After experiencing sub-standard performance, that was demonstrated by another auto hauling broker, I contacted Auto Star Transport and spoke to Mark D. Mark was very pleasant, knowlegeable, and helpful.
Within 24 hours, I received a phone call Mark D. providing a target pick up day and approximate time (PM). The following day I was informed that the initial target day/time would not be satisfied due the trucking firm's skew in scheduling. They would, however, come by the next day to make the pick up. I carefully pointed out that I would not be available at the pick up address until about 12:00 noon or after because I would first have to drive 110 miles to get there myself to open the garage. This seemed to generate some grumbling but it was finally agreed, by the driver, he would come by about 12:00 noon.
The following morning I got into my vehicle and began driving the 110 miles so as to meet the driver at 12:00 noon as agreed.
When I had driven aproximately 90 miles my cell phone rang. It was the truck driver telling a story(?) about having broken his winch the day or evening before and that he would not be able to help me that I should look for another truck and driver.
Mark D. then called me as apparently the truck driver told him the same story.
A few days later (3 or 4 - I'm not sure), Mark D. called telling of another driver who was interested in moving the car. This time the driver agreed to come by after 12:00 noon to pick up the car. Am thinking that I arrived at the pick up location at about 12:00 noon, after making the 110 mile drive. I waited about 2 hours then called the truck driver's dispatcher (Jay). He kept me on the line and called the driver. Next I was told the truck's location (about 20 miles away) while it was in route.
Nearly 2 more hours had passed and I began wondering if the hauler would ever show up...I called the dispatcher again. He in turn called the driver. At the same time I noticed someone walking up the street toward my location and, sure enough, it was the truck driver. Apparently he always looks over the situation before commiting his long, enclosed 5th wheel to residential streets.
Later the drive told me that he a tire blow out just after Jay had called him the first time.
The enclosed fifth wheel trailer was most adaquate, except it did not have a winch capability. My car would roll, brake, and steer, but was not running. This was something that I very carefully disclosed, in writiing, to Mark D. at the beginning and prior to contracting.
The driver was a sturdy man of good nature and willing to try anyway. We put our minds together and he set up his trailer slightly down hill from the drveway where the car was parked. I got into the car and steered it into the fifth wheel tralier while following the driver's aircraft carrier style directions. It came together beautifully.
Once the truck/trailer with car arrived at its destination, the driver again directed me and, with the help of my nieghbor, they managed to coax it into the garage.
The car was in exactly the same condition - with a new paint job - as it was before it made the trip. I was / am very satisfied.
