I will never have my car transported again.
Brian
Submitted this review about
Skyline Express
Review made Live: 11/7/2013 2:13:00 AM
Unfortunately, I did not have a great experience...
Order Information:
-Cross country transport from California to Virginia
-Paid a total of $975. $175 to the transport broker and $800 to the driver.
-Vehicle: 2007 Subaru Impreza STI
PICK UP:
I had an inexperienced driver to drive my manual transmission vehicle onto a 3 car transport. The person had a hard time getting the vehicle onto the transport due to its height limitations, he rode the clutch pretty heavy to the point where you could smell the clutch. The person was very nice and I think he did the best he could. None the less, I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he did no damage and put it behind me.
DROP OFF:
I had to pick up my vehicle at 11pm. Keep in mind, if you don't pick up your vehicle. It will be put into storage at your own expense, even if its inconvenient. A new driver who drove one of those 8 car transports. Met the driver behind a grocery store, luckily around the corner from my house. The first thing I notice when I saw my car was that out of 3 cars on the lift, my car was the only one covered top to bottom with dirt/mud somehow, my car was freshly washed when it was put onto the lift. I didn't think my car would be spotless, but I didn't think my car would look this bad considering I still have to examine the car somehow. I told the driver I specifically wanted the vehicle to be under the street lights so I could examine the damage, just incase. (Keep in mind you have to examine your vehicle before signing any papers because after you do so, they are not liable.) Coincidentally, the driver had to park in an area where there were no street lights BECAUSE his truck was low on hydraulic oil and could not move the platforms to move my car out, so he had to park on a decline so the left over oil could make the hydraulics work. He finally got the car on the lift and kept my car in the dark still even after asking him previously to move it to the light. I asked him again to move it to under a street light and he did so. I examined the car as best as I could even with the layer of dirt/mud on it, I could only look for dents and did not see any. Keep in mind to read the "bill of lating", if you don't sign for your vehicle even with damages, you don't get your vehicle and can only imagine they throw it in storage anyways. As I was examining the vehicle, the driver kept rushing me and trying to convince me that I do not have to check my vehicle, and to trust him and that he was in a rush. As I was signing the papers, the driver tried convincing me to not sign off the money order and that he would do it for me. None the less, I ignored him and did everything on my own. I drove the vehicle home and right away smelt the clutch, but thought it would go away after driving it since it hasn't be driven in a week. Drove the car again 3 days later, to no surprise I could smell the clutch again. (According to the "bill of lating", they will not cover any transmission repair since they cannot evaluate the transmission before or after pick up). I called right away with this issue. (After washing the vehicle, found long scratches on all sides of my car as if someone dragged their straps over my vehicle.)
CLAIM PROCESS:
I contacted the broker about the issue, she seemed concerned and directed me to contact the actual transporters and to speak with the manager, Enu, then call her back. I contacted the transporters and asked to speak to Enu, and was told "yeah I can help you", I'm unsure if that was the manager. I ended up having an argument with the manager because I was being accused that I could have done it and was possibly after them to repair something they didn't do and questioned me on why I waited 3 days to call it in as if I made it up. They reminded me that according to their "bill of lating", they don't cover this issue. I was told if I still wanted to process this claim I would have to email my statement. I notified the broker about what they said and completed the claim statement that night. I called a week later to see the status on it. It was pretty much the same guy whose somehow also in charge of the claims department too, he once again reminded me they don't cover it but would ask their insurance. I asked if they would contact me regarding this claim and he said "yes, if he hears anything, but feel free to call." Least to say its been over a month and haven't heard anything from them. I ended up buying a replacement clutch since I knew this would happen.
PRO:
-From time it was picked up to drop off, it took a week.
-Somewhat cheaper than other transporters
CON:
-Inexperienced drivers
-Their "Bill of Lating"
-Claims Process
-Management
Suggestions:
-If your vehicle is an automatic transmission and have no other options, than go with this transport. Otherwise, avoid this company at all costs.
