auto transporters

[RC70SCoupe]

A friend of mine from So. Cal may be purchasing a early 911 in the Atlanta area. He wants to have it shipped back here to Los Angeles. Any advise which one to use, which ones NOT to use, advise on dealing with the companies?

TIA,

[NeunElf]

The first question is: what sort of shape is the 911s in? If it's goung to need some work once it reaches Southern California your friend can save a lot of money by not using one of the high-end exotic auto transporters.

If it is a car that deserves gentle, enclosed transportation, I would predict the high-end outfits would probably move the car for $ 1,500--maybe a little less. I think New England to L.A. runs $ 1,600 for one car.

I've found both Passport and Thomas Sunday to be pretty acceptable based on one contact with each. I believe Porsche Cars of North America uses Interstate, which I have heard highly recommended.

You can probably get safe, reliable transportation from any of Passport, Thomas Sunday, Interstate and probably a few others. It's not all that hard for a truck driver to be careful. Then again, even the best shippers can screw up. Think about what happenned to 356 001.

Don't forget to ask about insurance coverage for the 911 while it's being transported. Ask the transporters if they can guarantee the cars will be unloaded in the reverse order they were loaded (i.e. will the 911 stay parked until it arrives at your friend's place, or will it have to move on and off the van?). If your friend would rather pay big bucks he can probably have the 911 ride alone.

If your friend's flexible on scheduling he can probably save some money.

[Brown]

The first question is: what sort of shape is the 911s in? If it's goung to need some work once it reaches Southern California your friend can save a lot of money by not using one of the high-end exotic auto transporters.

If it is a car that deserves gentle, enclosed transportation, I would predict the high-end outfits would probably move the car for $ 1,500--maybe a little less. I think New England to L.A. runs $ 1,600 for one car.

I've found both Passport and Thomas Sunday to be pretty acceptable based on one contact with each. I believe Porsche Cars of North America uses Interstate, which I have heard highly recommended.

You can probably get safe, reliable transportation from any of Passport, Thomas Sunday, Interstate and probably a few others. It's not all that hard for a truck driver to be careful. Then again, even the best shippers can screw up. Think about what happenned to 356 001.

Don't forget to ask about insurance coverage for the 911 while it's being transported. Ask the transporters if they can guarantee the cars will be unloaded in the reverse order they were loaded (i.e. will the 911 stay parked until it arrives at your friend's place, or will it have to move on and off the van?). If your friend would rather pay big bucks he can probably have the 911 ride alone.

If your friend's flexible on scheduling he can probably save some money.

Agree with NeunElf. I want know more about what exactly happened in to 356 001. keep upadating.

[blucille]

all good feedback, I had a less-than-stellar experience with intercity back 8 years ago, they just kept delaying my car pickup until my deadline had passed, and I needed the car, so I flew and drove it home.

that being said, they had moved a vintage Mercedes Benz 230sl for me a year prior and it was fine.

still, Thomas Sunday gave me much better results, used them last year and it was simply perfect.

[kllr901]

I've used Intercity several times over the last twenty years, very professional and fully enclosed. It's wotrth the cost if the car is too?

[Dave Pugh]

Ray,

I used Intercity for transportation from Savannah to San Francisco. The quote was $1800 in an enclosed trailer. This made sense since I bought a
car that was close to a finished restoration. The other option is an open trailer which was $300 cheaper.

Now the fun...

The shipping was to take 10 days. Through Denver the truck broke down and 4 days later he was back on the road. I'm an understanding person and took it as shit happens. After the driver dropped off a car in Sacramento he realized that his upper deck hoist was malfunctioning which is where my car was in the trailer. Add 3 more days to fix because it was a weekend...I lost my ability to be understanding.

End result my car made it to SF as it left Savannah. The company gave me a 10% off after asking for a discount. I would ask for a guarantee delivery or within 48 hours of the committed time. It may or may not work but worth asking for a discount.

[Frank Barrett]

Have had good experiences with Thomas Sunday, FedEx, and Intercity. If the car is even decent, stay away from the low-ball outfits.

[D Moran]

Good advice from NeunElf.

I've had good results with Passport, whiach is owned by Federal Express.

[TKO]

Just last week I had a '71 S shipped from Virginia to the Metro Detroit area by Reliable. Car needs work but even though they handled it like it was concours. They have the option of shipping enclosed or open. After checking around, not all companies ship everywhere. Best to call.
Good luck!

[ttweed]

Brian Buxton has a list of recommended enclosed transporters on his links page at http://www.buxtonmotorsports.com/links.htm

TT