Auto shipping companies

[20098]

Does anyone have any experience they can share with shipping vehicles? I am moving from Connecticut to Arizona and would like to ship my daily driver (not a DeLorean).

There are a ton of companies out there, so I am not sure who would be the most reasonable and reliable. Any insight on this would be appreciated.

So far, the quotes are in the range of $925 to $1035 in an open trailer. Closed trailer was over $1500.

Thanks in advance!

[ccurzio]

That's somewhat similar to the distance I had my DeLorean shipped when I bought it. I had it shipped on an open trailer from Portland to Atlanta. $800.

[Rich]

I can tell you three things about auto transport companies. Not that I've used one yet.

1. There are a lot of dubious ones with a presence on the Internet. Sure, they'll move your car, but the charges, service, coordination and overall customer care can vary widely.
2. You may choose to stick with one of the majors. Get any Hemmings magazine to see who pays for ads they want car collectors to see and thus might have a good reputation they want to maintain.
3. One company's rigs I see regularly delivers Tesla roadster rolling shells (final leg of trip from Lotus) to their final assembly building. The trailer usually has some other interesting customer cars along for the ride. Plycar is the name. Haven't seem them drop one yet....http://www.plycargroup.com

Like lots of things you'll likely get what you pay for. A cheap contract might give you a cheap ride.

Finally, beware of using web-based rating outfits to sort out a good auto-transport company. The web-raters tend to be paid by the auto-transport outfits. The D. community should be a good place to get references, including this thread you started.

[DMC3165]

3. One company's rigs I see regularly delivers Tesla roadster rolling shells (final leg of trip from Lotus) to their final assembly building. The trailer usually has some other interesting customer cars along for the ride. Plycar is the name. Haven't seem them drop one yet....http://www.plycargroup.com



Hey Josh,

I can tell you a friend of mine used to drive for these guys (www.plycargroup.com). Definitely a top notch outfit. They do all sorts of high end stuff and they have an excellent reputation in the industry. Plus a big fat insurance policy if anything goes wrong. I don't know about prices but if I would think Plycar, Horseless Carriage, Passport or any of the other enclosed car haulers would charge you about the same. If you want to save a few bucks you could always use DAS but they used open car carrier trailers. I shipped a car with them about 4 years ago from Tennesee to the DAS terminal in Linden NJ. It cost me about $400. But the car made it in one piece which was all I cared about.

Best of luck with the move. Take care.

[Jimmycxc]

Just used Anytime Inc. http://www.aaaanytime.com/ to ship my DeLorean for some work to be done. Got a quote, and it was picked up within 3 days. I had the driver's cell number and it arrived on time without a scratch.

They were a little higher in price, but felt most comfortable speaking with them, compared to the other companies. Plus they gave me a nice discount on the return shipping.

[DMCMW Dave]

1. There are a lot of dubious ones with a presence on the Internet. Sure, they'll move your car, but the charges, service, coordination and overall customer care can vary widely.

All very true. We see quite a few transporters and they range from great (Passport) to dubious (two guys in an ancient truck with no rock screen, no drip pans, and no name on the truck, with junker cars dripping all over each other).

Most of the internet booking companies are just that - they take your info and money, and then put it on a bulletin board system and find the lowest bidder. They don't really know anything about the carriers they use. The dispatcher takes a cut and pays the driver less (hey - it's a business) but this often gets you someone who is just starting out and doesn't really know what they are doing. The dispatchers often screw the driver too, by telling them that the recipient should pay the driver even though the car owner already paid the company. They charge you extra for moving a non-running car but "forget" to tell the driver, who of course shows up with no winch, no helpers, and a bad attitude.

Horror stories abound, both in terms of scheduling (can I pick the car up at 11 pm Sunday night?) to service (damage to cars). If you are moving a parts car it's probably not a big deal, but if you are moving something you care about, use a branded service with their own trucks and drivers. I know of one DeLorean that was shipped and arrived missing its gas-flap hood.

If you are paying thousands to buy a car, don't scrimp on a few hundred when shipping it.

[David T]

I used Horseless Carriage and can say not only were they expensive, they were on time, used excellent equipment, and took really good care of the car. Plenty of insurance too. You do not want anyone who will load and unload the car multiple times, uses other carriers, no insurance, etc. My only complaint was the car was VERY dusty and the first thing I had to do was wash it. Must have gone though the desert. You also need a transporter than can handle low ground clearance cars like a Delorean and won't damage the lower control arms. Any money you think you are saving with a cheapo will cost you a LOT more when you have to repair the car and the guy you used has no insurance and tells you to file with your insurance company! When they drop the car off and RUN without going over a checklist to make sure there is no damage you will be in for a BIG surprise! And then they will tell you that's how they picked it up! A GOOD company will do a pick-up inspection AND a drop-off inspection and record it all. They also have satellite tracking.
David Teitelbaum

[Jimmycxc]

Also, I would not recommend putting your information on a website that offers you 6 quotes at once. As soon as I hit the send button, my phone did not stop ringing for about an hour.

