Car Shipping Warning

Car Shipping Warning and Scam
Having your car shipped anywhere within the US is not cheap. So, it’s understandable that you might be tempted to shop around and find the best (i.e., cheapest) deal that does something as simple as getting your vehicle from point A to point B. Oh, if only it were an ideal world and that simple.

The truth is that anyone with a truck and an old trailer can slap a magnetic business logo on their vehicle and instantly become a business that will charge you half as much as their competitors. I suspect many of them are the same guys who come by every spring and fall offering their “professional” tree trimming/removal services in my neighborhood.

But I digress.

Nowhere does the adage “You get what you pay for” become more important than when it comes to having your vehicle shipped from one place to another. Shipping your vehicle is not something to take lightly and that should not be done "on the cheap" is the message of a recent Car Wizard YouTube channel episode where the host discusses what happened to the owner of a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 that resulted in his having to hire not one, not two, but a third car shipping service to eventually get his vehicle delivered for repairs.

In short, the truck did not go unscathed during its journey and the owner had good reason to be worried when he saw what happens with some of these businesses.

The Value of This Video
The value of this video is that it serves as a good warning on why you should avoid relatively inexpensive car shippers and some of the red flags you should make note of when choosing a car shipping service. Plus, how to protect yourself as best as you can after the car has left your sight along with a precaution to take for whomever is receiving your vehicle at its final destination.

Related article: Tow Company Warning and How to Protect Yourself When Towed

That said, here is the video that hopefully will make you think at least twice before choosing to hire just anyone to transport your car or truck.

Scammed, Wrecked & Lost! RAM almost didn't make it to the CAR WIZARD's Shop! You've got to hear this

And finally…

While the host did not go into this, I would like to add that you should be sure to check:

• That the shipping service is actually licensed and bonded for your protection should an accident or mishap of any type happen while your vehicle is in their hands.

• Whether a tarp or other cover will be placed on the vehicle to protect it from road debris.

• How your vehicle will be physically secured to the hauler.

• Ask for at least two references from recent customers.

• Ask to see the actual shipping vehicle/trailer noting whether it is actually designed to handle your vehicle’s weight. You’d be surprised how many “car haulers” are overloaded.

• Ask your insurance provider for extra coverage should anything happen during shipping. And ask if something does happen if it affects your coverage premium afterward.

For additional articles related to when your car is in someone else’s hands warning, here are a few for your consideration:

• Oil Change Customer Sued for Death in Car Service Center Incident

• Fast Lube Type Service Center Warning for New and Used Cars

• Towing Threat Reveals Problems within the Industry

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pexels