What would YOU do?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Coatesville Pa
What would YOU do?
I have a deposit on a fellow forum members car and unfortunately, due to work constraints, cannot fly and drive back as i would have liked. So......i will ship it. (Texas to Pa). My sleep deprived mind is currently indecisive with regards to enclosed vs. open.
Car is in very nice shape and obviously want it to arrive in the same cond as when it left. However, $$ comes into play of course. But....dont want to be penny wise, pound foolish either.
Open transport will avg 750-1000. Enclosed, roughly 1300-1400.
Opinions please???
Thanks
Car is in very nice shape and obviously want it to arrive in the same cond as when it left. However, $$ comes into play of course. But....dont want to be penny wise, pound foolish either.
Open transport will avg 750-1000. Enclosed, roughly 1300-1400.
Opinions please???
Thanks
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
I had mine shipped open trailer. Had no problems at all, just needed a good cleaning at destination.
Most shipping companys do a very detailed inspection at pick-up. The driver notes any and all dents, scratches, and imperfections. When you take delevery on your end just take a little time, and check her out closely. It wouldn't hurt for the buyer to snap some detailed pictures for you just in case.
I would do it all over again. Most of these guys live on the road hauling cars, they know what they are doing. I would also ask that the car stay on one transport for the entire trip. Door to door is the way to go!
Most shipping companys do a very detailed inspection at pick-up. The driver notes any and all dents, scratches, and imperfections. When you take delevery on your end just take a little time, and check her out closely. It wouldn't hurt for the buyer to snap some detailed pictures for you just in case.
I would do it all over again. Most of these guys live on the road hauling cars, they know what they are doing. I would also ask that the car stay on one transport for the entire trip. Door to door is the way to go!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 0
I don't know. It's good some members had a good experience with open car haulers but I used to haul cars in an enclosed trailer.
If it was me I would pay the extra for the enclosed and know that it is secure. Don't have to worry about any kind of damage in transit i.e. stones, road dirt etc.
Just seems to me you have really shopped for this car to have found it in texas so you may as well spend the extra and know it will be in great shape when you get it.
Good luck with the new ride.
BTW I grew up in Lancaster county and still have relatives living in the Coatesville area.
If it was me I would pay the extra for the enclosed and know that it is secure. Don't have to worry about any kind of damage in transit i.e. stones, road dirt etc.
Just seems to me you have really shopped for this car to have found it in texas so you may as well spend the extra and know it will be in great shape when you get it.
Good luck with the new ride.
BTW I grew up in Lancaster county and still have relatives living in the Coatesville area.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I only shipped one car, MD to TX, enclosed trailer. Great way to go. But if cuisinart's got a name and a company, maybe buy a cover, tie it down reallly, really well, and hope for the best at 750 buckos.
Of course, that cover thing assumes the car doesn't have to be moved in the truck at other stops to pick up other cars. That is an issue.
When mine was picked up, the driver moved at least three cars around. And the truck still wasn't full yet.
Good luck.
"a cover WILL buffet and mar the paint beyond belief"89x2
That's a very good point! No matter how minor, just slapping the paint, mile after mile is going to do something negative. Good thinking.
Of course, that cover thing assumes the car doesn't have to be moved in the truck at other stops to pick up other cars. That is an issue.
When mine was picked up, the driver moved at least three cars around. And the truck still wasn't full yet.
Good luck.
"a cover WILL buffet and mar the paint beyond belief"89x2
That's a very good point! No matter how minor, just slapping the paint, mile after mile is going to do something negative. Good thinking.
Last edited by AORoads; Jun 13, 2006 at 10:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 35,994
Likes: 2,510
From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
a cover WILL buffet and mar the paint beyond belief 
Also, ask VetteBabe1 about open transports - both times, her cars were damaged in transit/delivery! 
...apparently, cheap and good do not mix well in auto shipping
Also, ask VetteBabe1 about open transports - both times, her cars were damaged in transit/delivery!
...apparently, cheap and good do not mix well in auto shipping
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,721
Likes: 708
From: Bergen County, NJ
Originally Posted by Yellow92LT1
I had mine shipped open trailer. Had no problems at all, just needed a good cleaning at destination.
Most shipping companys do a very detailed inspection at pick-up. The driver notes any and all dents, scratches, and imperfections. When you take delevery on your end just take a little time, and check her out closely. It wouldn't hurt for the buyer to snap some detailed pictures for you just in case.
I would do it all over again. Most of these guys live on the road hauling cars, they know what they are doing. I would also ask that the car stay on one transport for the entire trip. Door to door is the way to go!
Most shipping companys do a very detailed inspection at pick-up. The driver notes any and all dents, scratches, and imperfections. When you take delevery on your end just take a little time, and check her out closely. It wouldn't hurt for the buyer to snap some detailed pictures for you just in case.
