Company Response Review Report Review
Good, but understand the industry

Marc Baldwin Submitted this review about AutoStar Transport Express
Review made Live: 2/11/2012 10:41:00 PM
First let me start by saying that my car was picked up one day early and arrived one day earlier than expected. That was a good thing! The car arrived in the same shape as it was at the point of origin.

However, if you've never shipped a car before, make sure you understand how the industry works. I signed a contract with Autostar to ship my car for $965, and I chose Autostar based on the number and quality of the reviews. Three days before my "first choice" shipping date, I received a call from Autostar informing me that they had a carrier that could pick up my car on my desired date, but the carrier wanted $100 more than the $965 that I signed for on the contract. I did have the option to say no and hope that another carrier agreed to move my car, but I was already within three days, and my move from Maryland to California depended on when my car shipped. I really didn't want to risk waiting around Maryland for a few extra days waiting for a carrier, so I paid the extra $100 to get it shipped on time.

I said "understand the industry" because Autostar only bids out your shipping request to potential carriers. The shipment of your vehicle totally depends on whether or not a carrier will take it at the price that Autostar set with you in the contract. So, if you are NOT on a tight timeline, then there should be no issue waiting for a carrier, although it may not happen on your "first choice" date. But if you ARE on a timeline and need to get your vehicle out on the date requested, then be prepared to pay more than the "contract" that you signed with Autostar. I wasn't very happy about paying an extra $100, because to me it defies the idea of a contract in the first place, but again, I didn't HAVE to pay the extra $100, so I can't really say that it was totally dishonest.

My last comment has nothing to do with Autostar, but rather with the carrier. This is the second time that I have shipped a vehicle and be aware that even though you are paying for door-to-door delivery, the drivers will do everything they can to get you to bring the vehicle to a place that is convenient to them. They will tell you that the street is too narrow, there are trees too close to the street, etc. Don't fall for it. Make them do their job and pick it up at your house and deliver it to the destination of your choice.
Shipment Details
Origin State:
Maryland
Pickup:
Early
Destination State:
California
Delivery:
Early
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
264072-KO
Quote or Order Cost:
$1065

Car Condition
  • Vehicle was dirty
Company Response
Mike Cannon from AutoStar Transport Express Submitted this response.
Response Date: 2/18/2012 7:46:00 AM
Thank you very much for the positive feedback, we are grateful to anyone who takes the time to give their opinions on our service - all reviews good and bad help us to improve our protocols. We are happy to have been able to move your 2010 Honda Civic a day early and have it arrive a day earlier than estimated and in perfect condition. I agree with Marc about customers understanding the industry, it certainly would make our job a lot easier. We gladly take the time to guide and educate all our customers on the industry. We at Autostar Transport present each and every offer that comes our way from carriers, and by presenting Marc with the offer we had, we were able to secure an expedited service which generally cost between $200 to $400 extra, for only an additional $100. For a fast and reliable transport, please feel free to call George Prestera @ 888-802-8250 Ext. 2238, or email at george.prestera@autostartransport.com