Interstate Car Transport Experiences

[XRQTR]

I did an Aston Martin race car to Sydney from Melbourne recently, they had wanted a fully enclosed truck but didn't have anything organized till the very end, apparantly the guy that was supposed to take it couldn't fit it on as they were taking some F3 cars as well for the A1GP.

As to pricing, no we are definately not the cheapest alternative when it comes to long haul transport but when the car is worth half a million dollars I don't think it's very much relative to that. My new truck cost me One Hundred and Forty thousand dollars and I can only do one car at a time, there trailers cost them that much and they can do six, do the maths.

In the case of insurance I have to have about three quarters of a million dollars cover because of the types of cars we work with, I had just over a million dollars in Ferraris in November and that was 2 cars. My premiums are almost ten grand a year and my excess is a grand should anything happen, so do you think it's going to be under that should I need to take something interstate, also the car carriers take from 3-9 cars at a time so yes they can afford to do it cheaper, but in the end they are still making much more than us on the single trip. They charge less because it's a "do it when we can" price, we charge more because it's a "want it now" price

I know a few guys that do interstate multi car carrying for some of the bigger mobs, all they say is that anything that happens it only costs them about three hundred through the companies insurance so they don't really care too much.

But ye the best advice is before and after pics while it's being loaded and unloaded if possible.

It truly amazes me though just how tight some people are, they spend absolutely thousands on their showpiece to build and maintain it but when it comes to transporting it they will so often go for the cheapest alternative and then complain about what they didn't get.

If you only want to pay peanuts you quite often get monkeys.

[blueoval]

This is some scary stuff Im reading here.

Is this the type of behaviour to expect from a 'high quality' transport company?

God knows what to expect from a shonky one.

I think Im better off flying interstate and driving the car home myself. At least then if there are any damages, its my own fault.

It just sounds like the insurance they supposedly supply aint worth the paper its written on.

I'd rather deal not deal with idiot companies like this at all.

Thanks for the warning guys.

in saying this, WHO ELSE would you guys recommend to trust in transporting a car? Or is it not worth the trouble?

[ELGT4me]

Originally Posted by NEEDspeed

I happen to work for the Ceva Perth depot, and while 99% of the cars that get sent out at our end arrive undamaged, I'm concerned about seeing more and more sloppy work from the east. The guys over there do poor surveys, lose paperwork, dont secure cars in the containers properly, neglect to put floor mats and seat covers in and generally blame us.

Personally, I'd not send my car with Ceva because of some of the eastern states guy's negligence.

Regarding damage claims, Im not sure of the process after filling out the quote form, but generally when it's one company being used the people who I've dealt with seemed happy.

Mate, thanks for your input & honesty. I have my issues with TNT/Ceva as documented, but is always good to hear the "other sides" story. Just to keep us on "level " playing fields, my car gained 7 kilometres whilst being in transit? It also used a 1/4 TANK OF FUEL? The car arrived damaged & absolutely covered in soot. ie the wheels, the paintwork & the windows. I ruined a wash mitt & the contents of the bucket ,after washing the car, looked like 20 litres of JD & Cola!! NO explanation from TNT or VIP as to how this happened. What really peeved me was TNT were by far the cheaper quote,& having had "unpleasant experiences" with my Green EL. I chose to use VIP, paid a dearer rate , then found out TNT were transporting my car . Isn't this tantamount to fraud? Either way ,your boss in Perth has been in no way helpful. I look forward to your reply. Greg.

[blueoval]

to me it sounds like vip charge a cut for out sourcing other companies to do their work. The customer pays the extra premium for nothing.

[ELGT4me]

Originally Posted by blueoval

to me it sounds like vip charge a cut for out sourcing other companies to do their work. The customer pays the extra premium for nothing.

Bingo, this man is wise, it's a pity I was not!!! :

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by XRQTR

It truly amazes me though just how tight some people are, they spend absolutely thousands on their showpiece to build and maintain it but when it comes to transporting it they will so often go for the cheapest alternative and then complain about what they didn't get.

If you only want to pay peanuts you quite often get monkeys.

In the case of this thread the guy paid over the lowest quote to get specialised transport, what he got was monkeys anyway.

The alternative based on that logic is to take the highest quote on principle, which is also fraught with danger. I cite Ford service as an example of that.

[XRQTR]

Originally Posted by fmc351

In the case of this thread the guy paid over the lowest quote to get specialised transport, what he got was monkeys anyway.

