Why I HATE Shipping Supercars

[@juanvideofotos]

Most people are dropping AirTags inside their cars, you can suggest to your customers to mail you one before shipping.

[@normalguysupercar]

Not a bad idea actually.

[@robotfixr]

Did just this last week. Car from Cincinnati to Phoenix. It worked great as I was able to watch it the whole way. Shared the tag with the buyer.

[@crherniman]

Or you could just buy one for them. They're pretty cheap.

[@Lumber_Jack]

I could feel my blood boil watching this. I have had some good experiences shipping cars, but quite a few lousy ones -- lost keys, multi-week delays due to breakdowns, all kinds of shady behavior, and the best was getting in the middle of money dispute between trucker and broker that had nothing to do with me, but they held my car ransom while they worked it out. It is a shady, sketchy, horrible business with some questionable people. I am to the point where I will only buy cars within a day's drive so I can go get them myself. It costs me time and money but I don't have to deal with the stress of shipping. If I ever have to ship again, I will use a company like Reliable or Intercity, but it usually means a multi-week wait since they are always backlogged and in demand.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah we've had other fun times... Had the money things happen once too lol

[@Phoenixautosales]

I deal with these people on a weekly basis..they’re all from uzbekistan, khazakistan, Georgia etc. They show up in sandles, wreak heavily and don’t speaks a lick of English. Don’t even get me started on the shady trailers they come in.

[@normalguysupercar]

The sandals part is SOOOO accurate. Crocks 90% of the time.

[@UweRiemeyer-ih1zh]

Love these car stories and the channel. Keep going. Appreciate the content. Especially the DIY stuff.

[@normalguysupercar]

Thanks! Will do!

[@danielallocca7770]

I’ve bought and sold half a dozen cars that involved transport and experiences were definitely a mixed bag. Cross country is particularly risky since your car might switch trucks several times, sit in a yard for a night or two, etc. that happened on a car I bought from salt lake. The best experience I had was from a transport company that bring a trailer contracted via checkout: that experience was seamless and even allowed me to track where the truck was on their app. Very well done.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah the longer the distance the more risk

[@limulus61]

Back in 1998, I bought a Lotus Europa. These are tiny cars and it weighed around 1,500 pounds. It was transported on a traditional two level car carrier that manufacturers use. The driver couldn't fit into the car and didn't want to risk any damage. He asked me to back the car off the TOP freaking rack. That was scary as hell for me, but I did it. I sold it in 2006 to a fellow in NY and shipped it on the same type of carrier. This driver also couldn't fit into the car and I drove it onto the lower rack this time. It was a racecar and the roof was only 39" tall. I was much more flexible in those days and knew how to get in and out. You had to wear racing boots or the pedals were much too close. I also had to put my helmet on and take it off inside the car or I couldn't get out.

[@craig162]

I shipped one car from CT to FL. I did my homework and thought I had picked a good company with its own trucks and drivers. What a disaster. They dropped it off at the wrong airport parking lot and gave the keys to a guy in the office. I found it hours later, it had 25 more miles on it and was covered in dirt. Never again.

[@normalguysupercar]

Sounds about right.

[@christschool]

If your experience is like mine, all these shippers seem to be from Eastern Europe. I use Montway and have a great end to end experience with them.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@cylepath6248]

great content. not typical car stuff. i sell to body shops all over country. one morning, a customer had a shipper waiting on shop to open. had a door ding in F8 Tributo. paid shop in cash and an extra 1k to move it ahead of all other customers...and quietly.

[@normalguysupercar]

That does NOT shock me one bit.

[@Keith-po7nw]

Great stories. I’ve been through a few of those dilemmas myself.

[@normalguysupercar]

They aren't fun

[@colelje]

Thanks for sharing the stories. Its good that you are still able to see the humour when such things happen. Its easy to just freak out and go all out. Glad you guys are super chill. Cheers.