I would do it all over again. Most of these guys live on the road hauling cars, they know what they are doing. I would also ask that the car stay on one transport for the entire trip. Door to door is the way to go!
If the transport company damaged cars on a regular basis, they would be out of business.Do a search for 'car transport' companies, you will find its a very competive business. They all want a good reputation.
I had mine transported and they made a detailed description of every slight scratch, even the scratches that buff out. I shipped it open. They washed it before releasing it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 34
From: Grand Rapids Michigan West Michigan Crew
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
[QUOTE=*89x2*]a cover WILL buffet and mar the paint beyond belief [QUOTE]
I think open trailer will be fine, just make sure you are there to watch him unload it and look it over real well. dont sign any papers if you see something you dont like. i would also put insurance on it befor they ship it, just in case. good luck with the new ride
I think open trailer will be fine, just make sure you are there to watch him unload it and look it over real well. dont sign any papers if you see something you dont like. i would also put insurance on it befor they ship it, just in case. good luck with the new ride
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,264
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From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Originally Posted by *89x2*
a cover WILL buffet and mar the paint beyond belief
Also, ask VetteBabe1 about open transports - both times, her cars were damaged in transit/delivery!
...apparently, cheap and good do not mix well in auto shipping
Also, ask VetteBabe1 about open transports - both times, her cars were damaged in transit/delivery!
...apparently, cheap and good do not mix well in auto shipping
some scarey stuff in her ordeal.
(A good reason not to use that particular shipper)
As my Mother always said, "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
From: Springdale AR
I don't have any experience either way, but I would say if open trailer was such a problem why does GM ship the new Z06's and every other car they make open trailer?
I was just on my way home from Omaha today and run along side a full trailer of brand new Z06's uncovered and open, unfortunately he wasn't delivering any of them to me.
I was just on my way home from Omaha today and run along side a full trailer of brand new Z06's uncovered and open, unfortunately he wasn't delivering any of them to me.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by vette92_1
I don't have any experience either way, but I would say if open trailer was such a problem why does GM ship the new Z06's and every other car they make open trailer?
I was just on my way home from Omaha today and run along side a full trailer of brand new Z06's uncovered and open, unfortunately he wasn't delivering any of them to me.
I was just on my way home from Omaha today and run along side a full trailer of brand new Z06's uncovered and open, unfortunately he wasn't delivering any of them to me.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,264
Likes: 201
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Originally Posted by vette92_1
I don't have any experience either way, but I would say if open trailer was such a problem why does GM ship the new Z06's and every other car they make open trailer?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
From: Springdale AR
Originally Posted by touringmike
The difference is contract haulers who have to provide bonding/insurance on a Corporate level compared to independant haulers.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
From: Springdale AR
Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
Maybe not in this case, but many new cars have that "cling white plastic" and some still have a special coating on them that has to be removed at the dealership. Some used to be cosmoline, I think.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
I used Hilton Auto Transport (You can google it for an online quote) Nichol is an auto transportation broker. She has moved two of my cars with no problems. I did a check with the BBB's on all the major brokers/haulers with good prices. Hilton ranks well with the BBB. Some of the other companys did not rank very well. Who ever you pick, do a little homework on them, If you do have any problems you want to make sure you are dealing with a solid company.
As someone posted earlier, it is a good idea to get good insurance coverage, before the car is moved, just in case.
I see higher dollar cars on open carriers all the time, I would do it again.
As someone posted earlier, it is a good idea to get good insurance coverage, before the car is moved, just in case.
I see higher dollar cars on open carriers all the time, I would do it again.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Antioch California
Maybe I'm missing something here but is there a difference in road damage from you driving it home or hauling it open trailered? It seems to me hauling it open would be the lesser of two evils. You were willing/planning on driving it home anyway, right? Why not get some of that plastic clingy stuff for the nose and call it good? Either way, good luck and enjoy your new toy
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 2,218
From: Central Maryland
As others have noted, do NOT trailer a car with a cover on it. It will destroy the paint as the wind whips that cover around.
Enclosed transport is probably very cheap insurance. You don't want this new adventure to start off on a disappointing note...
Be well,
SJW
Enclosed transport is probably very cheap insurance. You don't want this new adventure to start off on a disappointing note...
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by vette92_1
I don't have any experience either way, but I would say if open trailer was such a problem why does GM ship the new Z06's and every other car they make open trailer?
I was just on my way home from Omaha today and run along side a full trailer of brand new Z06's uncovered and open, unfortunately he wasn't delivering any of them to me.
I was just on my way home from Omaha today and run along side a full trailer of brand new Z06's uncovered and open, unfortunately he wasn't delivering any of them to me.
