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Topic: Transportation

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


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Transportation

Posted: 6/18/05 12:38pm Message 1 of 13
JagVette
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Gilbert, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/26/2004
Posts: 108
Vette(s): 1976 Stingray Coupe

Hi people

 

Can anyone out there shed some light on a company

American Auto Transporters !

I am considering using them to transport my 2 cars from PA to AZ, I did contact Intercitylines who I have used in the past but they wanted close to $4,000 where as American Auto are priced at a much more reasonable $2,000 ish of course if anyone out there has other recommendations I would love to hear them.

 

Thanks

 

Gary

 

 




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Transportation

Posted: 6/18/05 3:25pm Message 2 of 13
JacksL71
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sussex, NJ - USA
Joined: 11/15/2002
Posts: 299
Vette(s): 1969 L71 riverside gold convertible on frame restoration numbers matching motor 4:11 factory rear 4speed with hooker side pipes
hey gary, contact horseless carriage, I paid 900 from michigan to jersey, very professional.


Transportation

Posted: 6/19/05 10:04am Message 3 of 13
74-454
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
Here's what I learned when I had mine transported from Texax to West-Central Florida.
 
First, choose open or closed carrier.  Closed carrier will double if not triple your price.  I chose open.
 
If open, you can pay extra to have it top load.  The sells pitch on this one, is that other cars will not drip on yours.  I did not specify top load, but I know my car did some of the ride at the top; since there was countless branches marks/scratches on the sides AND the top.
 
I also know that it was at the bottom for a while, explaining the oil that dripped on it!
 
So either way, top/middle or bottom, chances are there will be some branches scratches.
 
But anyway, that's my story. Let's get back to yours.
 
You should know the following about your carrier :
1) can you get in contact with the driver (or thru a dispatcher). In my case, I had his cell phone number, which was a piece of mind.  I made a courtesy call once at pickup and he gave me a 24hrs & 2 hours window when he was getting close.
 
2) will it be the same carrier from start to finish (I would not use one that has a designated pickup/drop-off location, as your car will be switched from carrier to carrier multiple time, and sometimes not even with the same company; could be privately owned carrier sub-contractor that will take it a little further.   Everytime you car is switched from a truck to another, there is a risk and the worst part, is that some have a "drop-off" location, where your car would sit outside (with the keys somewhere...) until the next guy pick it up.  This "drop-off" could even be the mall parking.  This make their insurance and "bond" really complicated.  How about the sub-contractors; are they insured... as it would be their fault...
 
3) if they give you an EXACT date of pickup/drop-off; don't trust them; in this business, even with a single driver, the route changes on the fly, as they need to maximize the utilization of their truck. This is why you should not be in a hurry OR pay the extra.
 
4) do they make you pay the full amount up-front or you can keep a percentage on delivery, allowing you to negotiate dispute (if any).
 
That's all I can remember for now.  I forgot the name of the company I used, but can find it if you want to compare with them.
 



Transportation

Posted: 6/19/05 10:13am Message 4 of 13
74-454
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
 
Long story short; the word I was looking for on my previous post is "broker".  Avoid these.
 
See these 5 reviews at epinions of American Auto Transport.
 
The other word I was looking for (look at the fifth review; which is very recent) is "terminal".
 
So it pretty much come back to what I was saying:
1) do not use terminal
2) do not use broker
3) can you get in touch with the driver
4) are they fully insured for YOUR car, not theirs...
   (shady question, if you asked them "do you have insurance?"; the answer will always be yes! You have to be more specific on this one)
 
 



Transportation

Posted: 6/19/05 12:24pm Message 5 of 13
JagVette
Former Member
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Gilbert, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/26/2004
Posts: 108
Vette(s): 1976 Stingray Coupe

WOW, I just read the 'reviews' on American Auto Transport via the link that was posted and all I can say is I am glad I asked you guys your opinion, this will save me a lot of headaches.

 

I shall now have to do some more research to find a decent company, you wouldn't think it could be so hard to find someone who is willing to do a good job, for a fair price !!!!!, and lets face it it's not rocket science, pick up a car drive across America and drop it off.

 




Transportation

Posted: 6/20/05 10:20am Message 6 of 13
After Shark
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Portland, TN - USA
Joined: 4/29/2003
Posts: 805
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe Anything, but Stock and more mods to come! SSBC Force 10 Brakes, 3.73, TH350, 355 CID, Rack and Pinion, Vette Brakes suspension front and rear.

Here is the guy we use at Holley and he has always done an excellent Job for us.  We entrusted him to haul our Half Million Dollar 1903 Holley Motorette so I would trust him with anything.

Steve Durham

Cell 270-887-1022

Business - 270-439-9387

 




Transportation

Posted: 6/20/05 12:43pm Message 7 of 13
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apasbigal
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goldens bridge, NY - USA
Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498
Vette(s): 1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac

Advise above is on the mark - I used two different companies and would't recommend either-

Contact with driver essential

No tranfering from one truck to another, Pick up and delivery point important -- portal to portal your coice  not theres oryou will be running all over trying to drop off or pick up

One car I had to pick up at a terminal - the other  was road side 10 miles from home

Make sure you do a pre and post inspection of car and have driver verify - i would take photos just to be sure

Good Luck and Happy Mortoring

Big AL

 





Transportation

Posted: 7/6/05 12:24pm Message 8 of 13
2 cruzn
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Poquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
Not sure about the company, but had my '73 shipped closed van from NJ to South VA for $500 (only 300 miles), and came right to the door,right on time and called me from the road... no problems at all, ...... he also had a Ferrari and a Viper inside going to Fla., and believe it or not he had a beat up 60 somthing VW in there too. Mine was on top and the cars on bottom were covered, seats covered etc... real nice rig... professional....... I can get there name tonite if you like...


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USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II

Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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Transportation

Posted: 7/9/05 4:36am Message 9 of 13
JagVette
Former Member
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Gilbert, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/26/2004
Posts: 108
Vette(s): 1976 Stingray Coupe

2 Cruzn

 

Yes please that would be helpful, i am still getting quotes and trying to get the best deal.

 

 

Gary

 




Transportation

Posted: 7/9/05 4:57am Message 10 of 13
tricer
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SEVERN, MD - USA
Joined: 9/30/2002
Posts: 453
Vette(s): 1970 LT-1 Convertible Bridgehampton Blue Metallic 1999 Convertible Nassau Blue Metallic
Another thought for you - contact the NCM. I'm sure with the R8C (Museum Delivery option), they work with transporter companies for at least some of the new buyers. Maybe they could recommend one. Contact "gary@corvettemuseum.com" - he's the R8C manager there.

tricer38542.2075231482


in Forum: C3 General Discussion


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