Transport recommendations wanted; not kit car related

[Scargo]

My last experience with getting a car to me from Texas was less than sterling. Almost a joke... and there were added expenses before it was consummated.
My current research leads me to believe that almost all the "transport companies" you call are just brokers and you have no clue who you are actually going to end up with. The one I talked to yesterday said he would have no responsibility once he turned me over to the real transporter.
Can anyone make a recommendation or suggest a more straightforward approach to this process?
I don't care whether it is an open or closed truck. I just need to get a used Prius from Dallas to Seattle.
Thanks

[David Hodgkins]

How about a Forum Vendor?:

http://www.factoryfive.com/images/banners/ffforum/intercity.jpg (http://www.intercitylines.com/Default.cfm?code=f5f)

These guys help keep the lights on around here, maybe they deserve a shot?

:)

EDIT: Added Yelp reviews:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/intercity-lines-inc-warren

[ExtraTitanian]

Where are you buying the car from and what's your budget for the transportation? Uship.com seems to be a good option, you can interact with the transporter directly and pick based on feedback.

[Scargo]

I communicated with Intercity and they said they were unable to offer me service for this move.
My budget is within norms. It's not a price issue. I'll look at Uship. Thanks

3-17 Update: Intercity does not serve the Northwest US. That's why they could not help me. OTOH, they would be happy to take my 818 to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas from CT...

[D Clary]

FedEx bought Passport years ago I had a car shipped from OK. You can track it like any fed ex package. Unfortunately cars are large so there are always some delivery compromises.

[RM1SepEx]

I found Uship.com to be a nightmare, I got quotes and when I tried to book they backed out... what a PITA. Contact companies directly

[rtz]

I see these trucks on the highway all the time: http://www.reliablecarriers.com/

[mrmustang]

Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS) will offer you both open and enclosed options.


They own their own equipment, and do not sub out to other drivers/companies


I do not suggest Uship, not ever............


Bill S.

[HYDROSTREAM]

I had a boat moved from Minnesota to Maryland last summer using uship. I then had another motor brought to me by them. after using them, and talking to others, I think the key is to use someone on uship that has a lot of good reviews. a lot of the people have excellent reviews. I am an insurance guy, so I insured my boat before it ever left Minnesota, in case something did happen. at the end of the day, these shipping people don't get more business if they do a bad job. I would book uship, which saved me $1,000, and then insure the vehicle before they leave with the car. even if they tear the car up, it will be covered, and you were not operating it, so it will not impact your insurance rate. call me if you have any questions ronny jetmore 443 975 8469.

[Scargo]

Thanks to all. I am still getting quotes and asking questions.

Shipacardirect.com said, "our standard price to ship your 2010 Toyota Prius by an Open carrier from Irving, TX to Seattle, WA is $1,095.00 (after a $30 quick and easy online rebate)". After getting the quote a guy calls me and when I ask about brokering he says that "we're all brokers; none of us are the actual carriers". Now I've received two more informative emails from them. Lord knows what emails I'd get if I sign up for the rebate. My bolding of the comment.

DAS gave me a (tentative) brokered price of $839 and an unbrokered terminal to terminal price of $899.

Reliable quoted me $2,300 for a closed shipper and a 4-6 week shipping window! I'm sure if I were in the car that they would feed me and serve champagne...

It seems common for these transportation companies to use the term TRANSIT LANES. This seems to refer to the general paths they take or areas they serve. Intercity said the Dallas to Seattle trip "was not a lane they traveled".

[Gordon Levy]

I ship a ton of cars and use a couple different brokers. Out of many dozens I have shipped I only refused to allow them to ship a car once. They had another transporter there the next day to pick it up. Email me and I will get you there contact info.

[Scargo]

Using a broker that Gordon recommended I had a happy ending to this saga. I used Cobalt Auto Transport. Joseph is his name. 913-232-2142 Shipcobalt.com (http://shipcobalt.com/)
The process was professional and there were excellent communications with him throughout the process. He never left me hanging.
Car was picked up and delivered on-time, as scheduled. Cost was right there in the range with others. They can be found listed at http://transportreviews.com/
They do not pay to be listed. I highly recommend and thanks Gordon!