I need to get a non-running car from California to FL, and I've had 3 different brokers try to screw me over with bait and switch prices. I'm getting frustrated, and I need a recommendation for someone who's reliable and fair. I don't mind paying a fair price for the service, but I'm not made of money either.
Yep, got one for you! I've bought so many cars from all over the country in the past 15 years. I'd say I've had at least 30 cars shipped, if not more. I found that I really had good success with Uship.com but lately the "big" carriers are taking over there and results are a bit more mixed. Recently, by luck I found one through Uship that is a smaller mom & pop and really wants to earn your business the right way. They have shipped 3 cars for me in the past 4 months and each one has been nothing but top notch all the way. They just brought me a car last weekend. I contract them directly now instead of through Uship.
A&M Elite Transport - the contact is Michelle. Text her at 864-395-9277. Tell her that Steve from GA sent you (if she still isn't sure, remind her she brought me a Boxster from MI to GA the other week). She is phenomenal. No bait and switch.
Here are a few small operators who get good reviews on the Pontiac board I moderate. They're constantly on the move, contact them to see if they are traveling in the direction you need.
Bill's Auto Works, Bill Squires (owner), (419)929-8048 shop, (216)832-8697 cell No Texts, billsautoworks1@aol.com
Trulyvintage, Call or text Jim, 260-804-6695
Dave's Nationwide Classic Relocation, Call or text Dave 724-815-6266
What is considered a decent price for a non-runner California to Florida ?
I know my friends ended up driving from San Jose to Amelia island last month with 2 cars in the enclosed trailer because of the prices they were quoted.
Thanks for the leads guys!
Re: reasonable cost... That's a great question, one I've been trying to figure out for the last week. One of the issues is the big differences in broker fees. I won't go into a long post explaining it, I suspect a lot of you know how these transport brokers work, but suffice it to say I'd rather pay more to the driver who's doing the haul than the broker who's just making the call. Two brokers might have the same total price, but one might be charging a 30% brokerage fee, vs another broker who might be charging 10% and paying the driver more.
TFX transport is who we used.
I've used InterCity and PlyCar with good results.
docwyte said:I've used InterCity and PlyCar with good results.
I also used Plycar , they have their own trucks and I pick the car up at the local Plycar warehouse.
PS: What part of California is the car located ?
Thank again guys! I'll be talking to several folks on Monday and see if I can get this thing moving.
The car is about halfway between Sacremento and Reno NV, but a little closer to Sacremento.
East of Sacramento, CA to Tallahassee, FL according to google maps is about 2,600 miles.
My past experience makes me think...
A great price would be $0.55 per mile = $1,430
A mid price would be $0.75 per mile = $1,950
A high price or maybe low price for covered would be $1.10 per mile = $2,860
To others who have posted, "what were you paying per mile?"
The best advice given here has been to "go direct with a trucking company." Avoid the brokers and their mark-up.
*these prices assume it is a running/driving car that can be loaded under its own power.
Just to throw this in , Sacramento to Los Angeles area is about 400 miles ,
I would think most truck drivers are going to use a Southern route to get to Florida ,
How big and heavy is your car ?
Since it's a non-runner that might be a problem .
For me, I don't mind working with a broker because they take care of everything. The one I mentioned above is amazing. I tell her where the car is, who the seller is and the car shows up at my door (with full updates along the way of course). She sends me a Venmo invoice and I'm done. Super easy, convenient and a great price
The ol bait & switch is all to common in that industry. FWIW I used A-1 Auto Transport to ship a non-running car last year & had no issues. Definitely worth a call if you're still looking. I'm not going to rave about them as the best thing since sliced bread, but they did the job efficiently & affordably & I'd use them again if I needed the same service. Worth a look.
Non-running is a huge issue in this industry. Are you sure the bait and switch wasn't a normal quote to realizing it was a non-runner?
glueguy (Forum Supporter) said:Non-running is a huge issue in this industry. Are you sure the bait and switch wasn't a normal quote to realizing it was a non-runner?
I did get the car moved, but the bait and switch was just that. I was 100% up front about the non-runner status. I can't say anything nice about the broker that I used, but it wasn't one of the ones mentioned here. That was my mistake and one I had to live with.
Without going into a much longer explanation, I'll simply say that using an online quote portal is probably one of the worst ways to go about it, but I had already done that before starting the thread, and as a result I ended up paying more and the process taking longer than if I had called one of the brokers mentioned here at the get go. (live and learn)
I just used a company called Montway Transport to ship from Oregon to Pennsylvania. Extremely thorough communication. They called me every step of the way, cost $1500. Driver unloaded the car with 0 issue. I have 0 complaints. If anything to complain about, the driver showed up early for the delivery. He had said 4pm and was actually there the night before sleeping in a parking lot. But that was fine with me. He said he would wait to drop it off if it was an issue.
My son used Montway a few years ago to move 2 civics (running) from Phoenix to Miami... I think he paid ~$1800 total. They almost beat him to Miami!
Anyone have any others to add to this?
it seems the Russians have a big part of the car transport biz ,
The enclosed companies that you see at the big concours or auctions are they way to go if you can budget it ,
Last one I used was Plycar and I did it depot to depot so I could pick it up a couple days after it arrived at the depot and did not have to wait for the driver.
It seems to have turned into the "Wild West" with lots of stories of bait and switch ,
PS , put an AirTag in anything you ship, We tracked our buddies car in Europe (yes he knew) when he took it there for LeMans etc
I recommend A1 Auto Transport for car transport. They have a solid reputation for reliability and customer service. Their website provides comprehensive information and they offer various services to suit your needs.
Yep, I have recently come across an auto transport company recommended by my Neighbours they always transport their vehicles by this company. I have recently transported my Ford-150 with them based on neighbors' recommendations. They have provided excellent service and delivered my Ford without any delay. If you guys looking for auto transport then you can find and contact them on https://www.allstatetostateautotransport.com/ or contact +1 800-550-1515
I'm thinking of getting into shipping. I've brokered for myself over a dozen times, all with good results.
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