Richard Norris
Submitted this review about Auto Transport Center Inc. Review made Live: 10/10/2008 10:44:00 AM
Most of my complaint is with the actual trucking company--MIG Auto Transport--and not so much with the broker (Auto Transport Center) but the two problems intertwine and I intend on writing a separate review of MIG.
I had originally selected Nationwide Auto Transporters to move our 2008 Prius from Birmingham, Al to Eugene, Or. After three weeks worth of excuses, I shopped online and decided to go with Auto Transport Center after discussing the situation with Alan Dobson. He seemed cordial and knowledgeable and explained that they would be able to transport the Prius in a week (and at a lower price than Nationwide). He quoted $1085. Since I had agreed on $1300 with Nationwide and they kept saying nobody would transport at that price I questioned Alan on his amount. I wanted to know if they could really move the vehicle for $1085 or if that was just a lowball bid (which appears to be standard operating procedure for these brokers). I was assured that Auto Transport Center works with a large number of truckers and has developed good relations with them and that shipment at the originally agreed price would occur. Within two days I was asked to increase the amount to $1300. Since shipment was about a month late (mostly as a result of Nationwide), I agreed to pay the increased fee.
MIG Auto Transport was to pick up the vehicle on a Thursday or Friday. Since we had already relocated to Oregon, we left the vehicle with my 86 yr old mother-in-law. They were suppose to pickup the vehicle at my mother-in-laws house (which had easy access for a large truck). Instead they show up at 11:15 at night, in the rain, and ask her to meet them in a Walmart parking lot. Fortunately, my sister-in-law was available and helped coordinate the transfer.
I had asked Alan on two occassions if the Prius would remain on the same truck that picked it up or if it would be shuttled around on other trucks. I was concerned because it is a hybrid vehicle and not a lot of people know how to drive it. I was assured that the same truck that picked it up would deliver it to us. This did not turn out to be the case.
About 6:00 pm one evening I received a call from somebody that barely spoke Engish explaining that they would be delivering in about an hour. They were suppose to call us about 24 hrs prior to delivery to allow ample time to make arrangements. Also, they we suppose to deliver to our apartment which had a huge, well lit parking lot that would make the exchange quite simple. Of course they call about 8:15 and are several blocks away and want us to find them. I tried to explain how to get to the parking lot but they were not interested. I also had asked them to show up in the daylight so I could inspect the vehicle. Instead they chose a dark entrance road. We made the exchange like thieves in the night. I had a flashlight and could tell the vehicle was filthy--but the extent was not clear until the next morning in the daylight. The exterior of the 2008 Prius was absolutely covered with hydraulic fluid. The inside had small grease smears on nearly every piece of upholstery and there was dried grass and debris all over the dash, the seats, the floor and the personal items in the back seat.
We tried cleaning the vehicle at a self serve car wash, but it would not remove the oily splatters that covered the car. We found a auto detailer and paid $100 to clean and buff the exterior and here it is six weeks later and we are still cleaning spots on the inside.
I called Auto Transport Center as well as MIG Auto Transport and explained the situation and emailed several photos of the damage as well as faxing the receipt from the detailer. Eventually I received $125 from the Auto Transport Center for the damage. Alan and Mark appeared genuinely concerned and tried to work things out with MIG. As the broker they seem to have limited control over the transporter, but that was not what I told originally. My biggest mistake was not suing them all.
Shipment Details
Origin State:
Alabama
Pickup:
Late
Destination State:
Oregon
Delivery:
On Time
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
6124
Quote or Order Cost:
$1300
Car Condition
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