I have a Lexus 300, moving from MA to WA in the end of June 2005. (Sorry I am posting this late because I've travelled outside of the country until just now).
Like all other posts, Carla was indeed wonderful! She had helped me from the very beginning to the end, and her replies to my questions are prompt. Under a stressful moving situation, you will really appreciate this just like I did. Thank you, Carla! Like I said, I would definitely recommand to everyone who ask me to go to YOU!
The driver Yuri was good. His accident was a little hard to understand, but he picked up the car and drop off pretty much as estimated. Car came back to me as I had dropped it off. The BEST thing about Yuri the driver is, because I couldn't pick up the car myself and had to have my brother-in-law to do it for me. Timing for him was quite tricky, too, but Yuri was very accommadating and took my car to him as close as possible for his convenience!!! Thank you Yuri!
I took some time to write some suggestions for people who might find it helpful. I want to say, after my extensive research on all car transportation companies and all the phone conversations with the rep's, Carla and her service IS THE BEST!
KNOWING YOUR NEEDS My method of doing anything is knowing I have made the best decision possible, and that can only be done by giving myself early and extra time so I don't make decision in desperation, an extensive research, knowing what my situation and position is, reading good and bad reviews to know the market and anticipate foreseeable risks and solutions.
RESEARCH It, therefore, took me an extended period of time to just search online and read about moving a car. It made me extra anxious and cautious when reading bad reviews on what had happened to their cars while in transit. Price is of course one of my top considerations, but if it is only a few $10 dollars--if you treasure your car like I do---I say forget about the price. A few bucks more is going to make you so much more happier while under all other stress about moving.
QUOTES Via online requests, I got numerous free quotes. Several of them have resent their quotes, greetings, and more reminders. It is quite annoying and confusing, but do understand that's what businesses and their marketing strategies are.
ELIMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS It took me forever to sort all of them out and listed every company on Excel. I ended up with 46 companies/quotes. I organized them first by prices offer, and then I went to each of their website to see what they look like and offer.
WEBSITE HINTS A reliable and established company will invest in methods to initial contact with potential customers, so do rate their appearance. Some websites I saw were real fishy looking, with very limited information (especially in comparison to some that were generous in sharing and publicly advertise their strengths and promises!). The fishy ones were indeed the first ones crossed out.
PREPARATION TO CALL About a dozen companies survived my heartless slaughter. I visit their websites again, reading the email quotes I had saved, and mark any questions I have now that I know what to ask.
COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES The next step is to call and talk to the representatives. When many of the quotes and services are exactly and competitively the same, it is how company representatives will come to be an important factors. Even though you are still taking a risk and not knowing what will actually happen, you are a few steps closer to being 100% satisfied and happy if the customer service is conducted with high standard.
Listen beyond the conversation: observe if they are willing to spend time talking and explaining to you, listen for how fast they pick up the phone, wait and see if they return your calls, etc. All these are hints to how much you can trust them, and how they will conduct business while doing business with you.
SUMMERY Only you know what fits you the best. Take this article based on my own true experience, as well as the ratings provided on http://www.auto-transport-reviews.com into consideration and make your own decision.
TOP 5 Companies: All these companies offer same promises: 1) Quote is ALL you¡¦ll pay. No hidden charges (except for Bullseye¡¦s $5 credit card service fee); 2) Door-to-Door service; 3) <50-150 pounds of personal items allowed in the trunk (uninsured) 4) Deposit $150 (Billy Turner is $175), will be deducted from the quote; 5) Your car will be delivered by the same driver on the same truck that picked it up.
My No. 1) Bullseye Auto Transportation
They rated No. 5 (website provided above), but they came through to the top from the dozen. Carla sends a sincere message in her conversation with me that she cares and wants my car to be in good hands. I feel this is a friend to whom I would trust to hand over a precious toy.
My No. 2) Amigo Auto Transportation
They rated No. 7, but they are as good as 2nd place in my opinion. Harmony was friendly and lovely, makes her someone I could rely on.
My No. 3) Magic Carpet Auto Transportation
They were not one of the companies being rated.
My No. 4) Billy Turner Express Auto
Services were the same as the others, but with cheaper prize.
5) JTM Logistics
