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Broker, carrier, or marketplace?
Almost every "vehicle and equipment shipping company" you find online is a broker reselling the same pool of trucks. The difference is not who answers the phone — it is who controls the price and whether you ever see the carrier before your vehicle is on a ramp.
Traditional broker
Sells your contact info or posts your vehicle on a load board, then keeps the spread between what you pay and what the driver accepts. You rarely see either number.
Direct carrier
Owns the truck and drives your vehicle. Great pricing on their regular routes, but limited coverage, limited schedule flexibility, and no backup if the truck breaks down.
TankWorldWide marketplace
Real carriers bid on your lane against a published rate index. You see the price, the carrier, their insurance and their reviews before you commit.
| What matters | Broker | Direct carrier | TankWorldWide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owns trucks and drivers | |||
| Covers every US lane | |||
| Price shown before you give a phone number | |||
| Carrier authority + insurance verified for you | |||
| Price locked once a carrier is assigned | |||
| You can see the assigned carrier's reviews | |||
| No bait-and-switch upcharge after booking | |||
| Tracking and digital Bill of Lading |
Common questions
Is a vehicle and equipment shipping broker a scam?
No, brokers are legitimate and licensed by the FMCSA, but they do not own trucks. The risk is a low teaser quote that no carrier will accept, which leaves your vehicle sitting until you agree to pay more.
Is it cheaper to book directly with a carrier?
Sometimes, but a single carrier only runs a handful of lanes. If your route is not on their schedule you either wait weeks or pay a premium. A marketplace prices against every carrier running your lane.
How do I know if a company owns trucks?
Look up their MC number in the FMCSA SAFER system. If the power units count is zero, they are a broker. Every carrier profile on TankWorldWide shows authority type, fleet size, and insurance status.