I wasn't referring to this specific case but to many others just as a general observation, it is extremely sad though and of course worrying for me in particular when stories such as this one appear. I run my business the way I'd like to have people handling my own personal cars, but I suppose that's the difference in the end, I'm an enthusiast.

Originally Posted by fmc351

The alternative based on that logic is to take the highest quote on principle, which is also fraught with danger. I cite Ford service as an example of that.

Ford service, if by that you mean there towing and roadside well that's covered by RACV, like I said monkeys, the companies I contract for will only use RACV contractors as an absolute last resort, and that's way out in the country somewhere if one of us can't get to it in enough time.

I'm not saying go for the highest price, but it's important to use people that friends have used in the past and have seen the way they operate, but having said that I still see people using far from adequate providers when it comes to some absolutely nice machinery.

Price doesn't always indicate performance or any level of care, it's what the provider thinks is a fair price for the service they offer, I offer a premium service therefore I often charge a premium price. But having said that I have never used chains to tie a car down and this is what alot of the cheaper operators use because the mainstay of there business might be scrap metal, so do you really want the scrap guy picking up your car??

I recently had to move an SRT8 from Fowles to a Chrysler dealer because the repo truck tied the car down by a rear control arm, most likely using a chain, and broke said arm, sure you might say it's a repo but it's still someones car at the end of the day and that person might get it back.

It's not just the price but the way in which an operator does what he does, why don't you have a look at my myspace site which is linked below and maybe then you might understand what I'm saying. The pictures are still of my old truck and haven't yet put any up of the new truck or the work that's been on that, but I'll hopefully have them up also soon WARNING: THERE ARE ALSO PICS OF ME ON THEIR

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by XRQTR

I run my business the way I'd like to have people handling my own personal cars, but I suppose that's the difference in the end, I'm an enthusiast.

Id have to agree, it comes down to owner operators and reputation. Its your livelihood on the line, not just a job. Even then theres no guarantees.

Although even with major carriers, I reckon it comes down to how desirable the car is to drive and the attitude of the people moving it round. If say a VR Commy was being moved, its probably gonna get driven hardish in the yard (whatever) but just in the process of moving it round (none of this 7km nonsense) and basically chucked on and off the trailer rather than carefully placed on it. If it was a newish release HiPo or nice old school V8 etc, then its gonna get a block or two... or three, of much harder 'movement' if the hired driver has that attitude, drive it like you stole it.

Originally Posted by XRQTR

Ford service, if by that you mean there towing and roadside well that's covered by RACV, like I said monkeys, ...

Nah, I meant you pay top dollar for service and still get monkeys.
This is a Ford site and the horror stories abound about certain servicing centres. And in keeping with the thread Ford itself wipes its hands of it, the similarities are scary.

Originally Posted by XRQTR

The pictures are still of my old truck and haven't yet put any up of the new truck or the work that's been on that, but I'll hopefully have them up also soon WARNING: THERE ARE ALSO PICS OF ME ON THEIR

Have you posted the new truck here? I seem to remember a pic with a Euro rocket (cant remember what) on the back.

[blueprint babe]

I am so sorry to hear all of these horror stories but its the reason i drove my car home.
I bought a T3 TS50 from Penrith, after viewing it at Summernats.
Two weeks later I flew down to Sydney and drove the 12 hours home to Bris.
A $600 car bra, 2 plane tickets at $300, and 2 tanks of fuel later, she was safe and sound at home in the garage.
Sure it was a full on weekend, very tired afterwards, lost 6 points in NSW for speeding (oz day long w'end) and fairly expensive but now very glad we did it.
Unfortunately for the good guys out there, there are 10 times more stories of the bad guys so didnt trust the TS on a transporter.
Hope it all turns out allright mate.

[XRQTR]

Originally Posted by fmc351

Have you posted the new truck here? I seem to remember a pic with a Euro rocket (cant remember what) on the back.

Here's the link to the thread here , there is a pic of the new girl but not with any cars, I have some of the AM on my phone but the link isn't going, I'll have a look at it this week hopefully get some pics up.

As for treating cars differently, to me they all pay the same rate regardless of what a car is worth and as you say it's my livelyhood so I don't muck about.

[XYLINC]

Originally Posted by fmc351

In the case of this thread the guy paid over the lowest quote to get specialised transport, what he got was monkeys anyway.