[jackb]

I just shipped 2 cars, my daily driver on an open carrier and the Delorean enclosed from GA to CA barely a month ago using 4 Corners Transport. Excellent price, excellent service. I highly recommend them.

[20098]

Thanks for all of the information, guys. Some good stuff here to go with.

I'll post my experience when all is said and done. Moving across the country isn't inexpensive, and with the price of fuel these days, it has only made it cost even more!

I appreciate your help!

[krado94]

http://www.transportreviews.com/

This is good site for reviews of transport companies.

Stay away from Express auto transport and total car shipping/ Barnhart Express Inc.

I had used express before and had good luck with them. Not knowing the company went out of business and their phone numbers got sold to a new company. the New company doesn't tell you that, They just take an order the they can't fill. I waiting almost 3 weeks for a truck from them.

Than I switched to Total Car shipping to ship the same car. They had a driver with in 48 hours. They hired Barnhart Express Inc to move my car. I got the car about a week later. The driver explained there was dirt on the hood, but it would come right off. I signed the bill of ladding. get back to my house hose off the car. Now there are spots that won't come off. Turned out to be dried up hydraulic fluid. After about a 6 month fight with total car shipping, Barnhart Express Inc and Barnhart's insurance company I was able to recover half of the repair.

Hope that helps
Brian

[sdg3205]

All very true. We see quite a few transporters and they range from great (Passport) to dubious (two guys in an ancient truck with no rock screen, no drip pans, and no name on the truck, with junker cars dripping all over each other).

Most of the internet booking companies are just that - they take your info and money, and then put it on a bulletin board system and find the lowest bidder. They don't really know anything about the carriers they use. The dispatcher takes a cut and pays the driver less (hey - it's a business) but this often gets you someone who is just starting out and doesn't really know what they are doing. The dispatchers often screw the driver too, by telling them that the recipient should pay the driver even though the car owner already paid the company. They charge you extra for moving a non-running car but "forget" to tell the driver, who of course shows up with no winch, no helpers, and a bad attitude.

Horror stories abound, both in terms of scheduling (can I pick the car up at 11 pm Sunday night?) to service (damage to cars). If you are moving a parts car it's probably not a big deal, but if you are moving something you care about, use a branded service with their own trucks and drivers. I know of one DeLorean that was shipped and arrived missing its gas-flap hood.

If you are paying thousands to buy a car, don't scrimp on a few hundred when shipping it.

I used Passport and I was amazed. I've written this before in other threads but will gladly write it again.

They are great people. In order to accommodate my pickup in Scottsdale, AZ which had only a small window of availability (my vacation time), they RE-PLANNED THEIR ROUTE in order to make it to my pick-up in time! They went out of their way, literally! Don't forget they have dozens of cars to move across the country!

The driver, Mike, would call every few days to say Hi, let me know where he was and that the car was doing fine. On top of that, you can follow the truck via GPS.

They go over the car with a fine toothed comb and document EVERYTHING on pickup and drop off.

Naturally, it was enclosed.

[Rich_NYS]

Anyone have recommendations for open transport companies, or does anyone here happen to be driving from MS to the Northeast with an empty trailer this week?

UShip obviously uses brokers & bidding...etc, but they do make some protection claims on their site and I'm also wondering if they've earned a good reputation with their exposure on shipping wars.

I checked w/AAA Anytime someone here mentioned, they guarantee their price and also claim the transport is booked vs. put up for bid.

[spedlot]

I have used this company twice for Delorean shipping and just recently for my brother in law to ship a mini from Texas to California. They are a broker but they haven't let me down yet. 305-945-2008. Core nautical group.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

I always suggest to any collectable car owner to join AAA and get the maximum 200 mile tow coverage if they ever travel long distance to shows or other destinations.
In the meantime I recently found a small tower who has good equipment, works weekends, is very hospitable and best of all has the best prices I've seen in years. He predominantly works the NorthEast but will go almost anywhere when his schedule permits. He does Florida and west coast runs occasionally as well. If someone wants to come here for service, but doesn't want to foot the high bills I've seen from other towers, he give...epecially if I give him multple pickups and dropoffs at one time. He is a three man operation with multiple trucks and a large storage facility. Give him a try and mention we recommended him and he'll give you a good price and great service. He does enclosed transport for us but probably does open too at even lower prices.
[email protected] John Ganssle (845)721-7906


Anyone have recommendations for open transport companies, or does anyone here happen to be driving from MS to the Northeast with an empty trailer this week?

UShip obviously uses brokers & bidding...etc, but they do make some protection claims on their site and I'm also wondering if they've earned a good reputation with their exposure on shipping wars.

I checked w/AAA Anytime someone here mentioned, they guarantee their price and also claim the transport is booked vs. put up for bid.

