Underbid actual COD by $200, friendly customer service

Shannon Submitted this review about Corporate Auto Transport
Review made Live: 7/14/2012 6:05:00 PM
I will lay out the facts from my experience without adding opinions, so you can determine if it will be a suitable match for you...
On May 22, 2012 Coroprate Auto Transport ("CAT") quoted $565 for transportation of 66 Ford Mustange from Colorado to California (not operating, stand-by shipping). We were told it should be picked up and delivered within 30 days. I entered into a contract with them due to the friendly and informed customer service, as well as the information they sent with the quote about the industry, things to watch out for, etc. and paid the $175 deposit.

On June 12, 2012, I followed up on the status of the order since I had not heard anything and received a prompt response (less than 24 hours) that they had not received any calls regarding my order and they suggested I change the order to standard shipping. My friend was able to get the car running so we changed the order to standard shipping and operable. The new quote was $625 ($450 COD).

On June 20, 2012 I received the following email, "Hey Shannon, I do have a driver that said he would pick this up tomorrow, But he is asking for a little bit more than i quoted you. I guess the roads out there are in the middle of a national forrest. But he was asking for 650 COD. Let me know if you would like this or turn it down." When I asked what the likelihood was of it shipping the following week, he responded, "I have not had any other offers at the moment, but if you take this you will get it picked up this week. I dont want to make any promises. But with this being a more untraveled location given the pick up side, This offer would be your best bet on getting it picked up right away and moved within the week. Thank you Jon" Not wanting to delay any longer we went with the quote.

The vehicle was picked up on June 22 at a convenient time. We received an email from CAP it would be delivered on June 26. The truck driver called us in transit and said he would deliver it on June 24 and asked if we could meet him closer to the freeway instead of dropping it off at the delivery address. The truck driver was easy to get in touch with, flexible, and on time.

In summary, my vehcile arrived safely and everyone was friendly to work with. I am surprised the pick up and drop off locations were not taken into better consideration prior to giving quotes for transportation as I would have expected them to be a bit more familiar with trucking routes, etc. Due to the under bidding of COD by $200 I would most likely try a different broker next time. I am also surprised the estimated delivery date would not have been more accurate since they work directly with the truck driver/company. We thought it would be delivered on Monday, so we had to scramble a bit last minute when we found out Friday it would actually be delivered the following morning.

Hope this helps with your decision. Good Luck! :)

Company Response
Corporate Auto Transport from Corporate Auto Transport Submitted this response.
Response Date: 8/30/2012 5:46:00 PM
The pickup location on this route was very rural and in the middle of a national forest in CO. So as anyone could believe it is very tough to even get a driver to go to a location like that. So once in a while it is very tough to make sure a quote is accurate considering how far a driver may have to go out of his way for a rural location like this one. We did explain the process to Shannon from the beginning though and what we base everything on. So we're happy it all worked out and that the vehicle was picked up and delivered safely, which is the goal. -Sincerely, Corporate Auto Transport (503) 995-5267