Company Response Review Report Review
Just the Facts

Brad and Joan Ryder Submitted this review about AA All Star Discount Auto Transport Inc.
Review made Live: 8/4/2011 7:29:00 PM
Early in May 2011, we started researching the cost and time-frame for getting a 2006 Ford Ranger from New Hampshire to San Diego California. AAA All*Star Discount Auto Transporters quoted $899 (later to be increased), which we determined was less expensive than driving and would presumably get the truck delivered sooner than if we were to drive it out in mid-July.

In these preliminary communications, Brad offered to drive the truck to a more convenient city or location instead of having the carrier come to Keene. One mistake we made with these people is telling them there was no rush - but it was only May, so we thought at least the Ranger would arrive in San Diego before the end of June. Instead, it ended up being early August!

Here’s a recap of our communications:

May 17, 2011 - We signed and faxed a shipping quote form/contract for shipping available 5/31/11. The deposit was charged to the credit card within 24 hours. From this time on we had no communication unless we contacted AAA to ask for information.

May 31 - Not having heard anything, we emailed to ask what was the next step in arranging for shipping. We were told that since it was the first available day (as shown on the contract), AAA had just started looking for a trucker. We let them know we were willing to drive to a more convenient location or a larger city to meet the trucker.

June 5 - We sent an email asking if we should expect shipping in the next week or two.

June 7 - Bambi responded by email: Hopefully it will be assigned by the end of the week.

June 10 - We sent another email asking if we could speed up the process and get the truck to San Diego by the end of the month.

June 10 - Bambi responded It should be on its way by the end of next week and get to CA a week or so later.

June 17 - We sent an email again stating our desire for delivery
by June 30 and suggesting we could add another hundred dollars for the shipper or drive somewhere to meet a hauler.

Around mid June (a month after initial contract signed), we contacted a few other shippers due to not having any evidence the truck was going to be shipped. One helpful individual advised us that no one will ship it for that price.

June 21 - We emailed Bambi to let her know another agent was trying to find a hauler to deliver the truck by June 30 for $1400.

June 22 - For $1399, $500 (56%) over initial quote, Bambi told us the truck could ship after July 4 to arrive in San Diego around July 15. She commented that few truckers come to Keene, NH (as you’ll recall, Brad had offered to drive it to a more convenient location).

June 24 - We emailed to confirm we wanted booking at the new rate.

June 28 - Having heard nothing, we sent another email asking if shipper was booked and delivery anticipated around July 14.

June 29 - Bambi responded that the carrier had just confirmed for pick up around July 12th and delivery in 7 days or so; meanwhile she said she was looking for someone to take the Ranger sooner.

July 5 - We were emailed another contract, which we signed and sent back.

July 12 - Lisa gave us the name of shipper and driver, but we did not write it down (our fault); she said the Ranger would ship on 7/18/11 and be delivered within a week. She said Shipper will call you near the end of the week.

July 15 - Had not heard from shipper. Called AAA and Paul hung up on Brad twice when he asked for repetition of the name and number of the driver to offer a more convenient city for pick up if necessary. Finally Lisa called back to give the name of the shipper. Phone contact made with shipper.

July 20 - Ranger was loaded onto a hauler at 11 am.

August 2 - Ranger delivered to our daughter in San Diego. Yay.
Shipment Details
Origin State:
New Hampshire
Pickup:
Late
Destination State:
California
Delivery:
On Time
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
78051-CE
Quote or Order Cost:
$1399

Company Response
Lisa from AA All Star Discount Auto Transport Inc. Submitted this response.
Response Date: 8/7/2011 11:24:00 AM
We gave the Ryders wonderful service, as you can see in their documented re-cap of events. However, see June 21, when Ryder states he BOOKED WITH ANOTHER COMPANY for $1400 to ship his pick up truck. Even at THAT PRICE HE COULDN'T GET THE OTHER COMPANY TO FIND HIM A CARRIER. Once he was DOUBLE BOOKED, which means that Mr Ryder was NOW BIDDING AGAINST HIMSELF and jacking up his own price dramatically. Drivers see that and anyone willing to take his truck wanted the JACKED UP PRICE FROM THE OTHER COMPANY or more. WE DID FIND A CARRIER willing to come to Keene, NH to pick up the Ranger. We gave the Ryders the option of CANCELING THE ORDER FOR A FULL REFUND, however, the Ryders said to please ship their truck and seemed happy and then submitted a new shipping order reflecting the new amount to the carrier, not to us. OUR FEE TO FIND A CARRIER NEVER INCREASED. IT ALL WENT TO THE DRIVER ON DELIVERY OF THE TRUCK. The Ryders, were pleased, as their daughter had come back for July 4th holiday for a few weeks and Mr. Ryder said that it would be great for her to have her truck in NH while she was home. WE PROVIDED CARRIER FOR A DIFFICULT MOVE, WHICH NO OTHER COMPANY COULD PROVIDED. We left no stone unturned and made 25 or 30 calls to carriers asking them to transport for them. Despite the fact that we provided service that NO ONE ELSE COULD FIND FOR THEM, had wonderful communication and excellent customer service and worked our tails off to find them a carrier, after they double booked with another company that jacked up the price dramatically - instead of a thank you they chose to vent and complain and not give all the facts. It just a shame that they don't appreciate the amount of work that went in to their order to get this truck picked up under the conditions that the Ryders created. Shame on them.