Auto Transport
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Hemet California
Auto Transport
I plan to ship my 86 Corvette from Michigan to California. My schedule is flexible, I am looking at a three month window.
There are a lot of carriers out there with pricing all over the place.
I am sure that other forum members have shipped cars. I am looking for your experiences and recommendations.
I have also considered renting a trailer and pulling it behind a truck myself. Please let me know of your experiences.
There are a lot of carriers out there with pricing all over the place.
I am sure that other forum members have shipped cars. I am looking for your experiences and recommendations.
I have also considered renting a trailer and pulling it behind a truck myself. Please let me know of your experiences.
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: NE Oklahoma
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...e-arrives.html
I did some research before shipping mine and found that the low priced shipping quotes I received came from "Brokers" who don't actually do anything other than arrange the shipment. They take the deposit, then place the shipment on an auto transport board where drivers go to pick up loads. If the company bids the transport too cheaply, the car won't be picked up because the drivers pick better paying loads......unless you catch one that is just trying to fill out a nearly full trailer. If nobody picks the load, the brokers come back and tell you the price was too cheap and you have to pay more to get the car moved. Of course, the brokers all claim that "their" trucks are fully insured, but how would you know?? And, what happens if your car is damaged, who pays, the trucker or the broker??
I decided to avoid the brokers and go with a company that owns the trucks.......that way, if I had a problem, there would be no "passing the buck"...........yes, it was more expensive........I think it was worth it.
I did some research before shipping mine and found that the low priced shipping quotes I received came from "Brokers" who don't actually do anything other than arrange the shipment. They take the deposit, then place the shipment on an auto transport board where drivers go to pick up loads. If the company bids the transport too cheaply, the car won't be picked up because the drivers pick better paying loads......unless you catch one that is just trying to fill out a nearly full trailer. If nobody picks the load, the brokers come back and tell you the price was too cheap and you have to pay more to get the car moved. Of course, the brokers all claim that "their" trucks are fully insured, but how would you know?? And, what happens if your car is damaged, who pays, the trucker or the broker??
I decided to avoid the brokers and go with a company that owns the trucks.......that way, if I had a problem, there would be no "passing the buck"...........yes, it was more expensive........I think it was worth it.
Last edited by GonHuntin; Jul 17, 2013 at 08:43 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 769
Likes: 95
From: Central Pennsylvania
I would use a U-*** auto transport trailer. I used to work for the company years ago and still use their equipment occasionally. Their emergency network allows an almost worry free trip. You have total control over your vehicle. Just try to avoid a major holiday when equipment gets scarce. If you have a full size truck and a class 3 hitch, you should be good to go.
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Yachats OR
Do you want an open trailer like is used when new cars are shipped or do you want an enclosed trailer that will keep rocks. dirt, hail, etc from hitting your car. The difference is about $800-1000. Get a copy of Hemmings Motor News. There are lots of auto carriers that advertise there. Do not use a broker, for reasons already given. The rates are usually cheaper if you give the carrier a couple of weeks to come up with other cars that will be coming West. They need to fill the truck with cars in order to make a profit. Google "Michigan Auto Shippers" and see what that brings. More cars are shipped from West to East than East to West. This can be a price advantage if they need to get the truck to the coast to pick up a load of cars. If you can wait until August you might be able to find a carrier that is taking cars to Monterey and has space available.