[Rich_NYS]

I always suggest to any collectable car owner to join AAA and get the maximum 200 mile tow coverage if they ever travel long distance to shows or other destinations.
In the meantime I recently found a small tower who has good equipment, works weekends, is very hospitable and best of all has the best prices I've seen in years. He predominantly works the NorthEast but will go almost anywhere when his schedule permits. He does Florida and west coast runs occasionally as well. If someone wants to come here for service, but doesn't want to foot the high bills I've seen from other towers, he give...epecially if I give him multple pickups and dropoffs at one time. He is a three man operation with multiple trucks and a large storage facility. Give him a try and mention we recommended him and he'll give you a good price and great service. He does enclosed transport for us but probably does open too at even lower prices.
[email protected] John Ganssle (845)721-7906

I wish I knew this last week when I messaged you!

I already have something scheduled, but if it falls through I'll check into ABB and Core.


I have used this company twice for Delorean shipping and just recently for my brother in law to ship a mini from Texas to California. They are a broker but they haven't let me down yet. 305-945-2008. Core nautical group.

Thanks!

[Henrik]

I always suggest to any collectable car owner to join AAA and get the maximum 200 mile tow coverage if they ever travel long distance to shows or other destinations.
In the meantime I recently found a small tower who has good equipment, works weekends, is very hospitable and best of all has the best prices I've seen in years. He predominantly works the NorthEast but will go almost anywhere when his schedule permits. He does Florida and west coast runs occasionally as well. If someone wants to come here for service, but doesn't want to foot the high bills I've seen from other towers, he give...epecially if I give him multple pickups and dropoffs at one time. He is a three man operation with multiple trucks and a large storage facility. Give him a try and mention we recommended him and he'll give you a good price and great service. He does enclosed transport for us but probably does open too at even lower prices.
[email protected] John Ganssle (845)721-7906

Great! I will be shipping my car to Florida pretty soon. I'll definitely contact ABB.

[alexwolf1216]

I want to get my doors aligned and contoured so they close right. Damned if its not $1500, which is a bit much for just that process. Wish there was someone in San Antonio that could do it!

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Sorry but his first two tow's for me were just this weekend. I can't really recommend someone until I try them!
Rob



I wish I knew this last week when I messaged you!

I already have something scheduled, but if it falls through I'll check into ABB and Core.



Thanks!

[Jacko]

Do not use Fleet Express Auto Transport. They are based in Miami ...I over paid
$400 and they won't give it back.

[DMC5180]

I want to get my doors aligned and contoured so they close right. Damned if its not $1500, which is a bit much for just that process. Wish there was someone in San Antonio that could do it!

Where were you planning to ship the car?

[alexwolf1216]

The cheapest was Phoenix to dpi. I'm in San Antonio so it's the closest by 8 hours.

[DMC5180]

Wow, I would have thought DMCH was a lot closer and it is. I guess your not interested in taking your car there for door work,huh.

[OverlandMan]

Wow, I would have thought DMCH was a lot closer and it is. I guess your not interested in taking your car there for door work,huh.

+1

Houston is a short trip over I-10 from San Antonio, relatively speaking. I've been to DMCH several times and I live in Dallas. I've also purchased parts from DPI, though I've not been to their facilities. No issues with either of those outfits.

[alexwolf1216]

Wow, I would have thought DMCH was a lot closer and it is. I guess your not interested in taking your car there for door work,huh.

No, I had a bad experience there the first time I had my Delorean, in 2005. I have also had a problem with every order placed there on this new one. I tend to get a little apprehensive when its a continual theme.

[DMC5180]

I kinda figured as much.

[Delorean Industries]

+1

Houston is a short trip over I-10 from San Antonio, relatively speaking. I've been to DMCH several times and I live in Dallas. I've also purchased parts from DPI, though I've not been to their facilities. No issues with either of those outfits.

Remember that time the mail carrier ran over your box of shocks? Classic! Still fighting the claim!

[Rich_NYS]

I used Stateway for open transport; price and service were reasonable.

[Brian Paone]

I always suggest to any collectable car owner to join AAA and get the maximum 200 mile tow coverage if they ever travel long distance to shows or other destinations.
In the meantime I recently found a small tower who has good equipment, works weekends, is very hospitable and best of all has the best prices I've seen in years. He predominantly works the NorthEast but will go almost anywhere when his schedule permits. He does Florida and west coast runs occasionally as well. If someone wants to come here for service, but doesn't want to foot the high bills I've seen from other towers, he give...epecially if I give him multple pickups and dropoffs at one time. He is a three man operation with multiple trucks and a large storage facility. Give him a try and mention we recommended him and he'll give you a good price and great service. He does enclosed transport for us but probably does open too at even lower prices.
[email protected] John Ganssle (845)721-7906

I am in the process of trying to find a transport company to ship my just-purchased-last-week DeLorean from MI to CA. I tried emailing ABB Shippers but that email address no longer works.

[Rich]

I am in the process of trying to find a transport company to ship my just-purchased-last-week DeLorean from MI to CA. I tried emailing ABB Shippers but that email address no longer works.

Congrats on the new purchase!!

Am getting nothing in a web search for them, either.

You may want to look this article over - it has a few of the bigger outfits listed. Reliable and Plycar are the ones I've seen working in Northern Calif. most often, usually at a collectible dealer.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2403

Intercity Lines is another nationally recognized brand. Others here may chime in with their faves.