[@normalguysupercar]

Gotta work the problem before freaking out

[@freddaniali]

Homeboy who was trying to load Casey's RS America stalled the car like 10 times trying to load it. We kept trying to tell him to use more throttle and he couldn't understand what we were saying since he only spoke Russian. Casey was so pissed! 🤣🤣🤣

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol sounds about right

[@evoIX850r]

I’ve found this to be fairly common when using a transportation broker. They don’t take the same level of care as an independent carrier and the drivers tend to be less experienced with supercars, although the pricing is usually meaningfully more competitive. That said, I understand how it can be difficult to make the case to a buyer why they should spend double the cost to go with “X” carrier. That being said, all it takes is one or two situations like this for them to understand why it may make sense to spend a little bit more for the peace of mind next time. Glad nothing bad happened!

[@BigBisalreadytaken]

Imagine arranging shipping for a camping trailer... from Asia. "Where's the shipper?" was the question the RV dealer kept asking. Finally at 10 pm he shows up at the RV dealer. His driveshaft blew up... No phone call. Didn't answer his phone. Nothing. Then the drama of him getting to the port. He got there just in time before the boat left.

[@ViperGuy145]

You always got to remember phone, wallet, keys or in this case... teléfono, billetera, llaves

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha yes.

[@MEGLITatUT]

Except the shippers are 90% Russian dudes

[@Mrtom248]

The first one was just nuts. How hard is it to drive a car straight out of a trailer 😂

[@HalfBackCrack]

Pretty hard when you come from a country that uses horses as primary transportation.

[@Mrtom248]

@HalfBackCrack yep

[@terrencethorsen]

I just bought a 430 last week, which came bundled with my own head-shaking delivery story. I had no idea none of these guys spoke English, I thought my situation was unique. I live in the back woods with single lane gravel roads and low bridges, so I sent them a map of the exact route, with big red X's around what to avoid. I also arranged to meet them at the end of my road, because it is single lane and winding, and I knew that even if the trailer found its way in, it would probably not find its way out. I put a big blue circle around the drop off point. So I get the text saying the guy's at the drop off point. I drive over but there's nobody there. I call back, explain the situation. The dispatcher calls the driver. He's in the wrong location. The dispatcher texts me a pin drop. Of course the driver thought the big red X labeled "single lane road, don't go this way!!!" was the drop off spot... It's only a half mile away, so I drive over there to find that he's already unloaded the car, basically on the side of the road - and two tires are flat. To his credit, the guy carefully and competently loaded the car back up and then followed me [the long way] to the actual drop off spot. Unfortunately, this time he couldn't unload the car because the tires had gotten low enough that the undercarriage would scrape against the ramp joint. It would have helped to have known at this point that the 430 has a portable compressor in the frunk... but I didn't know, so we had to find an accessible neighbor with an air compressor. The neighbors were pretty entertained at having a truck roll up to their door with a Ferrari in it. They got the first rides. In the end, everything worked out. I appreciated that the driver didn't force the unloading and didn't burn up my clutch, though I'm still not sure how the tires went flat. In the end, I gave him a very nice tip. I can't imagine flying off to a foreign land and taking a job like this. You gotta give these guys credit for gumption.

[@normalguysupercar]

We've had the cars arriving with a flat tire thing a few times. More common is them arriving with a dead battery. That's frustrating too.

[@emptymannull]

I've had mixed experiences as well, thankfully more which were better than worse. As of COVID tho, if a transporter shows up in sandals and looks like he doesn't know what he's doing, I'll refuse pickup and call the broker for another driver. It sucks but it's not worth the risk IMO. I also never transport not fully enclosed. Even in most best cases, I end up with trashed dead batteries that had been new on just a cross country transport. Also, leaks from cars above into mine. One was on a sunroof and got oil in the felt seal. These idiots always make some mistake.

[@normalguysupercar]

The sandals things is so odd

[@satchelh]

My cousin got trapped in his Z06 by the electric door latch and a weak battery. He had to call a Chevy dealership and talk to a mechanic to get out. Hilarious when you're not the one trapped.

