Vehicle transporters...what a snake pit!

[SedonaBound]

I'm trying to line up a transporter to take the H3 from SoCA to AZ when we move in the couple weeks (two vehicles and spouse won't drive 600 miles alone) and dealing with the brokers who control this business is a nightmare. Quotes change, pmt terms change, they want a week pick-up window, they use multiple business names, I'm flooded with calls and emails, etc etc. I'm just venting, but what a PITA.

 

[ReconH3]

I feel you. I went through all that when I moved from Cali to NC. Truck arrived a month late!!!! Always had an excuse.

 

[Hunner]

Yep I understand.
Contract boat hauling is the same way, they got you by the ...........
So I had a custom 40' trailer built to move boats around so I could move my own and others.
Try to find a "hotshot" small hauler with a 1 ton and 3 car or smaller hauler.
Check with a car dealer and who they use for shuffling between dealerships.
That is a short haul. You can't tow one of the vehicles?

 

[backcountryislife]

Do you know anyone who sells/ buy cars?

Most of them have some relationships that can make it MUCH easier.

I bought my truck in Texas (my cummins) and there was NO way I was driving to that place on purpose, so I had it transported to my driveway... it was easy, cost $500 & it was here when they said it would be.

 

[tfm-Neil]

I hear you pain!!

It sounds like you're having the same troubles that so many people have with almost all forms of transport brokers. I've known so many people who've had troubles with brokers that I just refuse to use them.

It's probably too late but the best advice I can offer is, go through the tedious task of finding and directly hiring the transporter yourself.
Like Hunner said, you might look for a transporter that specializes in smaller loads 2-3 cars at a time.

One option that most aren't aware of is using your mover to transport your car. Many movers will load your car in the trailer with your house move, there is usually an extra fee involved for loading the car but the tradeoff is convenience.

 

[MTUH3]

Have you tried U-Ship? My uncle has had boats and tractors shipped from Florida to Michigan and had really good success. Basically it is a Ebay for shippers. Post up what you need and they bid on the delivery. You pick the guy that works for your schedule and budget. I used it to have some hot water radiators from VA to MI and it was on time and budget.

 

[Bigunit]

I have the contact info that I will post up for the transport that brought our H3 out to Tucson from Pennsylvania last October. He was honest and reliable and kept in constant contact with us. He also is based out of Phoenix.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapataint.

 

[Hunner]

There is another option to stay in control of things. Rent a car and drive back out there and pickup the H3.
I shuttle that way sometimes between boat deliveries when I want/need to move the boat on water back to where I left my truck.
Might be cheaper and safer.

 

[SedonaBound]

That is a short haul. You can't tow one of the vehicles?

I thought about it. I haven't towed anything larger than a tiny U-haul across town in 30 years. I'm not too keen to tow a 3500 lb Jetta wagon 600 miles with a lot of loooong grades with the anemic 3.5 that can barely do grades at interstate speeds with a light load.

 

[H32NV]

I live in flagstaff, about 20 miles outside of sedona. Any way I can help? You can park a vehicle at my place, and fly back to get the rest.

 

[Neo]

i hear you , Tenn. to Moab cost $1,500.00 , its a freakin racket ...

 

[Sierra H3]

You might checkout shipment by rail. Don't know if they are competitive price wise or not though. I picked up a station wagon shipped that way across county in the distant past.

 

[backcountryislife]

There is another option to stay in control of things. Rent a car and drive back out there and pickup the H3.
I shuttle that way sometimes between boat deliveries when I want/need to move the boat on water back to where I left my truck.
Might be cheaper and safer.

Honestly, that or flying back seems like the best idea.

Not that expensive, and a 600 miles drive isn't that bad to do twice. Just did 2300 miles in a long weekend a few months ago... OUCH.

 

[3Hummers]

Moab is 800 miles one way. Not too bad for one day.

 

[SedonaBound]

I have the contact info that I will post up for the transport that brought our H3 out to Tucson from Pennsylvania last October. He was honest and reliable and kept in constant contact with us. He also is based out of Phoenix.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapataint.

I'd appreciate it if you could post it or send it in a PM.

 

[SedonaBound]

Honestly, that or flying back seems like the best idea.

Not that expensive, and a 600 miles drive isn't that bad to do twice. Just did 2300 miles in a long weekend a few months ago... OUCH.

I'm considering it though it has couple problems: 1. One-ways aren't available everywhere. Closest at the AZ end is 50 miles from the new home; 2. The one-way rental rates are about X4 local rates..a normally $50/day car costs $200 on a one-day one way. Add $4 gal gas both ways and it starts getting close to a transporter's charge, not counting two days driving.

 

[tfm-Neil]

Was just talking to a friend of mine and he recommended someone he's used a few times and had good luck with.
Their based in socal. I'll shoot ya a Pm with the contact info. :cheers:

 

[Bigunit]

I'd appreciate it if you could post it or send it in a PM.

PM sent.

 

[kflips]

I have hauled once - had no issues, but for the 4 or 5 who called it was pretty easy to learn who actually thought through things -- only two actually asked about the width, height of the vehicle and checked for specifics. Everything was on time. I guess I am lucky

 

[SedonaBound]

I live in flagstaff, about 20 miles outside of sedona. Any way I can help? You can park a vehicle at my place, and fly back to get the rest.

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

 

[SedonaBound]

I got a recommendation from a car collector neighbor down the street and have a transporter with a good record signed up. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[H32NV]

Cool man. Let me know if I can offer any other kind of help to get you guys settled in. Rolling out the Welcome Mat to AZ!

 

[SolidusJ]

If is helps any I pulled my wife's G6 1,3XX mile when we move from NC over to TX with the 3.7L. My avg MPG was 18 MPG and I kept it at 60 MPH and below 2,000 RMP's going up hill. We avg about 500 miles for 3 days and the H3T did great and I was really surprised!!!!