Company Response Review Report Review
Couldn't Have Been Happier!!!

MCFoster Submitted this review about Magic Carpet Auto Transport
Review made Live: 9/1/2011 4:27:00 PM
We were shipping our '02 Saab 9-3 from Ann Arbor, MI to Seattle, WA and had a lot of trepidation about the whole car transport business, (and when you are already stressed out with moving, the last thing you want to hassle with is trying to figure out this bizarre world)! Enter Don Treece and Magic Carpet Auto Transport. We'd seen their excellent reviews online, but after talking with Don, I felt the "human" element was there as well! Don answered my 10 million questions about middle-men and independent drivers/trucks.

The way I understand this works is that Magic Carpet services as a broker and charges a fee (in our case $260). They then post your car shipment and independent truckers going "your way" bid on the job. The drivers want to to fill their trucks with as many cars from the same area or enroute as possible. Some people have had bad experiences and I think it depends a lot on what trucking company gets the job. We had Reliable Auto and from the driver/trucking side, it went perfectly.

The only issue we had was that the original quote from Magic Carpet went up slightly once the Reliable Auto bid on the job. I'm guessing this was because we moved in the peak season of August when there was more demand than supply. Therefore, instead of $783, the driver wanted $900. NOTE: the extra money went to the driver's co, not Magic Carpet and Don was more than willing to keep our posting up to see if we received lower bids. Since I had called several other companies, I knew $900 was the going rate for shipment from midwest to Seattle. Since we wanted to be there when our car was picked up and that date matched our plans, we went with the higher bid. Just be aware the cost can vary slightly given the season, but you are not contracted to accept a submitted bid.

That said, our car was picked up on time, and delivered on time in perfect condition. When our car arrived in Seattle, our friend who was meeting the driver at our new home couldn't make it that same day. So, they came the next day. There was an issue getting the big rig down our narrow street so the driver drove our car to our house and then our friend drove him 3 blocks back to his truck on a main artery.

I can happily recommend Magic Carpet and suggest you ask for Don Treece (tel: 360-975-3346) who is the nicest guy ever! He was always available by phone and actually called us - even on a weekend- to keep us updated. Bottom line, tho' is that Magic Carpet is just the broker and cannot affect the independent trucker who actually picks up your car and drops it off.

Things for you to be aware of when shipping: 1) Ask if there is a "storage fee" on the other end if you are not available to meet your car when it arrives. 2) will the driver bring your car to you or are you expected to meet him? (3) There is usually a 5-day window for picking up car, make sure you have a back up plan if you leave before your car pickup occurs (i.e., leave it with a friend with keys), You might want to snap some photos or run a video of your car as it was prior to pickup to document any possible later damage; (4) note that payment occurs when the car is dropped off and they only accept cashier check, money order or cash! In conclusion, our car shipment was seamless and we liked both Don Treece at Magic Carpet and the Russian-American driver Tony from Reliable Auto who actually picked up the car. (full disclosure: I am receiving a $30 for posting a review).
Shipment Details
Origin State:
Michigan
Pickup:
On Time
Destination State:
Washington
Delivery:
On Time
Customer Service
Honesty:
Knowlegeable:
Promptness:
Customer Service:
Review Details
Quote or Order Id:
1530687
Quote or Order Cost:
$1160

Company Response
Terry Williams from Magic Carpet Auto Transport Submitted this response.
Response Date: 9/2/2011 1:47:00 AM
Don@magiccarpetautotransport.com / Direct 360-975-3346 Mary, thank you for the great and informative review; I want to personally thank you for your interest in knowing all the in's and out's of your transport, it looks as though you truly listened to not just me, but the carrier as well and really became knowledgable about the process. This is important for all customers to some extent, so that they have realistic expectations on the transport of thier loved ones: thier cars. Thank you again for your business! don@magic