In the moving industry, people who need moving services work with both brokers and carriers. Many times, customers may not even realize which type of company they are working with when they secure moving services in Plano.

What Is the Difference Between a Carrier and a Broker?
A carrier is defined as a company that owns vehicles and employs drivers to move goods from one location to another. On the other hand, a broker is a company that connects customers with carriers who have available trucks and drivers.
Long-distance moves are frequently arranged through brokers. The broker typically provides the customer with a binding estimate and then finds a carrier to perform the move.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Carrier and a Broker
The easiest way to tell the difference between a carrier and broker is by asking for the company’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Carriers are required by law to have a DOT number, which is used to track their compliance with safety regulations. Brokers, on the other hand, are not required to have a DOT number.
If the company doesn’t have a DOT number, also for its motor carrier (MC) number. MC numbers are used by brokers to book loads with carriers. If a long-distance moving company provides you with an MC number, this is an indication that it is acting as a broker for your move.
Finally, you can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website to see if the company is listed as a carrier or broker. Simply enter the company’s name, or the DOT or MC number, into the search bar on the FMCSA website. The results will indicate whether the company is a carrier or broker, as well as if any complaints have been registered against it.
Both carriers and brokers are required to give you the FMCSA Ready to Move brochure to help you prepare. You can also download from the FMCSA website–this information can help you understand what to expect from a long-distance moving company.
Is It Better to Use a Broker or a Carrier?
The decision to use a carrier or broker for a long-distance move depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for the lowest possible rate, working directly with a carrier may be the best option because there will be no added broker commission.
However, if you are looking for more flexibility and convenience, working with a broker may be the better choice. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a carrier or a broker for your long-distance move:
Pros of Using a Carrier
Because you’ll be dealing directly with the company performing the move, you:
- Will typically get a lower rate
- May have more control over your move
- May be able to get a better idea of the quality of service
Cons of Using a Carrier
- The carrier may not have available trucks or drivers, which could delay your move
- The carrier may not be able to accommodate special requests
- The carrier may not be able to provide a binding estimate
Pros of Using a Broker
- Brokers have access to a large network of carriers, which gives them more flexibility to find a company that can accommodate your move
- Brokers can help you compare rates from different carriers
- Brokers are typically able to provide a binding estimate
Cons of Using a Broker
- You will likely pay a higher rate because the broker will add its own fees on top of the carrier’s rates
- You may have less control over your move since you will be dealing with a middleman
- You could be scammed, which is unfortunately a problem in the moving broker business
Can a Long-Distance Moving Company Be a Broker and Carrier at the Same Time?
It is possible for a long-distance moving company to be both a broker and carrier. In this case, the company must have a DOT number and an MC number to provide both types of services.
Companies that are both carriers and brokers will typically give you an estimate and then do the move themselves. However, they may also subcontract your move to another carrier if they do not have available trucks or drivers.
Takeaway
When hiring a long-distance moving company, it’s important to know whether you are dealing with a carrier or broker. Carriers are companies that have their own trucks and hire drivers to transport your property. Brokers are companies that connect customers with carriers who have available trucks and drivers.
The decision as to whether to use a carrier or a broker depends on your specific preferences–be sure to ask these companies what it costs to hire a long-distance moving company if you do all of the packing.