Shipping Our Car
 

We have never shipped a car (not even sure if that's the right term) but we know many of you on this forum have. What advice do you have for us? What do we need to know/do? We plan to ship our car from The Villages to Oklahoma. What companies do you recommend or not recommend? Thanks in advance for your help.

I used East-West Transport based on a search of this forum.

Most of the transport companies are brokers that place your request in a centralized shipping database that independent owner operators review and bid on the load. You can request an enclosed or open transport of your vehicle.

Reliable Carriers. They have both open and closed trailers and you won't be dealing with a middle man.

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The best..............probably not the cheapest.

Reliable did not work for me, they said our pickup location in Iowa was outside their normal routes. So depends on your pickup/drop off locations. I have heard some scary stories where you think you know total cost up front but the driver upon delivery demands a higher price. You either pay or they start tacking on storage charges. Do your due diligence and check for negative reviews.

That's why God created credit cards so you can later challenge the charges. You should have a statement of charges before they even send the truck for pickup.

The problem is, regardless how you pay or whether or not you have a contract, there are many reported cases where the driver delivering the car demands an additional cash payment. Google it and read the numerous complaints.

I have used Passport to ship my classic cars. Their pricing was reasonable and they were good.

One comment on delivery dates - their estimate and the actual date will vary depending on how may cars are in the trailer and the route they take to pickup and deliver the cars.

I have also used smaller, private guys who pull a trailer behind an HD pickup. I only use those who are recommended by other car guys.

FYI, I have always known the total cost before I shipped and have paid the driver (usually they want cash or credit card) exactly what was quoted. If they did something outstanding, I often tipped the driver.

With any contract.............Read it.

A majority of the time there are funds due at delivery because of access limitations (and usually with household movers, not auto transporters).

I used to ship a car between here and Colorado... but stopped because it was such a hassle. We have a car in Colorado and another here. And one to take back and forth which I call the great and great-great tour!

I got a quote from Reliable about a year ago. Seattle to TV, 2 cars, enclosed trailer, $3400. I have not used them, yet, so can’t remark on quality of service.

The one time we shipped a car was from FL to Annapolis. The car arrived on time at the specified cost. Months later we got a threatening letter/fine from the court in Washington DC about a parking ticket that was never paid. We couldn't figure it out because we never took the car to DC. Turned out the truck driver unloaded a car there and parked ours in a no-parking rush hour zone to get their's off the truck. After some back and forth, he paid the ticket.

That price sounds outrageous to me. I think I would just hire someone to drive the cars to TV, or maybe just buy new cars.

Shipping
 

Hi, this may help? We had a good mover, car and all in a closed van. Call Iceman Movers, Bruce Ice is in Mt Dora or Eustis ?? Not sure now. He was great with us, try to call him and see what he says about that.
Good luck. :bigbow: