Shipping vehicles - questions

[Cobra Jet]

Has anyone purchased any Mustang (or insert any other sports/muscle car here) out of state and had it shipped to their destination? Any recommendations for honest and reputable transporters or shippers?

If you have, what was the distance and cost charged?

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[Coyote 2121]

I just bought a 2020 GT located in the Detroit metro area of Michigan, and am having it shipped to my house in central Texas, zip 78133.
Cost is $1300. Open three car trailer.
Deal was set up by the dealership where I purchased the car.
So I'm hoping for the best. Shipper is insured and bonded. He's supposed to pick it up sometime next week.
We'll see......

 

[br_an]

I bought my GT350 in Texas and had it shipped in an enclosed trailer to my house in Idaho. If I remember correctly it was about 1600 miles, and I think I paid around $2k. I used Plycar, but to be honest I can't recommend them. You can Read this if you want to know why.

 

[Balr14]

I have shipped a number of cars because there aren't any local dealers that handle performance cars. All cars I had shipped were from southern states (Texas, California, Georgia, Florida) and costs vary widely depending on what you want. But, expect to pay at least $1000 and probably closer to $1500. American Auto Ship is one of the best, as far as I am concerned.

But, there are lots of caveats to shipping any vehicle:

How soon do you want it?
Where do you live?
Do you want covered or uncovered?
How expensive or rare is the vehicle?

If you live in a major metropolitan area and are shipping from a major metropolitan area, the shipper can fill a route quicker and easier. They may be able to use a 6 car transport, which will reduce your costs. If they use a 3 car transport it will usually cost you more. Also, shipping from one northern state to another will probably be harder because this isn't a normal route.

Uncovered is a lot cheaper than covered and they can fill a route a lot faster. If you ship covered costs are about 60% (or more) higher. You may also wait a long time. Uncovered means your car is subject wind, dirt, dust, rain, etc. You may or may not care, but it will most likely be dirty when you get it.

If it's a rare or expensive vehicle, make sure the shipper has very good insurance and a good track record on handling claims.

Be patient. It may take weeks to fill a route and a week or two to hit all the destinations along the route, ahead of your car.

I am likely to shop CarMax or Vroom first when buying a car. It saves all that shipping hassle.

 

[Cobra Jet]

When a shipper is bonded & insured - are they responsible for the vehicles on their transport as far as any damages to those vehicles while in transit (if open trailer)? Or is there very fine print and clauses as to what is not covered during their handling of the vehicles and while in transit?

Also for those who have shipped, have you asked the shipper to take images or video of the car at time of pick up - or is this a standard procedure with some shippers?

 

[Balr14]

When a shipper is bonded & insured - are they responsible for the vehicles on their transport as far as any damages to those vehicles while in transit (if open trailer)? Or is there very fine print and clauses as to what is not covered during their handling of the vehicles and while in transit?

Also for those who have shipped, have you asked the shipper to take images or video of the car at time of pick up - or is this a standard procedure with some shippers?

The answer to both questions is that varies by shipper. How much are you willing to pay? If a dealer arranges shipping they frequently use an independent contractor, usually a one man operation. I had one of them when I had my Porsche shipped from a Newport Beach dealer. I was very apprehensive but it turned out OK. Ultimately, my peace of mind is worth more than a bit more money, so I wouldn't do that again.

Contact American Auto Shipping. They have a variety of options and plans.

 

[traxiii]

Just checked with American Auto Shipping for a June 2022 pickup in Granger Iowa, ship to San Jose, CA and got a $1600 Open and $2300 Covered quote. Not too bad, but we are still hoping to road trip home.

 

[Balr14]

Just checked with American Auto Shipping for a June 2022 pickup in Granger Iowa, ship to San Jose, CA and got a $1600 Open and $2300 Covered quote. Not too bad, but we are still hoping to road trip home.

I guess rates have gone up in the last 5 years, since I lasted shipped a car. Maybe they will let you sit in the car while it's being transported!

 

[khlifhummar]

Shipping a vehicle across the country can be stressful, but it's doable. I've heard good things about A-1 Auto Transport (www.a1autotransport.com/interstate/) for interstate auto transport. They have a great reputation for being reliable and affordable. As for cost, it depends on the distance and the type of vehicle being shipped. Getting a few different quotes from different companies to compare prices is always a good idea. Best of luck with your Mustang purchase and shipping process!

 

[Cobra Jet]

Any new shippers to add input on?

 

[lightrules]

i put the below list together based on actual experiences of shelby owners here and at the fordgt500 forum. YMMV but this is what actual owners have used and recommended:

Reliable Carriers
Intercity Lines Inc
Montway [@Goose17 choice]
TCI logistics
Nationwide Auto Transportation
Fountain Transport
Passport Transport [AutoFanatic choice]
Plycar
Exotic Car Transport

Personally, for my 2022 CFTP delivered 7/2/22, I used Mike Martinovic. You can contact him directly here cell/text (219) 205-2025. His service was excellent and can provide enclosed carriers anywhere in the US. His price was very good and the service was excellent. Here is my delivery video and you can see how my car came. Hope all this helps.

 

[RPDBlueMoon]

Any new shippers to add input on?

Horseless Carriage is what I used to ship my Mustang and my old tC from The Northeast coast down to the southeast coast when I moved. It was enclosed and the had GPS tracking.

For both cars it was about $3,000, and 1,300 miles.

When I moved I was having trouble using alot of the carriers that were recommend here because it was around the Monterey Pebble Beach auctions they had sent all of their trucks down there.

 

[Cobra Jet]

So, update to my initial question; thanks for all who responded.

I did make the out of State purchase and the vehicle was delivered without issues a week ago.

I called the following Transport Services for multiple quotes, since this was the first time ever needing a transport from one State to another.

Just to give an idea, the total transport miles was just under 900 miles from A to B.

The Transport Services I called for quoting comparisons:
- Reliable
- Sherpa
- Montway
- SGT Auto Transport
- American Auto Shippers
- Delta Auto Transport
- American Auto Shippers
- A-1 Auto Transport
- PlyCar Group
- Nationwide Auto Transportation
- Fountain Transport Services
- Intercity Lines
- Jalopy Journal's "HAMB-O-Dex" with forum members who transport vehicles and had great reviews.
- SVTP Forum (Ford Dealer on there who offered to transport)

There are literally THOUSANDS of Vehicle Transport Companies with literally THOUSANDS of online reviews both positive and negative for every transport service out there.

To make it easier for me and to track quotes, I had created a small spreadsheet for notes and comparisons. The below is what I compiled to keep track of my questions to each Company:

- Name of Business
- Phone #
- Contact/Rep Name I spoke to
- From State
- To State
- Enclosed Quote
- Open Quote
- Payment Type Accepted and when charged/Amt. due
- Pick Up Date
- Delivery Date (or how many days until vehicle is received)
- Is there Vehicle/Delivery Tracking
- Is Quoted Price "Final" (ie: no up charges or whammies after driver arrives)
- Insurance Coverage included in quote?
- If Insurance is included, what is the coverage amounts for both the vehicle being transported and the driver's rig
- Is Damage Coverage Included - Meaning if the vehicle is damaged while on transport, while transport is parked or loading/offloading
- If Damage Coverage included, is there a deductible or not and what is the amount of coverage
- Does the Driver inspect the vehicle at pick up and supply a Bill of Lading to the Seller - and does the same happen once the vehicle is dropped off?
- If there are additional items to be shipped with/inside the vehicle, is there a weight limit on the additional items, and is there an up charge

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So those were all the questions or concerns I asked, because I want to be thorough in what services I am paying for, that I'm covered properly for any "what ifs" while in transit, and so that I know what to expect from the Transport Company. The worst thing to do is not ask important questions.

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What to expect:
So on nearly every single website or service called for quotes they cannot give an "exact" delivery date. They give a range - and this is to be understood because with Non-Brokers and Brokers, the transport service isn't just getting/delivering your vehicle (when not a single private transport). They may be stopping to pick up or deliver other vehicles along the route. Their service is done on a bid by bid basis as to if they want to take a job or not, or if they have room, or if they have to stray off their planned course. Not to mention any unforeseen circumstances during the travel route (ie: weather, road closures, construction, accidents, transport breaking down etc).

The transport service will ask approximate pick up date OR give a range of pick up dates available for when they could get the vehicle. You also have to supply the pick up POC's name, address and phone # - so that they are in sync and aware of when the transport will be coming.

The transport Driver will notify both Parties approx 1-3 hours before pickup and before drop off. Again, every service is different so this varies.

Once the vehicle is picked up, depending on the service chosen, you can contact the Driver via phone (call or text), or if equipped with GPS, can track in that manner. If the Driver cannot deliver directly to your door, they will pick the next closest area near your location. This alternative drop off could due to transport vehicle sizes, physical location inadequacies, and/or street types.

Monetary tip for Driver:
Not required. Tips are left to your discretion.

Determine your selection of transport service by doing due diligence RESEARCH and reading online reviews, if they are or are not BBB accredited, how many years they have been in business, forum reviews, google reviews, and if on BBB then look at those reviews. Do NOT just rely on the Company's website reviews - you want the big picture, not just their capture of reviews.

There are also sites like this one below where it has many Transport Services listed and the user can jump the hyperlinks to read more... again hundreds of sites like this link exist with thousands of transport companies and reviews....
https://www.transportreviews.com/

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Open Transport is most common and less costly. To put it into comparison, I did open and it cost me $850; to do enclosed with other services, that price jumped to $1,900+...

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I would highly suggest a Company that is BBB accredited, but there are services that are not BBB which are just as good as one that is...

