Hey HAMB homies, just a quick question, I found a buyer for my 54 but he’s across the country in Connecticut( I’m in Oregon). Any suggestion on a good transport company you’ve used in the past would be great. Thank you.
Isn't that the buyer's responsibility??? Bad time of year to take the nothern transcon, but it would be a fun road trip in that fine looking custom.
Check the HAMB O'Dex . There are several transports there that get good reviews. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/the-h-a-m-b-odex.12/
^^^^ What he said. There are really 3 options- you or a friend make the trip, use a commercial carrier company (with varied results, or one of the excellent haulers here. I have used Bill's Auto in the past with excellent service.
Thomas Norwood Transport 971-712-3453 Excellent service, owner operated business. Enclosed trailer and communicates very well. He hauled two old race cars from different locations for me, and pricing was reasonable. He's based in Washington if I'm not mistaken. If he cant get to it you might give @BenD a hollar... although I'm pretty sure he avoids heading into snow regions during winter months.
There are great HAMBer transporters, but because they're good, they're booked for months. Maybe your transaction can wait. My last 2 sales went through Montway. They do free online quotes. I tried several HAMBers first but either got no reply, they were not working in the area, or they were booked for months. Here are the pros and cons. 2022: I sold my running/driving 59 Chevy and it went from VA to IA. Cost was around $1000. Montway came out within a week and it was in IA within a few days. Enclosed trailer. The driver was Russian and did not speak enough English to communicate. Ultimately, the car arrived without a scratch... but it BARELY fit in the trailer. Huge trailer, too! 2022: I bought a non-running, no brakes Jaguar and it went from Dallas, TX to VA. Same as with the Chevy. Cost was around $1000. Montway came out within a week and it was in VA within a few days. Enclosed trailer. The driver was Russian and did not speak enough English to communicate. He showed up a 1-2 days early, on a Sunday evening and needed to be paid in cash, so I had to work something out with Venmo. Ultimately, no real problem, just a little PITA.
As always Folks...I appreciate the kind words! I am shut down for the winter for the 3rd year in a row . The easiest & safest way for me to cut back on mileage after 41 years in business is just to cut out 4 winter months! Even if I was transporting during the winter, my policy was always to not cross the Rocky Mountain passes during those same months though. I have a feeling if you ask BenD or Dave Phelps....they would tell you the same thing. As stated above.....It really is the buyers responsibility to arrange transport, but there is not a damn thing wrong with trying to help! Helping each other is a great part of this hobby. By the way...We do Love the Hamb O Dex, because actual members who have used our service can post about their experiences for all to see! God Bless & Best of Luck Bill https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...ar-transport-hauling-open-or-enclosed.614419/
Reliable Carriers, Inc. is the only large company I would trust. You can get a direct quote from them so you do not have a zillion brokers blowing up your phone and email. https://www.reliablecarriers.com/request-a-quote-form They transported a car for me a few years ago, and I would say they offer exceptional service. The drivers in my case happened to be a married couple who had delivered quite a few automobiles to Jay Leno in the past. Cool stories, good people. Ford used them exclusively to transport the 2017-2023 new Ford GT supercar to their new homes. Since Reliable was trusted with million dollar cars, our stuff is old hat to them.
If the prospective Buyer lives a distance away from you and asks for assistance or pricing for vehicle transport … Offer to store the car for free with full payment in a manner and for a specific period of time that you are comfortable with. This allows the prospective Buyer to arrange their own transport … Make it clear you are doing this as a courtesy to the prospective Buyer and you have no responsibility for damage or loss. Put it in writing and make it a condition of the sale … 90% or better of prospective Buyers cannot afford to transport a vehicle 3000 miles cross country so it arrives in the condition they buy it in. Most vehicles are not worth transporting 3000 miles across the country in a manner so they arrive in the condition they are sold in. Most folks think Vehicle Transport is a good - they get “ broker bait “ pricing they know will not cover equipment operating expenses and then contact an owner/operator and expect them to match or beat the auto transport broker quote. In my trailer now … I am dropping off tomorrow in the Miami, Florida area & available to transport the 2700 mile route to Los Angeles, California … Correct on both points ! Transport is the Buyer’s responsibility to arrange not the Seller’s … Scheduling SAFE transport across the country on the northern routes is not possible due to winter weather driving conditions Jim
I have used David Phelps, great service. He transported my '48 from Georgia to Arizona quickly and safely. Bill's Auto Works is also highly recommended.
I've built and sold quite a few hot rods both in the US and overseas. I have never assumed the responsibility for the shipping, that was always on the buyer. Maybe somethings changed I'm aware of?
Responsibility is on the buyer . when I bought my 63 merc the seller was nice enough to connect me to a transport company for me . The truck was freighted in a 54 foot trailer and dropped at there yard in Hamilton and I picked it up from there . Verrrry reasonable doing it this way . we ship forklift up from the states all the time , the taller reach trucks if we ship them on an open trailer cost more then “ laying them down” on an oversized skid and shipped in the back of a regular trailer . shop around and get some prices , you will most likely need to bring your car to their warehouse to make this happen .
The vehicle is for sale where it is sitting. If you are not where the car is sitting, its your responsibility to get it to where you are. If you don't like someone's price to deliver your ride to your place, make the road trip and get it yourself. Rent, buy, or borrow the necessary equipment to get the job done, or make the trip where the car is and drive it home. You might save a couple hundred dollars, if you can afford to get off work that long. Fuel costs, food, and overnight lodging can get expensive quickly, and you never get that time back. Make the trip an adventure. If your selling, arranging transportation puts you on the hook for the car until the guy says he has it in his possession, and then you are hoping he has the money and will actually pay the agreed on price + the shipping costs. Storing the car without a specific time frame is a disaster waiting to happen. At least be sure you have been paid for the car in full, and be sure the buyer knows you are not responsible for any damage after the sale date. Time slips by pretty fast. I've seen a few guys that have failed to ever pick up a purchased ride for multiple reasons. Be prepared for that to happen.
Buyer responsibility..id offer to store until spring Prospective buyer messaged me that he would pass on purchase as his window of opportunity to drive through 7 mountain passes in a ‘41 IHC had passed…. I was going to load him down with firewood for weight….truck is in new hands and stored here till spring
The OP did not say it was his responsibility. He only asked for suggestions. Not everyone knows how to arrange transport, so being able to offer suggestions to a potential buyer, and a sense of cost, can help broker a sale.
That's 2900 miles of what can be nasty roads in the winter and one reason Bill has decided to take winters off. In good weather west of Chicago about all you worry about is where you are going to get fuel, eat and sleep for a few hours and go again but every mile can be bad from now to mid March. I'd be inclined to see if I could get it on one of those enclosed trucks that will probably be hauling cars to Phoenix to the auctions in the next few weeks or to somewhere close enough for you to pick it up.
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