Auto Shipper List

With a recent number of individules having a bad experience shipping a speedster, this would be a good time to start a thread of the honest and reliable transport companies .
Alan M
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* Horseless Carriage www.horselesscarriage.com/

* DAS Dependable Auto Shippers www.dasautoshippers.com/

John Van Damm

Sorry to disagree..


DAS sucks...I have tried to help a guy ship a car he bought from me, its taking 2 weeks since I dropped it off. They have ruined the ignition and flood the car everytime and then say they can't load it.

More details if you wish, I have offered to stay there until they load it but they cannot tell me when their trucks come in?

Michael

I agree DAS sucks! I used them to ship a 1930 Ford 5 window coupe I built and sent out west. They strapped the car down over the roof! No protection what so ever, it ruined the paint and dented in the drip rail. They offered to give the new owner $175. I would never ever ever use them again.

I just recently used VIP Transport...they have their own trucks, "Inclosed" (which is the only way to ship a car) and it is apparently the main company that Vintage uses for their Speedsters.
I recommend them, but they are not cheap.
Let me ask you...IS YOUR CAR WORTH THE EXTRA BUCKS"

I will have to agree and disagree about DAS. I shipped three cars using them (dc to Socal, OR to socal, and socal to charleston) not only did my car get shipped with in the time frame they gave me, but the last car that I shipped only cost me $400 dollars, since I used their service for the third time. They washed and vacumed the car prior to getting to me. They called me when the car was picked up and I could track the car online (which is a great tool). They have point to point, terminal to terminal shipping as well. They also did not charge me extra "gas surcharge" which some carriers will. I understand that there are "for instances" and bad experiences, but DAS is 3 for 3 in my book.

I almost used DAS but read about some issues and went with Intercity for the second time. My Speedster is actualy intransit from NJ to CA at this very moment. Was very satisfied with Intercity the first time and expecting the same this time around as well.

DAS is OK by me. Just shipped an '86 Mustang from San Diego to Detroit. No problems. Takes longer than expected (they quoted 10 -12 days) because they ship everything to a central "hub". Then they may reload and ship the cars out to final destination. Sorta like Federal Express I guess.

It's a matter of price and value. I used DAS's terminal to terminal service and my car arrived fine (OR to MI). That said, I paid extra for enclosed and top load. I also put insurance on the car before shipping the car (which I'd recommend to everyone).

Mike bought his new Speedster from me in NJ and shipped it via Intercity. They were prompt and on time. They also took great car in loading and covering the car. I am confident that Mike car will arrive in the Bay Area safe and sound.

Dave

I'm in the open carrier auto transport business and offer a few facts.
DAS has 18 wheeler transport vehicles that run from their home base in Texas. The majority of the DAS carriers are actually sub contractor-transporters. Most often they load and unload your vehicle a number of times as it is transferred from one truck to another and terminal to terminal zig-zagging across the country. These so called terminals usually are body shops, repo yards etc. Often their door to door service, is actually a roll back truck showing up to take your vehicle to a "holding center".
DAS has recently had many "contract/carrier" ads on the subrcription load board I subscribe to as they are quietly trying to restructure.
While they get the job done, they do not clearly state how your vehicle is handled or their practices. Not knocking them but thought it best to shed light on DAS.
No need to "Put Insurance" on your transported vehicle as any DOT Carrier is required by the DOT to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 in property damage.
Most importantly, READ the terms of their contract as most in the fine print, state they are not responsible for anything ....Insist that they do a Condition Report with you there. BOTH you and the Driver sign same noting any cosmetic faults. At time of delivery again BOTH do the Condition Report and BOTH sign off as this is your only recourse.
While it is my policy to not offer transport services here (I'm usually booked) I can recommend a good number of decent carriers off line. ~Alan

I've used VIP Auto Transport twice to ship Speedsters to California from Kentucky in enclosed trailers. It's the only way to go when it's really a long haul. They were on time and did what they said they would do. They are'nt the cheepest but their good!

well..here in Texas..DAS's rep is really bad...my 914 is still here as the terminal cannot give a time when their truck will arrive (?????)