[@normalguysupercar]

LOL! Reminds me of when I was stuck in an elevator for 3 hours. Worst part is that it was glass so all my coworkers could see me and laugh at me.

[@CompletelyLawless]

I have been through this for years too. I just shipped a McLaren and Reliable Transport is the answer - they live up to their name! Quick, fair price, and easy.

[@normalguysupercar]

Most people won't pay that much unfortunately.

[@CompletelyLawless]

@@normalguysupercarWell, you get what you pay for I guess. For me it was worth knowing my new $175K car wouldn’t be damaged. $1,100 NYC-NC was well worth it. Driver’s next stop was Hilton Head Concourse to pick up six McLarens back to CLT. What do they say, price, quality, service: pick two? I know I’m preaching to the choir though … PS: glad to see you back to the DIY videos - please keep it up!

[@asherbrown9634]

If the c6 is a 2005 and a stick, it needs to be parked in reverse, otherwise it drains the battery. Could be the problem.

[@normalguysupercar]

It's a 2007 and a manual... That's interesting about reverse.

[@joejung7401]

Glad I paid for covered transport. It was great to have someone deliver my supercar perfectly and on time happy to share contact dan

[@normalguysupercar]

We typically do enclosed but these were coming from Dallas

[@teamgmotorsports]

Take it from someone who used to be in the trucking industry, you really need to stop using those cheap ass companies and use someone like reliable or plycar…..they both specialize in exotic cars

[@normalguysupercar]

Nobody wants to pay that much

[@teamgmotorsports]

@@normalguysupercarwell the old adage goes “you get what you pay for!”

[@loganfutbol21]

Met a shipper at our local Walmart to get our Morgan Plus 8. No English. 2 hours early. And he made me climb into the trailer to unload the car. "I can't drive a manual". How the hell you get it in the trailer then???? Also have a Morgan 3 wheeler we needed shipped to Chicago. Shipper showed up in a Sprinter Van. The 3 wheeler is just as wide as a regular car 🤦🏻‍♂️ We ended up driving it from Ohio to Chicago ourselves.

[@eagle2032]

Some delivery drivers/truckers are mind bogglingly dangerous and out of it.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@mrpbody44]

I have a trauma kit in each car and my shop that I change out every year. They are a lot cheaper than they used to be. Be prepared

[@normalguysupercar]

We have one.

[@chanmanmedia5845]

Had a Shelby Mustang delivered; driver was Russian, no English, used translation app on his phone. Said he had been in the U.S. for a week.

[@normalguysupercar]

Only a week? Geeze.

[@Americana-m4p]

lol, here in Seattle ALL transportation guys are Russians

[@meintingles4396]

Love your channel man. Is it common to ship cars for servicing? Say you live in the middle of nowhere?

[@normalguysupercar]

It does happen

[@smote911]

I hope to one day buy a car from you guys but I think I will find my own shipping company!😅

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha we won't be offended.

[@tg_ny]

It’s amazing that you guys don’t drink more. You’d think that the brokers would put their best people on the jobs involving supercars. If I ever get the chance to buy a car from you, I am going to fly down and driving it home…

[@normalguysupercar]

I think that's a fun adventure and advise it

[@mrpbody44]

One of the worst days of my life was finding out my Alfa Romeo GTV6 Callway turbo fell off the transporter on I95 on it's way to Baltimore for service. The didn't secure it properly - total loss

[@normalguysupercar]

That would be awful.

[@pjtill1]

Auto shipping is one of the shadiest enterprises on earth.

[@cbell5017]

Reliable Transport has always worked out well for me. Maybe a little on the pricey side.

[@normalguysupercar]

They are pricey and typically slow

[@cconnon1912]

I see a car shipping trailer and service in your future.

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol we discussed it.

