and insurance; brokers need broker authority and a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund. You can look up either by its USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA website.
Which should you book with?
| Broker | Single carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Routes covered | Nationwide, through many carriers | Only that carrier's routes |
| Pickup speed | Usually faster on most routes | Fast if your route matches |
| If plans change | Broker re-assigns a carrier | You may need to rebook |
| Point of contact | Broker plus the driver | The carrier |
How TS Fast Auto Logistics works
TS Fast Auto Logistics, LLC is a licensed property broker based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All transportation is performed by independent, FMCSA-authorized motor carriers. You get one price, no payment upfront, and a team that follows your car from quote to delivery. Read how to check any company.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns the trucks and moves the car; a broker arranges the shipment with a vetted carrier and manages it until delivery.
Is TS Fast Auto Logistics a broker or a carrier?
TS Fast Auto Logistics, LLC is a licensed property broker. All transport is performed by independent, FMCSA-authorized motor carriers.
Are car shipping brokers regulated?
Yes. Brokers must be registered with the FMCSA and hold a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund.
What vehicle transportation problems can the TS Fast Car Shipping Hotline help with?
Our Car Shipping Hotline, (888) 885-0991, is for anyone with a vehicle transportation or logistics problem anywhere in the United States: booking a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or RV shipment, a carrier that cancelled or never showed up, an urgent or expedited pickup, a vehicle that does not run, a military PCS move, or a delayed delivery. Call and a specialist will help you work out the next step.
Does TS Fast Auto Logistics transport vehicles to every state?
Yes. We arrange door-to-door vehicle transport between any two US states, nationwide. Hawaii, Alaska, and commercial, oversized or very heavy vehicles are quoted individually. We transport vehicles only: we do not ship packages, parcels or household goods, and we are not a local tow or roadside assistance service.