I stand by my first declaration..they suck.

Now Alan..
I have used Uship 3 times now...all with great results!!


Michael

I used DAS to get my car from VS to here; obviously they put the car on a barge to get here. It took less than the time quoted but the car sustained some damage; including what looked like rust water staining (and I paid extra for enclosed transport). In the end they paid me $575.00 to get it repaired.

Guys,
Anyone have any (satisfactory) experience shipping a Speedster (or any other vehicle) overseas? I need to get one from Washington state to Puerto Rico. I would appreciate any suggestions.
On the topic, I have shipped two Lotus race cars via Horseless Carriage with no drama whatsoever. I recommend them but they are no help over water.
Buzz Barnett
OneHotTub

Yes, definitely do not go with DAS. They ruined my car and they only reimbursed me for the scratches on the bumper a few bucks as stated on their contract. They have a don't care attitude.

There is enough bad feedback about DAS that anyone who uses them deserves whatever happens to their cars, period....
I wonder why anyone would use a carrier who does not even have their own trucks but use a billboard to post destinations needed.....and allow anyone heading in that direction to take their cars....
Just to save a few bucks? good luck....they also deserve whatever happens....

I know, DAS sucks... BLAH BLAH BLAH... I used them three times with a better result and price each time. I would use them again with out thinking twice.

Let's not forget that Alan - who started this thread 2 1/2 years ago - is now in the transport business. He sticked pretty much to the east of the Mississippi, but I'd trust him completely.

I just bought a 911 & had it shipped VIP (second time I've used them). They were the cheapest enclosed carrier I could find, door to door service, the driver went out of his way to put plastic over my car, seats, steering wheel. These guys are the best.

Guy's please through some prices/costs in here as well as start and destination of the trip maybe mileage and dates.

Peter, would you also like us to come over and load it for you???
Nothing personal, but if you go on line to any of the transporter sites and give them your zip code to and from, they will email you with quotes, usually within minutes....anything we say would be bogus anyway...as far as prices....

Okay guys...what about shipping from seller in the US to a point just by the Canada/US border in probably Montana? I'm looking to replace the Passat wagon with a Benz E500 or 320 wagon with 4-matic. I'd fly down to Montana, pick up the car then drive back over.

Or, even better, have it shipped all the way to Edmonton, AB or even Yellowknife, NT? But the haul from Edtn to Yellowknife is expensive.

Brian

Horseless and DAS are OK and run Canada. Not sure if Van Dam runs into Ca?

List of auto ship brokers that I, (30 East Auto Transport LLC.)deals with over the past two years... not fly by nighters but good people.

http://www.usaintercargo.com (Worldwide: Andrew)

http://www.McNuttTransport.com (USA: Kathy)

http://www.freightmar.com (US and Canada: Charlie)

Atlantic Express 908 436 3004 (US and World wide: Vytas)

1st Class Transport, LLC Carrier (US and Worldwide)
Marquand, MO 63655
573 783 4298

Platinum Auto Transport (US and Worldwide: Skip)
Jamestown, NY 14701
716-484-0372

Hope this is of help to all,
~Alan

I agree with some of those say DAS "SUCKS" (at least in the USA). Personally and people I know who have used them got very bad service. They scratched my doors and damaged my bumper and in essence claimed no responsibility for this.

"........claimed no responsibility for this"
The shippers paper work should be completed properly at the shipping origin and should have no damaged noted.
When the car arrived at your location, the transporter (DAS) should provide you the opportunity to carefully go over the vehicle noting any body panel, chassis etc. damage on the vehicle inspection report with both you and the driver signing off on the report. This is the only way that you have any recourse. I deal with this daily and as a company owner, you can be sure that it is done to the letter for both parties sake. Sh*t happens but, rarely so. ~Alan

Sorry to resurrect a dead topic, but...

