Auto Transport, CDI Transport, USI Southwest, Their Neglegence Will Ruin Your Car; Transport Damage; Failure To Cooperate Ripoff Houston Texas

My name is Candace, and I am the Office Manager at Auto Transport Inc (ATI). I am in charge of claims as well. It has just come to my attention that ATI has a negative report on Ripoffreport.com. Even though the complaint was filed back in 2006, I must respond to the charges against my company.

For everyone's benefit, let us recap from the beginning what actually happened. ATI was contracted by Direct Express Auto Transport to transport a 1967 Jeep. This vehicle was originating from AR and delivering to PA. On September 24, 2006, our driver, David Schwab, picked up the vehicle from Mr. Phillip Staggs. Phillip was the authorized representative for Mr. Stephen Sxxxx.

Upon David inspecting the 1967 Jeep with a canvas top at origin, he expressed his concerns about the canvas top and offered Phillip the opportunity to remove it. Phillip assured the driver that the canvas top would be fine and he declined to remove it at that time. David then explained to Phillip that due to these conditions that the vehicle needed to "goes as is" and that we could not be held responsible for the top in case something should happen due to strong winds or normal driving speeds. David then noted "goes as is" on the inspection form which Phillip signed in order to release the vehicle into our possession. ATI's contract clearly states in the terms and conditions that the preparation of the vehicle is the responsibility of the shipper. Section # 7 of terms and conditions: The customer is responsible for preparing the vehicle for transport.

All loose parts, fragile or protruding accessories, low hanging spoilers, etc, must be removed and properly secured. Any part of the vehicle that falls off during transport is the customer's responsibility including damage caused by said part to any and all other vehicles involved. Section # 11 of terms and conditions: The transporter will not be responsible for convertible tops that are loose, torn or have visible wear. The transporter will not be responsible for vehicle boots, caps, masks, bras or any other type of canvas or material covering. No exceptions. In a letter from Stephen Sheetz, he claimed that our driver said that the 80 mph wind got under it. This statement is false and impossible as our trucks are restricted by a computer to run no more than 70 mph on cruse and 73 mph when not on cruise. Our driver, David Schwab, is a driver with more than ten years experience in the auto transportation business. ATI feels that David handled the transport of the Jeep professionally. In the claim on Ripoffreport.com, Stephen states that the driver, upon pickup, recognized a problem with the canvas soft top but failed to correct it or contact me. First, ATI can not make modifications to a vehicle and secondly, Phillip was told the issue and refused to correct the problem. Now in response to the statement regarding Scott Deinum being uncooperative is a complete lie. Scott has been in the transportation business for over 15 years and is respected by his co-workers, customers and brokers alike. It is not in his character to be abusive in anyway. ATI has been in business for over 15 years and strives to make each and every customer completely satisfied with their experience with our company. ATI is proud of our high volume of return customers and appreciate the opportunity to serve our customers with polite, experienced and courteous drivers as well as hassle and damage free trasnsportation. Unfortunately it is impossible to please everyone. When there is a claim, ATI does review the facts to determine action. ATI accepts responsibility of damage WHEN it is the fault of the driver and/or equipment. In this case we feel that it is neither. ATI honestly feels that Stephen would never be happy with anything that we did. In closing, ATI understands that Stephen was unhappy with our company. We are saddened by that. It is not our intention to make people upset. ATI has guidelines that were followed even though it did not satisfy Stephen. Thank you for your time Sincerly, Candace Griffin Auto Transport Inc Houston, TX

In this case, bad management leads to unprofessional employees, which leads to damage, which leads to unhappy customers. It's a recipe for a bankrupt company. "Never send a boy to do a man's job" comes to mind. Just to warn everyone, these guys ARE CHEAP and WILL DO a cheap job, when a quality job is requested and deserved. Zero communication of options, rights, and responsibilities. So please look around and find anyone better than Auto Transport. I sure will!

If there is a problem with the top and it is not a "highway" vehicle you should in the future hire the services of a enclosed carrier, not just shop around and find the lowest cut rate carrier available. As for your claim I am sure there were terms and conditions with your carrier transport agreement, which probably covers the carrier from inproperly secured tops and aftermarket accessories.

It's called shoddy workmanship... I was not present at pickup time; driver noticed top was not securely attached, but didn't correct it or call me. Just drove off with it anyway... Also knew it was not a highway jeep. Should have kept speed in check. I'll never hire Auto Transport, Inc. again.

Your top was obviously damaged prior to being transported. Being transported at 75 mph is no different than being driven 75 mph.

If the top had been in good shape to begin with, it would not have been damaged during the trip.

That's why you were denied on your claim.