On Time & On Budget, Open Honest Communication
Paul Baston
Submitted this review about
Mercury Auto Transport
Review made Live: 2/15/2010 9:28:00 AM
This was my first ever purchase of a motor vehicle on line (sight unseen) and first use of a transportation agent. I did my research on this website and found there were two types of contractors and two pricings. The brokers start at the low end (their fee plus the transporters fee) and the carriers have a slightly higher fee (about $100 or so).
Lisa of Mercury Transport was the only person to ring me and fully explain how the brokerage works, the fee structure, actions to be taken if my car was damaged, etc. Personnally, although I was eager to have my car delivered on time, I was more interested in ensuring it was not damaged. Lisa's communications with me over several days enabled me to go against my better judgement (and pay a premium price) and I signed with Mercury.
I had only given them three days notice of the first day the car should be available (Friday). I heard nothing for a day or so, so I rrang them on Thursday to find out what was happening. Lisa informed me that several quotes had been received, but the drivers were asking too much. This was the week the big snowstorm on the East coast occured, so I expected several drivers would increase rates to cover delays, etc. After discussions with Lisa, I indicated I was prepared to increase my payment to the driver. On Lisa's part, she offered to discount Mercury's brokerage fee to compensate me. Wow, what a surprise. How many companies do that these days?
The result was I had a driver take the job that afternoon. The driver called and arranged to go to the motor vehicle dealership and pick up my car that evening (Friday). Mercury estimated delivery in Arlington, VA on Monday. When I called the transport company Monday, I was told the driver would deliver Tuesday (he was slowed by the weather). I was OK with that - better safe than sorry. Anyway, the driver rang me on Tuesday about two hours out to arrange a delivery location. After a little while deciding the best location for drop off, I met him and took delivery of my 'new' car. The driver took care of it, no damage whatsoever, and reasonably clean considering the weather he'd driven through. The driver placed the vehicle up the front, away from the wreck he was carrying at the rear and in the lee of the cab.
So, for my first time, this was a learning expereince and overall, satisfying working with an honest and open company like Mercury. Thanks Lisa for your great work, and thanks to the driver for caring for my car as much as I do.