[@nickhoffman5524]

Dan years ago friend of mine sold his 69 chevelle 10 sec street car to person in north carolina, transporter picked car up and between houston and north carolina the transporter did some grudge racing with it on way to the buyer. Car arrived to new owner with rods hanging out of oil pan. Claim was done against transport company, they fired driver and had to pay 12k to get new motor built.

[@normalguysupercar]

Wow that's a whole new level of crazy.

[@tonybrown6775]

When I worked at Bob Rohman Suzi Hydea Isuzu on south side of Indianapolis Indiana a transport driver ripped a front bumper on a new car infront of me. Went told General manager right away about it.

[@normalguysupercar]

Ohhh dang.

[@chuckvickrey120]

Broker is first thing u said. Use intercity passport or reliable only. Brokers might be cheaper but Billy bob auto transport will be trouble

[@carolneumann2860]

Plycar is good too

[@KettleBell-md8ph]

I think Billy Bob speaks English.

[@normalguysupercar]

The problem is when it's 2x the cost, nobody wants to pay for that.

[@turboboost99]

Disagree strongly. Intercity, Reliable, Passport and Horseless Carriage are always at least a month out for pickup, and are silly expensive. I've used brokers and billy bob transporters several times also, and they have never failed to provide outstanding service for less than half the price of the big rig carriers. I've never had a driver who didn't speak English, however. That I would not abide.

[@carolneumann2860]

I had my purchased Ferrari shipped from Ferrari San Fran to Maine by Plycar. We settled the dealer paperwork on a Friday and the car was prepped and loaded the following Weds. $3615 including insurance . Big rig brand new equipment, climate controlled trailer. The car arrived in 10 days. And the driver spoke English and had his daughter riding along to see the country as it was summer recess.

[@JohnSmith-ij4xe]

I get semi shipments and you would be surprised that 90% of them don’t know how to back up. The story time is enjoyable 😊 but I could see the last one was an error that anyone could do but yes you think you would double check to make sure you have everything. I can also see why he didn’t want to drag the trailer back and forth.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah. I don't blame him for dropping the trailer.

[@JetBlake-sv3gs]

By any chance do you sell parts for a 1980 Ford Pinto? Just thought I would ask. lol

[@michaelseningen4378]

If they didn’t tie the car properly or really bumpy road it can walk, we use styrofoam blocks to keep our race cars from hopping too far inside the trailer

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah, they usually don't mess up the tie down part.

[@nikcertified8778]

there was a guy that died in a c6 corvette in the Texas heat as he did not know how to open the door after the battery died and was trapped inside

[@normalguysupercar]

I could see that happening. It's not totally obvious.

[@JohnTaylor-b2e]

Hi Dan--I realize you would be better-off having all buyers come to you to pick-up their cars but we both know that would seriously hurt your business. Perhaps if you and Josh insist that the shipping companies you hire require the guys or gals they employ doing the shipping have Google Translator on their cell phones. This would lesson the possibility of these problems happening so often. On a positive note--it sounds like you guys are busy!!

[@normalguysupercar]

Most of the time the language barrier isn't a problem... But when things go wrong it can be

[@kevinmanning8214]

Mother of God!! Pucker factor of a 1000!!

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol no kidding

[@nickhoffman5524]

fyi have you thought about carrier like reliant to transport your cars?

[@normalguysupercar]

Yes, but they are too expensive and too slow.

[@The_Mace]

I haven't said "Oh, Good Lord" so often while watching a video in a long time.

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol yeah

[@kurtkaster5666]

I see two trailers that I would never let someone ship a car for me on.

[@normalguysupercar]

OK

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

No way? That’s nuts

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@GeorgeMelle-vu1tb]

Sometimes you get what you pay for. Cheap is not good and good is not cheap for transport

[@normalguysupercar]

Generally but people want cheap.

[@donaldparlett7708]

Man I’d advise the customer that you only use companies like Reliable. Yeah they are pricier but well worth the cost and ease of mind as they are used to expensive vehicles.

