Very smooth process
Chinedu
Submitted this review about
Ship a Car Direct
Review made Live: 9/14/2013 12:58:00 PM
First of all, let me say that the broker Paul sounded very different from the other brokers I'd spoken to while shopping around... he was courteous, matter-of-fact without being rude, and slightly "fatherly" is the best word I can come up with. His tone helped reduce my apprehension.
Anyway Paul gave me a reasonable quote, found me a driver within 24 hours, and THEN I paid his fee (in contrast, other brokers wanted payment BEFORE finding me a driver).
My only little worry was the level of communication from the driver team. At first I didn't hear from them as often as I'd have liked, but they DID call my contact at the pickup location (multiple times) and schedule the pickup with her.
When dropping off, the driver (coincidentally enough, ALSO named Paul) called ME a day ahead, and also called me on the day of the drop-off, to confirm the address and time... his estimate was off by about an hour... not bad at all for this industry. The car was delivered, with no damage and no problems. It was pretty dirty but hey, it WAS shipped in an open truck halfway across this huge country. Plus I was gonna get it detailed anyway.
Throughout the process, Paul (the broker, from Ship A Car Direct) was very responsive via email and phone, with his calming tone and assurances. He helped me set expectations (re: communication), and he seems to know these drivers well, based on his level of confidence.
This is the 2nd time I've moved halfway across the country, and the previous time, I also had my car transported (by a different company). So, here is something thing I'd like to add, directed mostly at soon-to-be clients, or previous clients who've had bad experiences with vehicle shipping with any company:
(1) Keep an open schedule (a day or 2 window) for the pickup and drop-off dates.
(2) Have reasonable expectations re: timing. In this business, things happen: trucks breaking down, bad weather, highway roadblocks, etc.
(3) Tell the broker what you are looking for, be thorough and clear, even if it's something silly like "I need regular communication/updates, for my peace of mind" (that's basically what I told Paul). Don't be embarrassed... you ARE a paying client!
(4) Cross your fingers that you get a GOOD company or team (like Ship A Car Direct). Then, treat your broker and driver with some understanding and respect, and expect to get same in return. This actually works in almost ALL business dealings.
Anyway that was my experience. I hope it helps someone out there make a decision!
