I chose Magic Carpet over other companies because of a neighbor's recommendation. Never again. I have had nothing but problems with MCAT, and their contracted delivery company, Auto Relocation Services.
I dropped my car off to be shipped from Honolulu on 22 September 2011, with an estimated delivery in Sumter, SC, of 14 October 2011. My car did not leave port until the following weekend, on 09/30/2011. I was left a message informing me of the delay, and that my estimated delivery date was now 10/21/2011. I received one other message around 10/12 stating that there were some delays, and my vehicle might be a day or two later than expected. On 10/19, I emailed MCAT expressing my frustration and disappointment of still not having my vehicle, only to find out that it had not even left Long beach, CA yet. It had been sitting in a port for a week, so that the driver could "make sure it had arrived and would not incur storage fees waiting for a carrier". I was told at that time that a driver would be picking it up on 10/21/2011, and I should have it on 10/31/2011. It took several emails and phone calls to get any information about my vehicle. When I did hear back, it was to be told that (surprise) there was another delay, but my vehicle would be there soon. I was told the driver would be calling...he never did. I had to call MCAT and have them contact dispatch. Finally, on Thursday, 10/27 (two weeks later than my delivery should have been), at 8PM, I received a call from the driver, saying he was 3 hours away, and wanted to wait to deliver it until Friday. I said fine, I didn't want to wait up and meet somewhere at 11 PM. Then he says he needs to meet me 45 minutes away from my house because he has a big truck and needs a major highway. (Granted, I live in the middle of nowhere, but we do have tractor trailers driving around just fine.) I tell the driver there is no way I am driving that far away to pick up my vehicle. I paid for door to door service, I expect door to door service.
Waiting and waiting all day Friday, still no call from the driver, not answering the phone number I had on Caller ID. Another email/phone call to MCAT to say still haven't heard from this guy. Friday the driver calls again, running late, still trying to arrange a meeting place. Because he would not meet that night, he said he would call me Saturday morning to arrange a pick up. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel. I actually did get a call on Saturday morning, and drove down the street to meet him. When I get there, my vehicle is already off the truck, with a large sheet draped over the back. Lift up the sheet to find my entire back windshield shattered, glass all over the interior, and the lift gate bent and just hanging there. I look at the driver for an explanation, and he asks me for his money!!! I literally had to ask him what happened, and he says "Oh, just a little thing, I was trying to park under a tree and I guess your car hit it." He then went on to tell me that because it was raining, he used his own sheet to cover the big gaping hole in my trunk. (I have a Ford Explorer) He said he advised his boss, and MCAT, as well as sent them pictures. When I contacted MCAT, they had no knowledge of any damage, and no pictures. His boss at ARS also had no knowledge or pictures. I have no idea when the damage occurred, since I was not told about it during any of my phone calls with the driver. So finally, after 37 days without a vehicle, I have it, but I still can't drive it. Auto Relocation Services told me I had to get 2 estimates, and fax that along with pictures to them before they would send out an adjustor. Another week goes by before the Adjustor finally gets my case. After his estimate is submitted, I get an email from ARS with a release document which has to be signed and notarized, then they will pay me to get the car fixed. I won't sign the release because if I do, any further damage found during tear down becomes my financial responsibility. The parts for my car won't be in until 11/21, and it is a 2 day repair provided no further damage is found. But the best part? They won't provide me with a rental car because the damage is a "consequential loss", not a "total loss".
In a nut shell, if you don't need your vehicle for a few months, then go with MCAT. Otherwise, pick any one of other 5 star rated companies on here.
