BigFella Auto Express vs. Shiply: Which Auto Transport Option is Better for You?

When it comes to shipping your vehicle, choosing the right auto transport service can make a big difference in cost, reliability, and overall experience. Recently, a customer compared BigFella Auto Express with Shiply for shipping a Ford Explorer from Miami to Cleveland, and the results were interesting.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of using BigFella Auto Express (a direct auto transport broker) vs. Shiply (a broker marketplace) to help you decide which option is best for your needs.

BigFella Auto Express: The Direct Broker Approach

✅ Pros:

✔ Accurate, Upfront Pricing – Unlike bidding platforms, BigFella provides fixed, tailored quotes based on real carrier rates in specific lanes. The quote for Miami to Cleveland was 995–995–1,145, which was lower than Shiply’s bids.

✔ No Middleman Markup – Since BigFella works directly with carriers, there’s no extra platform fee driving up the cost.

✔ Dedicated Service – You deal with one company (BigFella) instead of multiple random brokers, ensuring better communication and accountability.

✔ Established Carrier Relationships – BigFella has pre-negotiated rates with trusted carriers, leading to better reliability and service quality.

❌ Cons:

❌ Less "Auction-Style" Flexibility – If you prefer comparing multiple quotes at once, a broker marketplace like Shiply might feel more flexible.

Shiply: The Broker Marketplace Model

✅ Pros:

✔ Multiple Bids at Once – Shiply allows different brokers to compete for your shipment, which can sometimes (but not always) lead to lower prices.

✔ Wider Carrier Pool – Since many brokers bid, you might find a carrier with availability in niche routes.

❌ Cons:

❌ Higher Prices Due to Fees – Shiply takes a cut from brokers, which often inflates the final price. In the Miami-to-Cleveland example, bids started at 1,299–1,299–1,357—150–150–300 more than BigFella’s quote.

❌ Unpredictable Service Quality – You might get a great auto carrier, or you might get an unreliable one. No guaranteed consistency.

❌ Bidding Delays – You have to wait for quotes instead of getting an instant price.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose BigFella Auto Express if:

🔹 You want a fair, upfront price without hidden fees.
🔹 You prefer direct, personalized service from a single provider.
🔹 You value reliability over shopping around.

Choose Shiply if:

🔸 You want to compare multiple bids (even if they’re higher).

Final Thoughts

While Shiply offers a marketplace-style approach, BigFella Auto Express provides a more streamlined, cost-effective solution with no surprise markups. If you want transparency, lower prices, and dedicated service, BigFella is the better choice.

Need a quick, reliable auto transport quote?
📞 Contact BigFella Auto Express today for a no-hassle, competitive rate!