SMS was great, but Pioneer Auto Express (carrier) was Frustrating
Alissa
Submitted this review about
Specialty Mobile Systems
Review made Live: 1/7/2007 5:15:00 PM
This was my second time using Specialty Mobile, and I write this with a mixed review – more to blame on the carrier than the broker, but I couldn’t give SMS a stellar review like last time because of the inconvenience I experienced during drop off of my car in New Jersey.
To preface – SMS was very helpful throughout the process (especially Dee!). I didn’t even research any other companies because of my experience the first time. Within a few days of placing my order, I received a call saying that SMS found me a carrier, Pioneer Auto Express. This company was the company who shipped my car the first time, and although it was extremely frustrating to deal with them because the drivers speak poor English, they still picked up and dropped off my car on time without any damage. Pioneer Auto Express was able to pick my car up in the later part of my ten day pickup window, which is exactly what I wanted. Pickup went well, as the driver picked up my car right outside my CA complex at the time and day he said he would.
Dropoff in NJ, however, was less than desirable. My car was estimated to arrive on 12/23, however, when I called the carrier around 12/18, they said my car would not be dropped off until 12/26 or 12/27 – after the holidays. Those 4 days late altered my plans for the rest of the week but I had to make do. I understand the carriers are entitled to holidays, but had I known my car would be arriving after the holidays, SMS should have told me this and I would gladly have bumped up my pickup time by a few days to get my car before the holidays in NJ.
The car was actually dropped off on Christmas Day, 12/25 – still late, but earlier than the NEW estimated dropoff time. Luckily, I was spending that day at home in NJ so it was not a problem. Besides expected dirtiness, there was no damage to my car.
I don’t see myself shipping my car in the future. If I had to, I would most likely use SMS again, but I’ve had communication issues during both of my moves with Pioneer Auto Express, so I’m not sure if I would use them again as a carrier. Transporting a car across the country is a big deal, and Pioneer only added to my frustration.
