Dependable Auto Shippers

[fstblk66]

I recently purchased a 1972 Ontario Orange convertable that has only 3 miles since a complete body off restoration. Well I decided to have the car shipped (closed container) by Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS), the same company that shipped my 1966 without any problems. A couple days ago I received a call from DAS claims department stating that the exhaust system on my car had been damaged while attempting to load the car on trailer (exhaust system only). I immediaetly instructed DAS to return the car to the seller (a reputable restoration shop) at which time I was informed that in addition to the exhaust system being completly ripped from under the car, there was substantial damage to the body of car. The shop informed me that it appeared when the exhaust system got caught the loaders continued to load car without stopping. The total damage to car was $7.200 as you can imagine this all has been a total nightmare. When my car repairs are complete I will have to select a new shipper, any recommendations will be much appreciated.

 

[BarryK]

that's a nightmare
at least it's back at a good restorer and it will get fixed. I'm sure DAS will cover the bill on the repair on their own insurance but it's still a real hassle to have to go thru all this trouble on your new baby.

After something like that I'd forget the low milage and fly in to where the car is and just drive her home.

A lot of people seem to use Horseless Carriage transporter and I've seen good recommendations about them. Might be worth a try.

 

[fstblk66]

I have been seriously considering your option, at this point I am reluctant to do business with any shipper.

 

[BarryK]

I can understand that.
Luckily when I purchased my car it was only one state away and about 2 - 2 1/2 hours so driving it home was no problem at all.
I know of another member on here that bought a car and had it transported from Proteam and the trucking company damaged one of the KO wheels and he had a big fight to have them cover the damage.
Just because of the hassle of trucking companies I personally am very wary of considering any car that is too far to drive and I'd have to depend on getting it transported, although i'm sure realistically most of the time there is no problem. We just always seem to only hear of the horror stories.

 

[ThomC]

I shipped my car home with Intercity - granted it was only one experience, but their office was very professional, the trucks & trailers top shelf, and the driver/loader very careful and friendly. Their price was pretty competitive with the other big name closed-trailer transport companies.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Sorry for the troubles. I dont know where you are located but I frequent the car auction on the east cost and always see these guys with heavet duty pick up trucks with 5th wheels set up with enclosed trailers. I am not sure of there pricing but it seems they will follow you home from the auctions with your car in there trailers.Seems more like a one on one set up.

I will also see who my partner ships his car with as he is part of the viper club and his cars have been all over the United States as a matter of fact the last time they were shipped I had to meet the driver. He actually took the time to put my partners hemit (he left on the front seat) in its helmit bag to protect it from getting scratch from being left in the car.

The guy also used a rag to close the door on the car

 

[BarryK]

that's pretty impressive Larry - it's too bad not all the car shippers are that attentive to the details

 

[jimbo64]

Intercity from Ill, to Pa for me. Great equipt, and service. Car was padded, plastic on seats, etc. Very professional outfit. Since they move Jay Leno, guess they can move me.

 

[JohnZ]

I deal ONLY with the "big four" (Reliable, Intercity, Horseless Carriage, and Passport [now FedEx CustomCritical]); all are experienced professionals and are 100% customer-oriented. I awarded the Viper transport contract to Reliable every year based on ZERO transporation claims the previous year.

Don't EVER deal with a "broker" - they'll send anyone they can find that will make them the most profit on the deal; you don't want Redneck Ronnie and his Rusty Rig handling your car, but the "brokers" could care less.

 

[ctjackster]

I deal ONLY with the "big four" (Reliable, Intercity, Horseless Carriage, and Passport [now FedEx CustomCritical]); all are experienced professionals and are 100% customer-oriented. I awarded the Viper transport contract to Reliable every year based on ZERO transporation claims the previous year.

Don't EVER deal with a "broker" - they'll send anyone they can find that will make them the most profit on the deal; you don't want Redneck Ronnie and his Rusty Rig handling your car, but the "brokers" could care less.

yeah, what he said. I can vouch for Passport and Horseless, any of these four are good choices, sure you can find some internet poster somewhere who was unhappy with someone. And if you need it moved during one of the tricky times of the year (the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, BJ, etc.) expect to wait, which is hard to do when you have a new baby you paid for and you want it home with daddy . . .

 

[IH2LOSE]

Reliable is who ships my partners cars. Knock on wood never a problem.

I should have known you had your hands in this deal John

 

[vette]

The guy that bought my GS is using Intercity. They are picking it up on sat. He has used them many times and has had no problems. My car is going from CT.to Calif. I'll see how they handle on sat.

 

[*89x2*]

I deal ONLY with the "big four" (Reliable, Intercity, Horseless Carriage, and Passport [now FedEx CustomCritical]); all are experienced professionals and are 100% customer-oriented. I awarded the Viper transport contract to Reliable every year based on ZERO transporation claims the previous year.

Don't EVER deal with a "broker" - they'll send anyone they can find that will make them the most profit on the deal; you don't want Redneck Ronnie and his Rusty Rig handling your car, but the "brokers" could care less.

We all used Reliable for our Callaway COrvettes, to and from the Bloomington SPecial Collection XX last year - no issues!

We used them, when one of the "others" dropped the ball on the contract 2 weeks prior to the event, leaving 7 cars helpless and out of luck!

Reliable did door -to-door service for no extra cost and work w/ our schedules.

I would/will use them again!

 

[paul67]

For readers who need transport north/south (Canada/USA) I recommend Mackie. They take care of brokerage and all the other paperwork at the border.

http://www.mackiegroup.com/

 

[2X4's 60]

I bought my C5 from an out of state dealer and was trying to find a way to get it home. After ALOT of research and hearing many horror stories, I was reluctant to hire any transport company. Reliable was recommended by a few people (even though an internet search showed several problems). I hired them to transport my car. After missing TWO pick-up dates (lots of excuses were offered), I bought a car trailer and picked it up myself. The moral of the story - If you can't get it yourself, be prepared for problems.