Dishonest and Unprofessional
Barcley Stamey
Submitted this review about
Auto Transport 123
Review made Live: 2/1/2017 9:04:00 PM
I'm writing this review to warn all potential customers to steer well clear of Auto Transport 123. For the sake of this review, I'll abbreviate the company name as "123" to save time, and if you prefer to just read my conclusion, scroll to the bottom as the details are contained here within. From the genesis of my contract I worked directly with Jim who has all control over the company. My request was to move a Lexus GX460 from a dealership in Connecticut to our new home in Virginia Beach. Jim called me to explain how his business works and to warn me about the pitfalls of hiring "other" shipping companies. He explained that other companies will promise one thing and do another and that they will tell you their drivers are asking for more money and that you are required to pay more than the quote. After reading some negative reviews about 123, I called Jim back to get answers to my concerns- specifically, the lack of communication from his customer service representatives and rudeness in dealing with said employees. Jim assured me his employees were not that way and that he's a family run business that can deliver what they promise.
I actually decided to hire a different company based on the recommendation of the dealership. After talking with the company on a Wednesday afternoon, they informed me they wouldn't be able to pick up my vehicle before Monday because "their trucks don't run on the weekends." Although confused, I thanked them for their quote and said that timeline wouldn't work for me. I called Jim at 123 back and since he was on the other line, I was transferred to Casey. After explaining the situation to him, he told me it would be no problem for 123 to pick up my vehicle first thing Friday morning and have it delivered that same day. I mentioned to him the contract states within 10 days and Casey said, "we have to put that in writing, but I know we can get it for you tomorrow morning." Casey was friendly, energetic, and prompt in sending me the contract to electronically sign with the promise of picking my vehicle up Friday morning. He also said he would make sure Jim called me to back his promise.
At 12:00 noon on Friday I still hadn't heard from a driver, and promptly called Jim. I told him I was choosing his company because another company said they don't run on weekends. Jim's response was, "that is NOT the case with our company as moving vehicles over the weekend is their livelihood." I explained that Casey told me a driver would be contacting me Friday morning when he arrived at the dealership. Jim put me on a brief hold and after returning to the line informed me that he verified with dispatch that a truck was on location and after completing another job would be picking my vehicle up and that I should hear from him within the hour. At 4:30pm I still had not heard from a driver. I tried to call Jim and received his voicemail and was transferred to Ashley in customer service. It was obvious from the moment she picked up the line she had no desire to help me on a Friday afternoon. After explaining the situation to her she put me on hold for a few minutes. When she returned, she told me that yes, they have a driver on site but that he wants another $150 to pick up the vehicle and would I be willing to pay the additional fee. I was completely shocked that Ashley had the audacity to ask me to pick up the additional $150 after Jim gave me a guaranteed quote of $525. When I explained that I wasn't go to pay any additional money she explained that my vehicle then wouldn't be picked up until Monday at the earliest. When I inquired as to the reason, she explained that truckers don't run on the weekends. Again, I was floored because Jim assured me that "moving vehicles on the weekend is their livelihood." I quickly realized that 123 was doing exactly what Jim warned me about earlier in the week. When I asked Ashley why 123 had a truck on site to complete the job I signed for and were not going to keep their word and pick up my vehicle she became aggressively rude and said, "Well we aren't picking up the $150 and if you don't then you're vehicle isn't going anywhere until Monday." I pleaded with her to get a hold of Jim as I had his word as to the pickup time, delivery time, and price. She told me nobody was going to do that on a Friday night and that any correspondence would have to be through her. After pleading my case the line went silent. I couldn't get anyone else on the phone until Sunday afternoon, at which time I cancelled my contract because I found another professional who picked up and delivered my vehicle the same day.
CONCLUSION: Do not trust Auto Transport 123. Do not make the mistake I did of taking Jim and Casey at their word. They were dishonest, deceiptful, and were unreachable when I really needed their input. Jim had the ability to make the right decision but his employees, specifically Ashley, were unwilling to bring him into the loop. 123 did exactly what Jim warned me about with "other" companies. After leaving Jim both a voicemail and detailed email about the situation I STILL have not heard from him. Do not be fooled by his calm voice and assurance that his company will get the job done. Auto Transport 123 failed miserably and Jim is the embedded source of broken trust. I do not respect nor trust him or his company and neither should you. DO NOT HIRE 123.