I wanted to add a shipper to the list. My dad has used them to get a 911 from Minnesota, and he using them to get his RV from Colorado to Pennsylvania (blown motor). Plus, it looks like the gentleman buying my car will be using them.

GT Auto Transport Inc.
2422 12TH AVE RD.
PMB 232
Nampa, ID 83686
Phone 866-727-4530
Fax 208-461-5904

Thanks,
Adam

I think I'd double check that one...

That company name returns to a one truck company (that hauls cars) out of New Jersey and has no valid operating authority plus their liability insurance was cancelled in May 2009.

Maybe that's "close" but not quite the company name? Obviously it's a real company, they've moved vehicles for you, but I don't think that's their actual name.

Also, just FYI, the Feds only require a car hauler to have $5,000 of damage insurance per vehicle hauled. Should always check to see how much they have as $5 K doesn't go very far in the event of an accident, fire or theft... Good carriers have more, and you may also be able to purchase an insurance rider form them or your own insurance company to cover the actual cost of the vehicle while in transit.

angela

On the eastern half of the country you can always use Alan Merklin. He's an oldie on this site and absolutely trustworthy (when he's on his lithium ;-).

Seriously, get in touch with Alan. He'll take care of you.

EDIT: Woops! Misread the thread. DOH!

Thanks for the kudos Lane.
My hauling area is: Western Maryland, West Virginia, most of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. ~Alan

________________________

I checked on Central Dispatch a vehicle subscribtion load board I subscribe to: GT Auto Transport is a Broker... not a transporter:

ICC-MC#: 561468
View DOT Info for MC# 561468
This company does not have a document packet on file.
A document packet is a copy of DOT authority, insurance, W-9, and any other licenses that a company has faxed to CentralDispatch.

Reference Information
Company Description: GT AUTO TRANSPORT IS A BROKER OUT OF NAMPA, ID.

I was just going to post the info about them being a broker. Thanks, Alan!

I spoke with the woman from GT today, and she was very friendly. I don't remember the name of the actual hauling company, but they are picking up the car on Friday. I can't believe how quick the process was!

Alan, I have cars that need hauling too! Contact me if you want.

Let me add to the poor rep for DAS. I have had numerous problems with them and for overseas .... be afraid, be very afraid!

As most on this forum know I have had a lot of cars shipped to me from all over the country. I often use shippers who are new to me but I always get a list of references and check them out on the internet for background details. I also insist on ONE truck from start to finish and I get the driver's cell number and require a daily update on location and ETA. I expect my car covered with a plastic sheet all the time and go over it carefully when it arrives.

Now, important suggestion here .... do not get crazy about inspection. Mistakes happen and the world will not come to an end for a micro-scratch. I expect great service, great communication, cleanup on delivery, respectful and courteous talk and action at all times. I usually get all of the foregoing and I show my appreciation for this with a liberal tip after paying for the transport.

I hope this helps any of you shipping your car.

Happy Trails,
Dusty

I did an audit on a trucking company in Steamboat, Colorado. Terrific lady that owned/drove. Unfortunately, she hauls horses not cars but here's what made her business really cool...

The horse trailer was air conditioned and heated. It had a camera mounted inside and a transmitter with a GPS. When you hire her to haul your horse, you get a unique log-in to her website.

With that, you can see YOUR horse in the trailer (on your trip only), the GPS tells you where she is and how fast she is going.

Very cool. Hope she made a good "go" of her business. An absolutely terrific person with a unique idea for transporting very high end horses (race, 3-day event, etc).

angela

DAS Sucks!!!!

Hey Angela....put a saddle on this....
I like going bareback when I'm on ole Debbie

Roger that, Bopper

Youz guys don't know how less than professional DAS really is....
Other than the main terminals in TX and in Elizabeth, NJ (large facilities) they tend to utlize back yard towing companies as their terminals in many other locations.
DAS door to door can mean that a tow company comes to your home and drags your vehicle onto a roll back then stored at their towing facility until such time as DAS contracted transporter picks up the car ? "Run Forrest Run "