Straightforwardness would have been appreciated

Alex Submitted this review about Ship a Car Direct
Review made Live: 8/27/2013 1:13:00 AM
This was my first experience shipping a car cross country. I tried to do my research as best I could and used Ship A Car direct only based on the recommendations and ratings I had read. I got more information by doing research online than from my rep over the phone. The first time I called and asked the basic questions, the answers were very short and as if I was not being taken seriously. A second follow up call and leaving a message for more information prompted no return call. I called a third time and had to speak to a manager who was helpful and assured me my assigned rep would call me back. She did. I knew this was going to be a difficult process but I thought I would give this company the benefit of the doubt, again based on the Better Business Bureau's ratings and other reviews.

I stressed to the rep that I was pressed for time and needed my auto to be in Arizona by a certain date. She assured me that it would. We went back and forth trying to work out the best rate possible, losing 3 days trying to find a carrier who could accommodate my request. In the end it cost me the higher price of $1375, as opposed to $1270 to have my car delivered when I needed it.

This would have been alright if the time frame they promised was delivered. I spoke with the carrier who was a very nice person. He picked up my car the very next day after the arrangements were made. When I asked him when the car was going to be delivered, he said not until 3 days later than when I was expecting it because he was not beginning his drive cross country for 3 more days. He had more cars to pick up. Ship A Car Direct was not honest in telling me when my car was going to be delivered. The driver was. They do the driving and know the conditions. I now had to get a rental car for an additional 3 days. More $$$

The short and long of this story, give yourself ample time to get your car where it needs to be and try to use transporters that come recommended to you personally.


Company Response
Michael Strickland from Ship a Car Direct Submitted this response.
Response Date: 8/29/2013 7:03:00 PM
Thanks for your feedback, Alex. We are sorry for the confusion around timing, and that you felt that we didn't take you seriously. While we understand a preference for exact timing, we cannot guarantee dates. We match you up with a carrier based on the carrier's timing projection and pay requirement. In your case, the carrier initially projected an arrival that was a good match. We try to be clear that timing estimates are projections and can change. We are sorry that we have to recommend customer flexibility around dates.