transmission problem- shop or dealer? (best, Dodge, cost, sensor)

[DubbleT]

My transmission light has come on and transmission is possibly hesitating just a little. 2005 dodge dakota. I've had the fluid checked and it's fine. My son says it may just be the sensor, not the transmission itself. I have no interest in repairing the transmission if there is a problem. The dealership is near my home. The transmission place is roughly 45 minutes away. I've always heard dealers charge more, don't know whether that's true. Is there any advantage to taking it to one place over the other if I only want the sensor checked? Kind of leaning towards the dealership if the cost difference is exaggerated. Opinions?

[duke944]

Dealership first since it's close, transmission shop second to confirm (assuming the diagnosis is $$$$)

[Gatopescado]

Shop rates are surprisingly similar to dealers. I took my car to a dealer for a job I couldn't do. I figured if I'm going to pay the same, take it to where they know the thing best.

They were just as incompetent as every shop I've ever been to. Couldn't fix it, either.