Damaged in route

Azael Submitted this review about VLS LLC
Review made Live: 7/31/2011 2:36:00 PM
I purchased a mint 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette in PA with the intention of shipping it to Utah. I used a shipping broker to arrange the delivery. I paid extra to have it enclosed to avoid damage from road debris and keep it relatively clean. They picked it up on time and delivered it reasonably soon.

However, the center front clip was damaged by the cable meant to secure the car inside the trailer. The cable had deeply gouged into three sections of the clip. From what the driver said, he experienced some high winds and the car must have shifted. The whole point of paying extra was to avoid damage. By enclosed, they mean a canvas covered trailer by the way. Not a sheet metal trailer.

I worked transportation logistics for 20 years. I know how a vehicle should be secured. This was a result of not properly adjusting the tie-down cable or using padding between the cable and the load to prevent contact. Even if the load did shift, it would be protected.

The driver wanted to give me some cash or a check to cover the cost. Of course there was no way I could estimate the amount to repair this. I thought that was a little odd and the red flags went up. He gave me a POC at his company to call.

The first company rep I spoke with asked me to get and forward two quotes to their claims department. I did so, and then got the run around for two weeks. The claims rep never called me with a status of the claim after agreed upon call back times. She said her boss had to look it over, but somehow she was to busy to get it to him. Not sure what nationality these people are, but understanding her was difficult. Communication is not a strong point.

She eventually called me with a counter offer below the quoted amounts I supplied. I could not believe the nerve. Seriously, damage the vehicle because the driver was not trained correctly or incompetent, keep me waiting for two weeks and then offer not to pay in full for the repair? I said no, I want the full amount. By this time, I had read reviews about this carrier on this site and pretty much expected not to be paid.

Much to my surprise a check showed up and it cleared. Bottom line, I would not use this shipper again or recommend them. As you can read on this site, they have a history of damaging vehicles and being difficult to deal with.