Car Transporting

[GORDY]

Does anyone know the best, most reliable way to transport a car from The Villages to Atlantic City, NJ. Any info. would be appreciated.
Thanks - Gordy

[natickdan]

A couple of suggestions:

Amtrak:
They have a car service from the Orlando area to Washington D.C.

Carriers:
I looked in to this on Ebay.com and there are many. Just be careful to check credentials.

Personal Transport Services:

I've seen this service advertised in local papers and they offer to transport (drive) a vehicle to your destination. I don't know how cost effective this is, but I wouldn't not be comfortable with this choice. I'm a little anal about my car and, well, I have a wee bit of a trust issue, especially when it comes to someone else driving my car. Nonetheless, it's an option that may appeal to many.

[linandvin]

We have used Horseless Carriage from Pa. to Florida (based out of NJ) and Exotic Transport out of Orlando from Florida to New York. We were VERY pleased with both!!!
Going to the auction in AC??

[Bill-n-Brillo]

If you're particular about your vehicle (and if the following things are of a concern to you), here are a few questions to ask any carrier when you initially contact them:

- Do they actually have their own fleet and drivers or are they simply a broker? (meaning that all they do is farm your job out to a 3rd party transporter and take a piece of the pie for arranging things......)

- Even if they state they are not a brokerage, find out if they plan to sublet your job to another carrier.

- Do you want an open or an enclosed carrier? Find out how they price each. Some charge a premium for putting you at the top of the trailer so there are no potential fluid leaks from cars being carried above yours, etc.

- Is your vehicle going to be off-loaded at various points between the original pick-up and final destination? Every time someone has to move your car on/off a truck and around a storage lot perhaps, the greater potential there is for damage.

- Inspect your vehicle for existing damage to your satisfaction prior to initial loading and have it all noted with the driver - they should have a form for this. The driver might perhaps note some things you might not be aware of! Also do the same at the other end before the driver departs.

- Ask how they tie your vehicle down - chains connected to the frame/underbody of the vehicle, straps through the wheels, straps around the circumference of the tires, etc.

- How closely are they willing to commit to specific pick-up and drop off times? If you're flexible, you can generally get better pricing.

- Ensure that all the things you are concerned about are written into the contract between you and the carrier.

- Pricing is generally better if you are able to drop your car off to them at a location they specify and if you're willing to do the same at the other end - pick it up at a location designated by them. Door-to-door can be more expensive in some cases though some smaller companies only do door-to-door service.

There are lots of large, reputable national carriers that have been in the business for years and pride themselves in doing a superior job. You'll find the same thing with a number of smaller/mom-and-pop/private carriers as well. But as with most businesses, there are some bottom-feeders to watch out for.........

Hope some of this helps! You're doing one of the best things by asking for referrals.

Bill :)