TheSamba.com :: View topic - Don't use this shipper please....money lost!

Tue May 13, 2003 8:41 am

I recently bought my first 23 window on ebay. Very excited, I wanted to have the bus shipped from Spokane to Sacramento as carefully as possible. So I surfed the web for a "good" company (mistake #1). I found a company (email for the name) that "specializes" in classic cars. I liked what they had to offer so I went with them, signed the contract, etc. As soon as they had my signature, no phone calls where returned and emails where short and incomplete to say the least. So I cancelled the transport, and got charged $250 for NOTHING! So my wife and I are heading out of Sacramento this week and going to get the bus ourselfs! Another example of if you want something done right, you do it yourself!

Tue May 13, 2003 9:18 am

Do the next customer of theirs a favor and take them to small claims court for a refund of your $250.

Tue May 13, 2003 9:36 am

There is a shipping broker that is well known for their low-ball rates that is currently the defendant in a class action lawsuit, due to the same thing you have encountered- they require a non-refundable "administrative" deposit. They offer two rates in every quote- the lowball rate, and, for a higher fee, an "expedited' rate. if you opt for the cheap rate, (as many people do,), your car never gets shipped, and you are urged to pony up for the expedited rate, or lose your deposit. it's a scam, but legal, as all of the terms are outlined in the fine print of the contract. As they are a broker, they have the defense that they were unable to provide timely delivery at the "cheap" rate quoted, as their cheap hauler was heavily booked, unavailable, etc., etc.,. All the info on this class-action suit can be found on the net.

Tue May 13, 2003 10:27 am

many shippers are only brokers. the deposit is their brokers fee. they keep it. the driver gets the rest. i found that is imprtant to read the contract. they will tell you how long until they pick up the vehicle. both parties are bound to the contract.they have a certain amount of time to pick up the vehicle and deliver it. if the contract says the deposit is non-refundable, then it is ,as long as they kkep up their end of the deal.

Wed May 14, 2003 11:35 am

Deposits are to protect the shipper/business from flaky customers not the other way around. But only when the shipper/broker does their job as per the contract. If they failed to service you to the realistic expectation...they owe you your money back. If this is the case, pay a lawer for half an hour's time to draw up and mail them a letter stating this. They will most likely give you your money back as opposed to going through litigation. Don't cave in and go away...that is what they want.

Doug

Wed May 14, 2003 4:53 pm

5-14-03 I've used All America Auto Transport(1-800-942-0001) for three vw's and been happy with them.

Wed May 14, 2003 5:59 pm

I used A-1 Auto Transport and was very unhappy with them. I do not recommend! It took forever and they dented the nose of my Splitty! I didn't read the fine print and signed off on the document to receive my bus. I didn't know at the time if the dent was already there... They will not cover the repairs.

Sat May 17, 2003 6:16 am

I just had a '63 DoubleCab shipped from San Antonio to Mobile 650 miles with no problems. I used a site http://movecars.com/ its a Auto Transport Directory to find a transport. I chose no less then ten companies listed on their site to contact for a "Quick Quote". A couple of the lowest bids had some weird fine print ie We take your deposit and then are NOT responsible for the independent transport we hire to move your vehicle and damages or complaints must be taken up with them. I did find one that was very easy to work with Not the Lowest bid but by far not the most expensive http://www.ariesauto.com/ I called and talked with real people several times they were always friendly and forthcoming with any answers. Once I paid them my deposit my DoubleCab was on a Transport within a few days and at my doorstep within a week. I was very happy with their service.