Newbie & need some shipping advice

[Hessian]

Hello All,

This is my first post here.  Just bought a 69 RT/SE...but it's in California.  I need to have it shipped to the East Coast.  Ive seen a few members here who haul-- but the cost was a bit too high for me.  I know you get what you pay for, but I put most of my $$$ into the car .  Does anyone have a good experience with a shipper?  I've been looking at Dependable Auto Shippers and Dealers Choice Transport... but the jury is still out...  Anyone have some advice? 

Many thanks and I look forward to sharing in the discussion of all things Charger.

Hessian

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

You said it yourself, you get what you pay for... I am not going to recommend the company I have come to know and trust, as it sounds like you would not spring for them... They are about $1.00/mi for enclosed transportation and use over-tire straps vs. digging into your frame, etc. w/ hold downs like some can do, damaging your Charger.

Lots of horror stories on DAS online and broker services have no accountability. Damage a car, and good luck! I've been shipping cars regularly for over a decade and know many horror stories, first hand. Pony-up and pay for the best - and that isn't always a big name co, either, as many of those have long waits, or move your car from trailer to trailer and not point to point...

Ask questions and if you don't like their answers, move on. Congrats on your Charger  

[Iceyone]

Parachute Jumper and Navy Aircrewman? I would say that you should drive out there and get it yourself. Rent a U-haul trailer from whatever city your bought the car and drag it back home. Congrats on scoring your Charger.

Iceyone =IC1. Actually ICC SW/AW (Retired).

[suntech]

Or if it runs, and is roadworthy............DRIVE it home.......make an adventure out of it 

[Dans 68]

Welcome, and congratulations on your purchase.    I shipped my car with FedEx Passport Shipping. Somewhat pricey but worth the peace of mind. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,39025.msg442096.html#msg442096

Dan

[Bob T]

Welcome and Congrats Hessian, keen to see some pics sometime.

There's a guy on here called trulyvintage who does transport, might be worth a call


http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,85623.msg975147.html#msg975147

[moparstuart]

welcome

[mikepmcs]

Running Naked Tramsport out of California.  Husband and Wife team.

Runnin Naked Transport
56800 Java Dr
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
# 760.203.1734

[tan top]

hello & welcome   
R/T SE eh    whats the color combo ?
looking forward to seeing pictures as & when 

[stripedelete]

Or if it runs, and is roadworthy............DRIVE it home.......make an adventure out of it 

yep, drive it.

[road/track]

Or if it runs, and is roadworthy............DRIVE it home.......make an adventure out of it 

yep, drive it.

Or...I could drive it...

http://youtu.be/fSeUTfZk2ic

[BigBlockSam]

driving it could be a great experience , or a nightmare . i  used Dependable Auto Shippers and it was a good experience  . good luck 

[472 R/T SE]

http://www.transportreviews.com/

The old adage is true, you get what you pay for.  I use Passport Transport whenever possible.

I sold a car that's waiting in the garage for DAS to pick up.  They called one night & left a message on my phone that they'd be here in the morning.  I never noticed the message so they had to re-dispatch another truck.  Their dispatcher brow beat me claiming it was my fault.

That's not how professionals' run their business but whatever.  

[Wicked72]

I used Global Logistics to get my car from arizona to md. they were fast and fair and I got a good deal since my car was a non runner the drivers wont takem and they sweet talked a guy to do it. I was just in camden NC yesterday to see the fam!  as far as the shipping hell if she runs good drive her home!!!! I would do it in a heart beat! Ill make the trip/adventure with ya 

[Ghoste]

I can recommend a few but as stated, you often get what you pay for.  If you want an insured closed carrier and you aren't on a strict deadline, I may know of a guy heading to north Cali soon who may be looking for reasons to not come back empty.  Not surprisingly, the more vehicles these guys can put on a load and make it happen in two directions, the cheaper it gets for everyone with a vehicle on board.

[OldGuy]

http://www.transportreviews.com/

The old adage is true, you get what you pay for.  I use Passport Transport whenever possible.

I sold a car that's waiting in the garage for DAS to pick up.  They called one night & left a message on my phone that they'd be here in the morning.  I never noticed the message so they had to re-dispatch another truck.  Their dispatcher brow beat me claiming it was my fault.

That's not how professionals' run their business but whatever.  

Definately recommend Passport Transport. 
I had a car shipped by DAS - never again.  I paid DAS for a top carry and when we picked it up it had a puddle of transmission fluid on the hood; they also put a ding in the bumper. 

[bull]

Depends what kind of shape it's in. Does it need to be restored? Is it a show car? Is it a nice driver, etc.?

If I were shipping a major project I'd just employ one of those open trailer haulers but if it's a nice car I'd pony up the funds for an enclosed trailer. If it's a decent driver I'd probably just drive it, although gas gets expensive at 9 mpg.

[Hessian]

Many thanks to all for the advice and replies.  And the offers to co-pilot  

I did think long and hard about making a great adventure out of driving it back however have decided to save the wear and tear on her instead.  The Charger appears to be in great shape and roadworthy however the middle of New Mexico is probably not the time to discover something's wrong...

After some input here and more calling around, I decided to bite the bullet, and  spring for Passport Transport.  She's going to be picked up tomorrow afternoon  

They quoted a delivery time of 29 Dec-14 Jan.  Kind of a big window... but it will obviously depend on the drop offs along the way.  

In the end, I made the decision based on same driver the whole trip, same rig the whole trip, life gates not ramps, and real time GPS tracking (vice calling the company for updates).

The former owner is a great guy and has been super thru the process.  He's going to snap some pics for me tomorrow of her being loaded and I'll be happy to post if anyone is interested.

Again, thanks for all the input and help  

Hessian

[BigBlockSam]

  good luck

[Dans 68]

Good call.  And yes, post pics of your new girl being loaded. 

Dan

[472 R/T SE]

Good call.  You'll be impressed when you see the pains they go through to keep all the cars damage, liquid free.

[Chargen69]

I dont think I would drive a car I just met that far...  dont forget, a $20 part can leave you stranded in the middle of no where

[Hessian]

Update...

Car was picked up early yesterday morning in California... now headed to Virginia.  Now comes the hard part..... the wait!!!   

In a weird twist, the Passport Transport rep grew up with my Aunt... so now I feel even better about my car being transported! 

Also, the previous owner said the car was loaded in the top/front position so I couldn't hope for better.  I guess there was a nice Woody wagon underneath. 

He said the driver (who will be with the car the whole trip) was super nice, and a car guy too, so that's cool. 

Here are a few pics for anyone interested.  Thanks again for all the help on this.  I will keep you updated and take some better pics when I get her... 

[road/track]

  Big, Black, Bad Mopar 

[Bob T]

Nice one Hessian, looks like Christmas is lasting an extra few days this year