The alternative based on that logic is to take the highest quote on principle, which is also fraught with danger. I cite Ford service as an example of that.

Mate, I'm the guy that started this thread and I can tell you that VIP were $100 dearer than Russell's car transport (recommended earlier in this thread by myself and others) so in fact I didnt pay the cheaper quote! My decision was based upon marketing, advertising claims and timing. As far as I knew I would get the SAME service from ALL specialised car carriers.

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by mltucker

Mate, I'm the guy that started this thread and I can tell you that VIP were $100 dearer than Russell's car transport (recommended earlier in this thread by myself and others) so in fact I didnt pay the cheaper quote! My decision was based upon marketing, advertising claims and timing. As far as I knew I would get the SAME service from ALL specialised car carriers.

Thats what I was said. The problem you came across was you didnt get specialised transport, you got an overpriced broker claiming to be a specialist.

Originally Posted by fmc351

In the case of this thread the guy paid over the lowest quote to get specialised transport, what he got was monkeys anyway.

[ELGT4me]

Originally Posted by mltucker

Mate, I'm the guy that started this thread and I can tell you that VIP were $100 dearer than Russell's car transport (recommended earlier in this thread by myself and others) so in fact I didnt pay the cheaper quote! My decision was based upon marketing, advertising claims and timing. As far as I knew I would get the SAME service from ALL specialised car carriers.

Yep, I will plead guilty as well $300 difference in price. I guess I am the monkey. As mltucker stated I thought I would get "specialised service" as well. And I did. No one stuffs you OR yor car around as good as VIP/ TNT/Ceva.

[XYLINC]

Originally Posted by fmc351

Thats what I was said. The problem you came across was you didnt get specialised transport, you got an overpriced broker claiming to be a specialist.

Sorry mate, misread the "paid over" to mean "handed over the cash", indicating I took the cheapest quote. My apologies...............

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by mltucker

Sorry mate, misread the "paid over" to mean "handed over the cash", indicating I took the cheapest quote. My apologies...............

It was badly worded, I probably should have said "above" instead of "over".

[XRQTR]

Another thing for those who like to hook up the trailer and DIY, you might want to check with your insurance company before you hit the road again, it might just surprise you how many companies cover little, some not at all, of any goods in transit.

[Sprint347]

fwiw i have been involved personally with 5 cars being sent from the eastern states to Perth via TNT with NO issues whatsoever.

they were extremely detailed in going over the car both when i dropped it off in gosford, and when i picked it up in perth

[jd dad]

Would be interested to see what ACA or Today Tonight would make of this awful mess. Mate here got a local furniture removalist to transport his full chassis race car from Brisbane to Warrnambool, arrived without a mark on it, shipped inside a van as these other rogues claim they do but dont.

[ELGT4me]

Just a quick update guys, tonight I received a phone call from my very irate spray painter. Despite having my car ready by 28th October Last year. TNT/Ceva have denied the claim? I have emailed them numerous times with pix of the damage (ie before & after shots) all dated on a digital camera. They claimed the car was damaged before it ever went on their trailer/ truck & train. Will the imbecile who runs TNT/Ceva like to PM me, because if you don't ,I will gladly put pix of the damage done to both cars & your feeble responses on this forum, & then we will see how idiotic you are on national tv. :

[XYLINC]

Originally Posted by ELGT4me

Just a quick update guys, tonight I received a phone call from my very irate spray painter. Despite having my car ready by 28th October Last year. TNT/Ceva have denied the claim? I have emailed them numerous times with pix of the damage (ie before & after shots) all dated on a digital camera. They claimed the car was damaged before it ever went on their trailer/ truck & train. Will the imbecile who runs TNT/Ceva like to PM me, because if you don't ,I will gladly put pix of the damage done to both cars & your feeble responses on this forum, & then we will see how idiotic you are on national tv. :

Do it anyway, the more publicity the better. Organisations like this need to be hit where it hurts most, their hip pocket. If people refuse to use them then maybe they will do something about their scandalous and decieving methods of running a business.

[blueoval]

Reading this thread has put me off interstate car transport fullstop!

I'd prefer to take the risk and drive the car back rather than risk these headaches.

