This is my first time getting a car transported and so I was looking for a broker that would help me find a carrier that will safely bring my car from across the country (Atlanta, GA to Oak Harbor, WA)
Let me first tell you my story of before I talked to Nick from Protected Auto Carriers:
I have been looking for a carrier since May 2012, but so far there was too many sales brokers telling me various prices and scaring me about I am not supposed to give a deposit, etc. I finally settled with one that I felt most comfortable with, and they said the person I talked to no longer worked there, then they said carriers would not come on the island, then the person that didn't work there all of a sudden worked there again, except with a female husky voice. Umm no.
I later placed my information in again in September for people to contact me in relation to getting my car shipped and I received calls from people who didn't even know what company they worked for, their web sites, or someone bashing about other brokers quotes telling me it would be at least 12-13k to bring my car over and if it's less my car would be damaged.
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So, Nick calls, politely asks if I am able to speak about car transportation services, quotes me $1050 at first, but then asks me if there are any questions in reference to the process. I asked him to give it to me straight, no emotion, no nada. I just need a car here safely and before October 22, 2012. He told me how the process works, that I will be giving him a deposit and he will be looking for an carrier that fits within that price range of 950 or less. I told him I will trust his judgement on which carrier company he chooses as long as they have insurance and are registered with the DOT as well. He found one that would accept $1000, called me back to ask if that was ok. I agreed.
Information for my car delivery was given to the carrier and then Christina emailed me the Carrier's Information. The carrier company's dispatch and drivers had a heavy Russian Accent but they were kind and concise with the price and payment type. The carrier company arrived earlier than the broker's time frame (Wednesday Evening October 3rd) vs Thursday Evening October 4th. But when we initially talked they did ask if that is OK and I said yes. My father is disabled and is in a wheelchair, they were courteous to accommodate those conditions: they came to my parents door to get the keys. The arrangement was originally to have one truck take the car all the way through but the same carrier company used a smaller carrier to take it to the island and it was delivered down the street where it was safer for the carrier to drive(I live in a tightly packed neighborhood with a lot of cars parked around.
Summary:
Broker: $150
Carrier: $1000
Total: $1150
Miles: 2275 (Atlanta, GA to Oak Harbor, WA)
Days: 5
Delivery: On time, Same condition as I left it, a little dirty, but hey, it was being shipped! lol.
Pros: Professional, Upfront, Friendliness and did not talk down on any other company. Really good with follow ups throughout the process. The carrier company made sure my car was delivered on time, they even delivered it to me on a holiday.
Cons: Email quote needs to be more professional and less grammatical errors. There should be a carrier form information that can be given to give a professional look, but at least they gave me the information.
Unknown: I still don't know what would have happened something happened to my car, who will pay for it? Who's insurance will cover it? I think a pre form should be in place and a little better.
At the end of it all, I feel great to have my car here, in one piece and everyone got paid we all are happy! :)
