Company Response Review Report Review
Transporting my 1961 Imperial

Steve Submitted this review about AutoStar Transport Express
Review made Live: 7/23/2012 10:55:00 AM
Many brokers contacted me after entering a quote request online. I checked their site, transport reviews, and chose Autostar based on the number of positive reviews. My first contact was with Liam. Subsequently I spoke to at least 3 different contact personnel and after the first couple of calls Liam's extension was rolled over to someone else. I never spoke with Liam again. Every person had a good attitude and was professional but didn't always know the status of my transport or what I was transporting.

After about 4 days I still had no schedule for pickup and began to consider other means of transport. I spoke with several different resources, hearing wildly different versions of how trucking brokers, which is what Autostar is, works. Nothing sounded secure, guaranteed, genuine. I was told by other brokers that no matter what the agreement, brokers book the business and leave the rest to the trucker. The system did not inspire confidence.

The truth simply was; where my car originated was out of well traveled routes and it was going to be a roll of the dice as to when my car would be picked up. I also lost confidence that my car would be door to door without a change of trucks, or sitting at a depot, despite the guarantees otherwise from every broker with whom I spoke.

The few hiccups I had with Autostar was with communication and change of personnel, and I was close to cancelling the order. But, after hearing so many different versions of what would actually happen after pickup I determined that I wouldn't be any better off by changing to another broker And, Autostar's personnel was positive and cheerful. I spoke to a couple of other brokers who were downright rude.

But, luck was with me, as an exceptional driver was coming through Minnesota from Idaho and my car was actually on his route.

The value of Autostar is in its time in business and the comfort level of the contract drivers who choose their orders, and the professional manner in which they handle difficult customers like myself.

But, I believe any broker can improve their business by being brutally candid about how it all works. It was the not knowing, and then hearing many versions of what would actually happen, that worried me.

I spoke with several brokers and all referenced their ratings and time in business, etc., which is important, but I felt more like I was being sold than being informed. My trust level would have increased dramatically if I'd been educated and informed first, which would have, in fact, sold me on the company. In the end, my car arrived sooner and in better condition than I expected . I still think I was fortunate in timing and in the trucker that picked up my car.

I would use Autostar again, should I need transport, and since I'm selling a different car, I may need to. But that's mostly because I now have contacts there, they know me, and they are pleasant and professional.
Shipment Details
Origin State:
Minnesota
Pickup:
On Time
Destination State:
Alabama
Delivery:
On Time
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
Liam/Joe/Catie
Quote or Order Cost:
$775

Company Response
Mike Cannon from AutoStar Transport Express Submitted this response.
Response Date: 7/24/2012 5:20:00 PM
Hi Steve, I am extremely pleased that you had a stress free experience with us here at Autostar. I apoligise that you had to deal with three separate brokers. We appreciate these comments as we can learn from these small mistakes and it can ultiamley allow us to become the best in the business. At the moment we are in the top ten of this industry, however with constructive cricticism, it can put us on the path to be number 1 within the transport industry. As always are goal is to deliver your vehicle in the shortest space of time with the lowest possible price. We value you as a customer and I thank you personally for your kind review. As you said, if you are looking to transport this vehicle again, I would be more than happy to help, please feel free to call me or anyone on the Autostar team. we would be more than happy to help. You can contact me directly, toll free on 888 802 8250 ext 2248 or send me an email at liam.callaghan@autostartransport.com Our goal is to transport your vehicle with complete satisfaction, thanks again