[Laminge]

Originally Posted by ELGT4me

Just a quick update guys, tonight I received a phone call from my very irate spray painter. Despite having my car ready by 28th October Last year. TNT/Ceva have denied the claim? I have emailed them numerous times with pix of the damage (ie before & after shots) all dated on a digital camera. They claimed the car was damaged before it ever went on their trailer/ truck & train. Will the imbecile who runs TNT/Ceva like to PM me, because if you don't ,I will gladly put pix of the damage done to both cars & your feeble responses on this forum, & then we will see how idiotic you are on national tv. :

I dont see the issue, if you believe the events as you have described are true and correct then I see no reason for hesitation to make these people accountable.

[Geez Louise]

Originally Posted by Laminge

I dont see the issue, if you believe the events as you have described are true and correct then I see no reason for hesitation to make these people accountable.

I agree. If you are certain and have had no response...post the pics and then take the issue as far as you can!

[ELGT4me]

Thanks "Minge " & mods, I am compiling all the info & pix & scanning a few letters of complaints. I may have to call in some assistance with captions on the pix. Hopefully the pix will be up real soon. Greg. :

[DJL351]

Still waiting on those pics Greg.

[Spanrz]

I think the key issue here, take out insurance and pics before the car is loaded, maybe at the place where it leaves (to prove it got to the departing place with no marks).

Unfortunately, I deal with interstate truckies, loading and unloading large earthmoving gear.
I've seen it all. Loading and unloading. I've seen machines slide off and near on kill someone (no fault on me, stupid truck driver in a rush at 8:30 at night, no one around, machine slid off and near on squashed him).

The only truckies I've dealt with that are any good, is little and large companies that have their trucks all painted and dolled up. In the sense where the truck looks respectable. Gleaming chrome etc etc.

The trucks that look run down are the guys I detest.
Being only 33, I do hate trying to tell a truckie with more experience than me, on how to do his job, but where as I get the guys that looked smashed from the night before, try to load machines and nearly flip them off. That's where they get my lecture on how to do it properly.

In trucking, there is no money anymore in the industry, usually companies say "yeah I'll take it", when they can't but they always find someone to do it, a lower cost.
This is where you get the sub's to do the job.

Lower cost = lower care factor.

And you have to spend months on battling the trucking company about damage etc etc.

Just take photo's of the car, when it get's to the departure point, it is the best evidence you have.

[TRRTRY]

I received a phone call a day prior to cars being scheduled to be picked up saying that Auto Trans were in the area and would prefer to pick up in one hour, we changed our plans and agreed to this also. @@@ washed the cars that day as per instructions. We received the cars in filthy condition, ie black greasy hand prints on interior door handles steering wheel and centre console, the blue XR6 obviously travelled on the lower deck of the truck and the paintwork is badly stained. I called Sarah at @@@@ re this on monday and @@@ from Auto Trans rang me to say that he didn't know when he could get someone out to have a look, it's now thursday and i'm still waiting.
I was encouraged by @@@@ to use the more expensive Auto Trans as opposed to TNT as they are alot more professional etc...??

Auto Trans are no better - this took me a couple of months and alot of my own time to get sorted.

Ceva recently moved another car of mine and damaged a mirror that my partner didn't see when signing to receive.

Two interstate moves and two damaged cars - be careful people!

[GT-E]

I moved from Sydney to Perth 15 years ago and used VIP.
They also contracted out the job to a company called all states car carriers.
When my car arrived (very worked VR4 Galant Turbo AWD) it had severe gouging on the front bar and chassis and also torn exhaust, due to being lowered and them not treating the car properly. Worst of all there was 85km put on there car somewhere and lots of dirt and dust. It looked like it was thashed as there was 1/2 tank of fuel missing and 1.5lt of oil.

The car company was not interested in my complaint and said so what.
I called the police and told them to charge the branch manager with car theft and suddenly he was more responsive.

All in all there was $4500 damage to the car and I also did not have to pay the $1600 to have it shipped to perth.
Sending it back, I arranged the transport on a train and had no problems and it only cost me $900.
As others have said, make sure you have the milage and photos all documented and signed for. Know who is shipping the car and how it will be shipped. Do not assume anything.

[RIPGMH]

This is how my car arrived from CEVA, when it left it was immaculate, I waited 2 hours to see it loaded. It arrived in this condition with a scratch on the tub and 13 additional kilometres (obviously taken for a joy-ride). They dodged me for months, they wouldn't return my phone calls or e-mails finally I got a letter stating that they had investigated and they belived they were not at fault. I'm taking it further.

[vanman_75]

holy cr ap i wouldnt be looking for answers from company, i would want to meet the bloke who done it ! hi i hear you went for a drive in my car !!!!!!