[@normalguysupercar]

They are very expensive and slow. Most people aren't willing to pay for that.

[@UPNSMOKEAllAboutBBQ]

Serious question: what consideration have you given to buying your own trailer and delivering delivery/picking up cars yourself? I know it’s pain in the butt, but better than dealing with all these morons.

[@normalguysupercar]

We have a trailer and occasionally pick up cars ourselves.

[@phunypharm6151]

I want it fast, cheap and on time!! Pick two🤪

[@normalguysupercar]

Exactly

[@benclarke6177]

I’m sure you know this, but all brokers use the same pool of drivers. There is no such thing as a “company with great drivers” - the only difference between brokers is how in tune they are with market rates, so they can put a bid out to a driver for a price that’s good enough to get someone, but not “too much” that you’re over paying. Other than that - they all put bids out to the same pool of drivers and you get what you get.

[@normalguysupercar]

We're aware

[@Viporghini]

I don't get why people don't pay for a trailer with escape door... Who wants people crawling through their window on a Ferrari?

[@normalguysupercar]

I have the side door. It doesn't help with most Ferraris. The door is too high for the Ferrari doors to clear.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Dan don’t you check to see if they have a current drivers license and address. I won’t ride with a non English speaking Uber driver. To many us govt giveaways. Things like drivers licenses.

[@normalguysupercar]

The shipper has to be dot registered and carry a CDL

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

@ I’d still check. Lots of ID swapping going on. Amazing story.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Take a first aid course. It will come in handy with regards to serious wounds. I simply cannot imagine the stress you guys have in this business.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah that's not a bad idea

[@robertmeyer7664]

Deliver cars yourself in the future

[@normalguysupercar]

I didn't think people would be willing to pay for that most of the time

[@RoeVenturesLLC]

5:25 yikes 😬

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah

[@jimcear1766]

Intercity . Done

[@normalguysupercar]

Pricey

[@RottweilerSen]

😮Wij hebben senioren die de auto's wegbrengen die zijn blij wat bij te verdienen en gaan zorgzaam om met de auto's enkel wij hebben de trailer gekocht op de lange termijn veel leuker klanten blij en wij ook😅

[@chrisparker4940]

Good grief. You have ONE job!!

[@normalguysupercar]

Right?

[@gnashsang]

It seems like the drivers of these vehicle transports have Eastern European accents in my experience

[@normalguysupercar]

Most of the time.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Was the language spanish or something middle eastern?

[@MEGLITatUT]

Russian

[@normalguysupercar]

Typically it's Russian.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

@@normalguysupercar That surprises me. I hope you find some more reliable transport soon.

[@GavinY]

Hey Amigo, Habibi, you want a job driving a trailer around ? I'll give you 100 bucks for it, all you so is pick it up and drop it off yeah, easy. Na na na you don't need no nothing, just bring a truck and trailer, no it doesn't matter where you got those from either.

[@briannfs2]

Shoooo weeee!

[@normalguysupercar]

No kidding.

[@HalfBackCrack]

Id rather road trip the car home.

[@normalguysupercar]

Generally me too.

[@felemeis]

You get what you paid for

[@normalguysupercar]

Generally

[@Wifi-eq7sr]

I’ve managed people for 30 years. Common sense isn’t very common. When you throw in multicultural and language barriers, it gets even more complicated. I’m all for everybody having a fair chance at opportunity but if you’re not qualified - you’re not qualified. Frustrating.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yes this dude was clearly not qualified

[@supersonique001]

Language barrier??? Are you kidding, aren't you in Texas? Or am I just a sadly mistaken Canadian wo speaks French , English and Italian!!!

[@normalguysupercar]

This isn't usually spanish.

[@MEGLITatUT]

90% of the dudes in transport seem to speak Russian.

[@oscarcaruso204]

I ship cars all day long . 1. Proof of Insurance 2. How much are you covered for 3. Commercial License 4. No English , NO THANKS