---

I went with Montway. Yes, they have both positive and negative reviews online and on BBB (and so does EVERY other Transport Service noted). There is also a negative review on this very site about them. However I chose them because of years in business, overall automotive forum reviews across the internet, BBB Rating, BBB reviews, multiple online reviews, and to me from all of my research, their positive reviews outweighed the negative. Also one has to take into consideration that some (when I researched them) negative reviews are based on overzealous and sometimes outrageous expectations that the delivery should have arrived EXACTLY when the Buyer/Receiver WANTED it. So like with any online review of a service or product, you also have to weed out the whiners over actual true problems with a Company, service or product.. To me, delayed arrivals, couldn't get in touch with Driver 24/7/365, or that the vehicle was dirty isn't a reason to give a negative review. If you're expecting a vehicle to be delivered then YOU have to set up a window of when to expect that driver to arrive - not think with a closed mind that it's going to be on X-day at X-exact time because you WANT it that way.

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Quotes from all companies called were literally within $25.00-$50.00 of each other. So from my experience and opinion, price really isn't a "deal breaker" between choosing Transport Co. A over Transport Co. B. Make the decision based on thorough research and overall positive reviews.

Anyhow...

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My entire experience with Montway was positive from the quote to the delivery.

The quote process was easy, the Rep. explained all of what to expect, went through all my questions, discussed payment options and I was NOT pressured into anything at all.. I elected to pay with Credit Card, even though a cash option was available for $50 less. I just felt better paying with a CC and the protection offered by the CC company - rather than saving $50 less with no trace of a cash payment if there was an issue.

I sealed the Montway contract for pick up on June 2nd, which was prior to a weekend. After the deal was completed, Montway followed up by sending emails with confirmations etc. They also will not charge your CC UNTIL the Driver/Transporter is actually dispatched to pick up the vehicle. Even after that happens, Montway followed through with emails.

The first email received was the confirmation of contract. The second email received included pick up details telling me the exact name of the Transport Company contracted, Transport Co. phone #, the Driver's complete name, and the Driver's phone number.

The vehicle was picked up June 5th @ 2:47pm EST; my CC was charged on this day for the full amount as agreed in the quote and I received a 3rd email stating such. I also received a 4th email stating the vehicle was picked up and was on its way.

The Driver had a dually Dodge with an open single level trailer that held (3) vehicles. So I was happy the transport was a single level and not on an 18-wheeler double decker. The car was at my door on June 7th around 10:30am. The Driver was to be at my location June 6th @ 9:30pm, but ran into travel delays. He did call me on June 6th well before the estimated delivery time and let me know he was not going to meet that drop off time. He even sent me images of the vehicle on his rig that night to let me know everything was good with it. He contacted me June 7th as well with enough advance time of that call to let me know approximate drop off/arrival time.

The Driver did a Bill of Lading at pick up, did complete walk around and took images of the vehicle before it was loaded. He was courteous to the Seller with notification of time of pickup, discussing the BoL, and loading of the vehicle. When the driver arrived to me, again he was extremely courteous and was very careful with the unloading of the vehicle too. He again did a walk around inspection and took pics of it too then went over the drop off confirmation.

The vehicle arrived without any issues and was properly secured at all 4 corners on the trailer. On an open transport, YES it was received dirty - but that is to be expected coming from almost 900mi away through storms and who knows what on traveling through multiple States highways and biways. Vehicle was 100% damage free and arrived in the exact condition sold; that's all that is important (to me). Dirt can be washed off and a detail to my standards is my action anyway, even if there wasn't any dirt.

So my total experience with Montway was totally positive in every aspect. I would not hesitate to use the company again for any transport services. In fact, if I could request the same Driver, I would...

I also have to note -
I'm a pretty patient person. So I wasn't in any rush for the vehicle delivery nor to bother the driver with the "where are yous", "how much longer", "is the car ok", "when are you getting here"... etc etc... So I didn't really "track it" so to speak and let it happen naturally. The Driver is a Professional and Montway vetts their drivers as do many other Transport Brokers.

Again, it can be nerve wracking to do a transport from States or even Countries apart. I researched many transport services to all I could based on what was available to me online. I made my decision based on comparisons and the many positives (and also gut feeling when calling for quote). Could this have gone wrong? Sure - but it could have with ANY service, even the ones that cost much more. Hell there was just a recent vid that circled of a popular well known closed transport service unloading a classic Corvette, which falls off the 2nd tier loading ramp backwards onto the ground... That type of service was at least a $2k-$3k+ transport fee that went very bad... ending up with a possibly totaled out high end vehicle.

I hope the above helps future buyers needing a transport service for a new/used vehicle purchase or even those needing to just move an existing vehicle long distance.

 

[key01]

Wow! What a great summary of your thought process and experience with the shipper. That will indeed help other people in the future.

 

[Balr14]

Your commentary of your experience was far more detailed than mine and covered a lot more. I'm usually a "man of few words" which often isn't for the best. I'd make a lousy writer.

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