Shipping Gertruda home

[HarroldM]

I am trying to get Gertruda home from Gernold’s shop to Colorado Springs.  I used Intercity to ship her up there 4 years ago.  They are quoting about 3k to bring her home.  Montauk is quoting about 2k.  I understand that Montauk will likely subcontract it to another carrier, but was wondering if anyone had any experience with any carriers.  Montauk is going to provide an enclosed transportation and Gertruda, as much as we love her, is not a concours quality woman.  I would appreciate any thoughts. Thank you, Harrold

[Cees Klumper]

If it were me I would seriously consider flying out and driving home. Yes it's 2,000 miles but could be a great trip! Gertruda would likely be grateful to be allowed to roam the roads again.

[mdsalemi]

You should get quotes from others, including Reliable Carriers and Mecum’s (yes the auction house) transport division.

[Bonnyboy]

Go hang out on Bring a Trailer site for a while and watch the comments -  there seems to be lots of discussions about shipping costs and more affordable carriers than the big guys.  Just make sure they have insurance incase they drop your car or drop something on it.     $2,000 seems to be the norm for open transportation.   

You could check with your local auto dealers as they may know a carrier who can offer a discount as you may be on their route. 

A car hauler that I met a while back said that he usually left one space open on his truck every third - fourth trip for a "cash" deal so a visit to a coffee shop at a local truck stop some evening may give you some insight. 

[MikeSimon]

A car hauler that I met a while back said that he usually left one space open on his truck every third - fourth trip for a "cash" deal so a visit to a coffee shop at a local truck stop some evening may give you some insight.

That's the way to do it! If you have a car dealer you are on good terms with, they may help you get in touch with a hauler. Most of them transfer inventory between them and have a lead on a car hauler. It will be an open trailer, but these guys know what they are doing. They haul new cars.

[Vander]

Harrold,

If you message me pick-up and delivery zip codes I can get you pricing on both open and enclosed transport.

[pandemac]

We recently moved from AZ to NC, and wanted the 280SL shipped in container to protect it.  Well, what we came to find when it was delivered, that it was on a car trailer with canvas siding.  We had to leave the car at a pickup point because our mover had us all packed up, and did not know this before hand.  We paid $3500 and were very disappointed, dirt, dust, rain, etc can just as easy get under those tarps as if it were out in the open.  We are thankful everything was alright, but when you ask for contained shipping, be clear what that means.  I read some others suggest you picked the car up, and drive it back....might be a nice idea if it is running and no mechanical issues to worry about.  The other vehicle was on an open container and was about $2800.

[Garry]

Tom S and I used the following company to ship both our Pagodas from Gernolds in NE down to San Diego for just over $4k. Clean, reliable and on time.

[mdsalemi]

When I moved to NC from MI in 2020, I had left my car at Motorwerks Group for work. In late May 2021 it was completed. I called upon the most un-obvious transport: Mecum Auctions. Now you wouldn't think to call an auction company for transport, but Mecum is the largest auction house for collectible cars certainly in the USA. Every car going to auction must be brought to the auction, and once sold, must be transported to the new owner. Of course some drive in both directions but the majority are transported. So, being the largest, Mecum has their own transport division.

I paid just over $900 to bring the car from MI to NC. It was in an amazingly large and fully sealed rig specifically designed for collectible car transport. I had to wait for it to be in a convenient routing for them, but well worth the wait. The driver was a skilled professional, everything was amazing.

https://www.mecum.com/transport/

[teahead]

go on uship.com

put out your vehicle; you'll get tons of bids.

Then, find one you like/good reviews, then contact them directly so you don't have to pay uship fees.

[specracer]

I usually ship around 3-4 times a year (various cars, and reasons). Reliable, and Shaughnessy Ive used the most, both with great results

[lowpad]

I'd be curious to hear others' experience with Uship. I love the idea -- and I got a very good price to ship a car from VA to MD, but the communication was totally disappointing. Driver was completely off on pickup and delivery times (much to the annoyance of the shipper and receiver), didn't speak much English etc. I never had any idea where the car was. Admittedly, it was over Easter weekend, but I'd be reluctant to ship another high-value car this way.

[specracer]

Used U-ship once. Was a car shell. I did not think the usual carriers would touch it, as it was on a dolly. Was OK. Driver was rough, in an F150, and trailer (little sketchy). I would not go there for a car I cared about. I personally would also avoid brokers like Montway. You dont know what your going to get. Sold a car, buyer arranged with Montway for enclosed carrier. An open car hauler arrived.

[Vander]

I'd be curious to hear others' experience with Uship. I love the idea -- and I got a very good price to ship a car from VA to MD, but the communication was totally disappointing. Driver was completely off on pickup and delivery times (much to the annoyance of the shipper and receiver), didn't speak much English etc. I never had any idea where the car was. Admittedly, it was over Easter weekend, but I'd be reluctant to ship another high-value car this way.

I would imagine less than 10% of the car transporters speak English as their primary language. Most of the ones that do you will find with the white glove companies such as Reliable. It is an industry that is dominated by eastern europeans.

[Vander]

Used U-ship once. Was a car shell. I did not think the usual carriers would touch it, as it was on a dolly. Was OK. Driver was rough, in an F150, and trailer (little sketchy). I would not go there for a car I cared about. I personally would also avoid brokers like Montway. You dont know what your going to get. Sold a car, buyer arranged with Montway for enclosed carrier. An open car hauler arrived.

Montway is the worst! And here is why you get such poor quality.....First they offer you a really low price to get your business, which means they offer a transporter much below what it costs to get the job done so you get the bottom bottom bottom of the barrel for quality.

Then on top of that I have seen Montway,  not be able to get a car moved at all so they come back and ask for more money even though they promised you a low price. So you have 2 options...
either give them more money or sit around await while no one calls them to move your car for a ridiculously low price.

[ejboyd5]

"Gertruda, as much as we love her, is not a concours quality woman."

Gertruda has just spent considerable time being fixed by a well respected shop and is probably in the best shape ever since leaving the factory. I would drive her to Colorado.