Cross Country Car Movers

[cmhj]

Looking at possibly moving a car from SE Pa. to the Portland Oregon area.

There are a host of car carriers and everyone of course has the standard sales pitch.

What I'm looking for is anyone that had or knows anyone that had any experience in moving a car or SUV across country by a carrier, was the experience good bad or indifferent and who was the carrier.

Any and all info will be helpful.

TIA

 

[Steve S]

Depending on your love for the car there are drive away companies who for a fee will find a driver for your car and may provide extra insurance .

 

[Chris142]

Plan on a couple grand to ship it. Cheaper to hire the wifes good for nuthing brother to drive it there then fly him back.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Dependable Auto Shipping (DAS). Shipped my internet purchased Tacoma from California to Texas with no problems. They were recommended by the dealer, who ships all over the U.S.

I also recommended them to a friend who shipped his Lexus to California, and again no problems.

Before using them I read a lot of horror stories about the industry and no one is perfect, but DAS seemed as good as anyone at the time - five years ago.

 

[TooManyWheels]

I just went over to TransportReviews and was reminded of some of the key issues.

The biggest cause of customer disappointment with shippers is inability to schedule delivery, as there is no way for the shipper to predict when the combination of an open truck and an economically reasonable load for that truck will coincide with the route and time frame you desire. So prepare to be disappointed on the delivery date.

The other big thing is insurance - Get your own independent insurance if at all possible. I was not happy with the way the DAS contract read regarding coverage, as it was pretty vague about what they covered, the limits, and how their insurance interacted with your own. Do some research in this regard, especially with your own agent. I was never able to get consistent answers from any quarters so I paid for additional coverage but was still never confident that the respective responsibilities were mutually understood.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Plan on a couple grand to ship it. Cheaper to hire the wifes good for nuthing brother to drive it there then fly him back.


No way it'll cost that much for one car.

When I moved to Texas from MD, I had 3 of my prized cars and 2 harleys moved. Enclosed trailer too. I think Horseless carriage Company was the carrier. My company paid it all in my relocation package and it was under 3 grand.

If you use an open carrier, I imagine it would be in the $500-$700 range. I may be wrong though, it's been 3 years sine my move.

 

[crinkles]

if your'e going there yourself along iwth the car, might as well drive it and make a holiday out of it.. some downtime from the real world

 

[cmhj]

Horseless Carriage was one of the groups I contacted. $2,1xx.xx for a coast to coast move in a covered carrier using their insurance was quoted. DAS I wasn't aware of, will check them out, thanks toomanywheels.

I'd drive it myself time permitting. If it takes a couple weeks or a month is of no concern. Most say up front it'll be 2 weeks minimum.

I do have a local mover I've worked with that does cross country moves. They would rent a small car carrier and hook it up to their van. They do a lot of this and it would cost around $750 during the peak season.

The wife is somewhat against letting a stranger drive it. Hey, I gotta' keep her happy "GROWL". This is my preferred way but for now a carrier seems to be the best so that's why I'm asking for feedback on any carrier experiences.

The other option is to sell it for whatever I can get. The loss should offset the shipping if using a carrier service. For now shipping it makes the most sense if it can be handled professionally.

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: cmhj
Horseless Carriage was one of the groups I contacted. $2,1xx.xx for a coast to coast move in a covered carrier using their insurance was quoted.


Should add for anyone interested, this is for a door to door move.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: cmhj

I do have a local mover I've worked with that does cross country moves. They would rent a small car carrier and hook it up to their van. They do a lot of this and it would cost around $750 during the peak season.


That sounds like the best option by far. No scheduling issues, direct point to point delivery, no possible negative interaction with other vehicles on the trailer, and your vehicle hopefully would be viewed as more than just another piece of freight to the movers.

 

[BarkerMan]

You might wait a bit for better weather.

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: BarkerMan
You might wait a bit for better weather.


What does this have to do with feedback on carriers?

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
Originally Posted By: cmhj

I do have a local mover I've worked with that does cross country moves. They would rent a small car carrier and hook it up to their van. They do a lot of this and it would cost around $750 during the peak season.


That sounds like the best option by far. No scheduling issues, direct point to point delivery, no possible negative interaction with other vehicles on the trailer, and your vehicle hopefully would be viewed as more than just another piece of freight to the movers.


Oh ya', without a doubt.

Last night I may have finally talked some sense into my wife. Hey, I can hope!!!

Been trying to tell her to unload the Kia this spring or early summer, as it's going to turn into a spare car by fall at the latest. This would eliminate any moving issues with cars. I might get my wish but I'm not holding my breath on this one.

 

[MrCritical]

DAS (Dependable Auto Shippers) is the only way to go. Mid range on price, they are the actual shipper not a broker. You can get a lower price with a broker and your car may sit there for months.

I paid appx $600 to get a car from D.C. to North Louisiana. Got the car in about 8 days, no scratches or damages. Couldn't have driven and got it with hotels, food, and fuel for that amount.

DAS is Ebay's recommended shipper.

 

[cmhj]

Thanks MrCritical

So far, judging costs and the way the phone operators relate to my questions, DAS "IS" the way to go should I go with a private carrier service.

Still open to more feedback about any carrier experiences.

 

[cmhj]

Bump,

 

[cmhj]

If I go with a carrier service it looks like DAS will get the job.

Thanks for the referrals.

 

[cmhj]

Just bringing up this old thread more for info output than anything should anyone ever find need for such a service.

We just had the daughters car transported to Oregon with DAS. It was a top notch operation right from the start.

On the other end they meet her when and where agreed, with no issues or problems.

For anyone needing such a service I'd suggest you give them a call or check them out on the web.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Thanks for reporting back! I'm glad they did you right.