would use Ship a Car Direct again
Geri Rhodes
Submitted this review about
Ship a Car Direct
Review made Live: 7/16/2016 12:18:00 AM
I never shipped a car before, so I researched various transport companies, read reviews, and spoke to several before I decided to go with Ship a Car Direct. What made my situation doubly difficult was that the car, which I inherited from my sister's estate, was in NY and I live in NM. I was uneasy about finding someone to meet the driver, yet I didn't want to have to go there myself. Eric at Ship a Car Direct suggested the super at my deceased sister's apartment be my Agent, an excellent choice. Although the logistics were time-consuming (understanding the process, settling on a ship date, arranging for the super to get the keys, meet the driver on time, and take "before" pictures), I found all communications with Ship a Car Direct and Leo the driver helpful and clear, as were the website’s FAQs, terms of the agreement, and the videos there. Two pieces of information were especially helpful: 1) Learning that all transport companies can see all orders made it seem silly to doublebook as I understand some people do- 2) being warned that disreputable companies will sometimes quote a price that the driver then insists on raising made me decide not to go with the lowest bidder. I chose Ship a Car Direct on the basis of good reviews and felt that Ship a Car Direct's admission that complaints are inevitable was an honest statement.
Fortunately, in spite of tornadoes and hail in the country the week my car was transported, it arrived safe and sound early on a Saturday morning. LRB Transportation came well-recommended, and when I saw the length of the carrier, I was astonished that Leo the driver could maneuver it. Leo was straightforward and businesslike as well as good-natured. My husband and I met him at the appointed time just off an I-25 bypass where he had been able to pull onto a dirt road, apparently an easier drop-off in New Mexico than pick-up in New York where Leo told me he had had to block a bus stop while he loaded. Leo accepted payment without quibble and provided a receipt. When I noticed a few dings on the exterior of the car, he pointed out that they are New York driving wear and tear, and I believe he was correct. He said when a car is damaged in transport, it's much worse than a few dings. I was glad I had a low deductible just in case but fortunately didn't need to make a claim. The total cost for transport was $1325 (not counting the $30 rebate for writing this review). The car was picked up and delivered earlier than originally scheduled. It took from Monday to Saturday morning from Long Island, New York to rural New Mexico.
Transporting a car is stressful for everybody, but I would gladly use Ship a Car Direct again. They were attentive with their phone calls and emails, but not pushy, and I was always able to reach them when I needed them. Leo too was accessible. Other family members who were concerned about the success of the undertaking also feel I made a good choice when I chose Ship a Car Direct. I just wish the DMV’s process for transferring ownership of the car were as easy as transporting it.
