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Are there certain reputable companies for shipping cars? Up to now, I have always believed that a car is safer with me driving it than giving it to a shipper!
In my case, I need to ship my 928 about 600 miles, because due to time constraints I am unable for the time being to drive it where it will need to be later for a trip.
So this is a good opportunity to start a thread about positive experiences with shipping companies, 928 competent shippers and advice on shipping a 928.
It would be great to hear from some of you about your experiences!
I have uShip for several cars and have always ended up with good carriers. You can take bids and read reviews on each prospective carrier. They don't get paid until you are happy.
For premium cars and enclosed glove shipping, I had used Intercity Lines twice with very good results. They offer a discount for Rennlisters.
For open transport, I had used Vehicle Shipping Group as middle man. She was very responsive for 2 of my less than great conditioned cars and worth the price.
I shipped mine recently using uShip. Ended up accepting a bid from Montway. I can't recommend them. They are just a broker that rebid it to a another carrier. Their communication was not good.
Make sure you check Intercity Lines and not just Intercity. They are 2 different companies. The one I chose with known discounts to Rennlisters was: Intercity Lines.
I shipped mine recently using uShip. Ended up accepting a bid from Montway. I can't recommend them. They are just a broker that rebid it to a another carrier. Their communication was not good.
I shipped my car with Intercity enclosed trailer service. What I know about shipping cars ...
1. Enclosed is good and if there's a car above yours the carrier should cover your car so any fluid leaks from the car above don't land on your paint.
2. Fewer times your car is moved in and out of the trailer the better. Some lines repeatedly move from one truck to another; I had a mysterious gouge in the sidewall of a tire on another car which might have happened on one of many trips up and down the ramps ?
Also be sure that the carriers strap the car correctly i.e. above the tires and not connected to any suspension bits. In my case, being a noob to the 928 I didn't know enough to make that clear to the shipper.
Here is how mine arrived. Big metal hooks connected to the rear suspension = bad. Now I have a bent leaf spring on the right rear suspension.
I've used PLYCAR on several occasions for my own personal cars, including when we bought the 928. They do what they say, on time, no drama. Having shipped cars over the past 2 decades, commercially, I can tell you that I'd previously tried most other companies and not had anywhere near the same results.
Liftgate, door-to-door service. I've personally used them the past decade+, zero issues.
I used InterCity Lines to ship mine from Maine to California. From pick-up to delivery, the driver and service was great. However, they took over a month to pick-up, as it was far from their typical pick-up locations.
Before I booked, they quoted 10-14 days for pick-up, but they say that for *all* locations. They were unable to schedule the pick-up until the week before - until then it was a matter of waiting with no guarantee as to when they would be able to schedule it. I assume that most carriers are like this, but you may find (even more) expensive ones that will offer better timescales.
Thanks,
Roger
Last edited by rnixon; 06-15-2016 at 02:25 PM.
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We used Pilot Transport a few years ago to move our GTS from NC to WA in February, story here. Terrific folks, did exactly what they promised with no drama. What was interesting (and unique, in my experience) is that they quoted specific trips, not 7-14 day "windows"-- in other words they did their scheduling before taking the order. And then nailed it, except for delivering two days early because of good weather. Oh darn!
I have shipped many cars. First distinction is do you use a broker or deal directly with a shipper that owns and operates their own trucks. With broker you don't know who will carry the car. Broker is usually cheaper. Brokers put out jobs on the internet and truckers grab them depending on where they are at the moment and whether or not they have unused space on the truck. Next issue is open or closed. That depends on time of the year (weather expected) and value/condition of the car. You can get online quotes but they generally are given by brokers and you will be hounded by phone and email from everyone whom you ask for a quote. Intercity Lines and Horseless Carriage are high end and cater to folks who ship their cars for show at Pebble Beach and similar. I have had good enclosed service from Passport Transport, both before and after they were bought by FedEx. My most recent experience was through a company who could not guarantee that their truck would do the job. The time of year, value of the car and short distance did not merit closed transport. Price was guaranteed at $551, about 500 miles, Healdsburg, CA to Bend, OR. Ended up with a brokered hauler who had a two-car trailer. Bit of a gamble but all worked out well. Also, cost and wait time will vary with location. The farther off the interstate "beaten path" the more unpredictable the pick-up and higher cost.