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Need advice on shipping a TR3

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Lukens

Lukens

Jedi Warrior
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<span style="font-size: 11pt">If all goes well, I'll be needing to ship my new TR3 from Washingto to Florida. As I understand it, all brokers post the job on "the big board" and award the contract to any carrier that will do the job for the stated price. This seems a bit like a crap shoot to me. How can I minimize the snafu's? </span>
 
Over the years there have been lots of posts here on choosing a car transport company. You'll get specific recommendations from guys to your post here, but don't neglect doing a Search on "car shipping" or "transport" or "haulers", etc.

I think you're wise *not* to use a broker. And remember there's a big difference in price (and security) comparing an "open truck" transport to "enclosed".

Be sure you're logged in to BCF, then go to:

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/search

Tom
 
Not sure I agree about avoiding a broker. True some are pesky little buggers, but MOST of the so-called transporters are brokers (in actuality). There is a review site somewhere (and you might Google it). At that site, I found some of the highest reviews for a broker called "Magic Carpet." They were the least expensive and fastest... at least for me (and on that trip they used Exotic Transport - a closed carrier filled with Lambos going from LA to Seattle, with my car). A broker will typically want about 1/3rd up front (on a credit card) and the driver will collect the balance. Well, this is my experience anyway.
 
Boink said:
Not sure I agree about avoiding a broker. True some are pesky little buggers, but MOST of the so-called transporters are brokers (in actuality). There is a review site somewhere (and you might Google it). At that site, I found some of the highest reviews for a broker called "Magic Carpet." They were the least expensive and fastest... at least for me (and on that trip they used Exotic Transport - a closed carrier filled with Lambos going from LA to Seattle, with my car). A broker will typically want about 1/3rd up front (on a credit card) and the driver will collect the balance. Well, this is my experience anyway.
Click to expand...
Intersting. Magic Carpet was/is at the top of my list. I spoke at length with them today.
 
DNK said:
Whose did you buy?
Click to expand...
I'm reluctant to say I've "bought" the car. I'm flying 3000 miles this Friday finalize the deal. I'm like a kid at Christmas. I'll post the details when it's done.
 
Lukens said:
Boink said:
Not sure I agree about avoiding a broker. True some are pesky little buggers, but MOST of the so-called transporters are brokers (in actuality). There is a review site somewhere (and you might Google it). At that site, I found some of the highest reviews for a broker called "Magic Carpet." They were the least expensive and fastest... at least for me (and on that trip they used Exotic Transport - a closed carrier filled with Lambos going from LA to Seattle, with my car). A broker will typically want about 1/3rd up front (on a credit card) and the driver will collect the balance. Well, this is my experience anyway.
Click to expand...
Intersting. Magic Carpet was/is at the top of my list. I spoke at length with them today.
Click to expand...

They were "local" (greater Portland area) for me so that counted for something, but I was very pleased with the service (knowing that they were working with actual shippers). My understanding is that many shippers prefer to work with the brokers who line up all their work. Their reviews were excellent and my experience, anyway, couldn't have gone any better (as they waited for me to close a deal). They probably use various shippers, but the "Exotic Motor Transport" they used was a slick (very long, enclosed) truck with a Slavic driver (that was very professional). They would have dropped the car at my front door... if they could.
 
Found it: https://www.transportreviews.com/directory/reports/pasttwoyears.asp

Don't know how truly reliable the site is, but the reviews look real (and honest)... and I put one there myself. Magic Carpet (again, I have no connection with them) appears to be at or near the top. You can also go to the root/home page for more.

EDIT: I do see that some reviewers received compensation, but I re-found my review and I certainly wasn't compensated.
 
Don't even see the one that brought my sons Accord to him last week.
They were quick and thorough and you can track the car
Will be shipping 2 more around the 4th
 
Lukens, there was two on N.O CL a few weeks back you might want to look at first.
 
<span style="font-size: 11pt">
kellysguy said:
Lukens, there was two on N.O CL a few weeks back you might want to look at first.
Click to expand...
Thanks, but no thanks. I've searched for the past two years... made several trips out of state. I THINK this is "The One". If it's not, I'm going to cool my heels and count the money I didn't spend.</span>
 
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