Key takeaways
- Quotes change because most brokers price for the sale, not for the carrier.
- Real prices are set by live carrier capacity — not by a sales playbook.
- Bait-and-switch happens after you've already turned down competitors.
- AI-driven pricing locks the number the first time.
Why this happens
Traditional auto transport brokers operate a two-step pricing model. Step one: lowball your quote to win the booking. Step two: list your shipment on Central Dispatch at a price carriers will actually accept (typically $100–$400 higher than the quote). If no carrier accepts, the broker calls you back to "update" the price.
Why you can't tell at booking time
By the time the broker calls back, you've already turned down the other two or three quotes you got. You're a week into your timeline. Saying no and starting over costs time. Most people pay the new number — which is exactly what the broker was counting on.
How to avoid it
First: be skeptical of any quote that's significantly lower than the others. Real prices cluster within $100–$200 of each other on the same lane. Second: look for companies that publish their pricing methodology or use live data. Third: prefer pay-at-pickup — it means the broker can't lock you in with an early payment.
How ShipCargo handles this
Our AI rate engine reads live carrier capacity and fuel prices at the moment you quote and returns a number a carrier will actually accept — not a sales pitch. We don't re-quote, we don't add fuel surcharges mid-trip, and you pay at pickup.
FAQ
Q: Is it normal for car shipping quotes to vary by $400?
Significant variance usually means at least one company is lowballing. Three reasonable quotes will cluster within $150–$250.
Q: Can I refuse a quote increase after booking?
Yes — you can cancel. But if you've already turned down alternatives, restarting takes a week or more.
Ready to lock in your rate?
Place your order in 60 seconds with zero upfront payment. We keep a card on file and only charge once the carrier picks up your vehicle.