Huge Drama with Raptor Transport - Steer Clear of Reliable Transport

[swamp2]

Nothing like a crescendo for the final part of my acquisition experience. From almost not getting an allocation, the UAW strike, almost losing $13k in price protection to terrible accuracy on the Ford tracking site, its been a "journey" to say the least. Well, Mike@Reliable Transport (FL and NY) offered a great price but had HUGE drama with him. Steer clear!

(Mike @ Reliable Transport, 347-299-3974)

• 1st pickup was missed as driver showed up when the dealer was closed. Their hours are odd, but are posted on their website.
• 2nd pickup missed as trailer was too small (he was informed about the large Raptor in our first call).
• When 3rd truck was about 15% of the way along the route, I got an email from Mike with a 40% price bump ($500 bump).
• I had a lot of fun tracking the trucks trip with the Ford Pass App.
• Mike wouldn't admit the simple fact that prices simply CAN'T change after price is agreed upon and service begins.
• I flat out refused to pay the higher price.
• Mike refunded me his portion of the fee only ($300/$1200 - most likely so the driver would not get shorted as much).
• After thanking him for that and noting that the refund was an admission of fault (via email), Mike called me from a caller ID blocked number and threatened me with great bodily injury while screaming and swearing like a sailor.
• I got an email from Mike noting "no key and no truck" without paying the full new drivers fee to the driver ($1400)
• My anxiety about a truck abandoned with the key inside, roadside, at a truck stop or in the middle of nowhere Wyoming or a escalating/violent driver upon delivery grew.
• I inquired about Police presence upon delivery, but logistics made it practically impossible. My ex-Navy SEAL buddy also offered to be present at the time of delivery, just in case. I declined and rolled the dice.
• As the vehicle was on it final leg of movement, I worked with the driver management (text, emails and calls) providing documentation and dates as to the initial contract with Mike. I felt they "got it", but I had no update as to their final expectation at delivery.
• Driver was a huge, fully tatted up Eastern European guy. He was also very soft spoken and professional. He unloaded, handed my the key and took delivery pictures from all angles before any discussion on price or payment.
• I asked if he knew about the problem with Mike and the payment issue and he said yes and mentioned he expected the lower price only ($1200).
• He refused a healthy tip, TWICE, and I basically crammed the large bill into his hand, making sure he knew that this was for him.

So much drama, but all is well that ends well, I suppose. Many advised me to simple eat the final $200 difference, but $20 or $2000, I simply will not tolerate the classic "bait and switch". Turns out there is another bait and switch review on Mike online here.

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[JediMcMuffin]

All that for a Raptor? :O I dearly hope you're planning to wheel the crap out of this thing.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Man that stinks! Glad you finally got your truck.

 

[swamp2]

All that for a Raptor? :O I dearly hope you're planning to wheel the crap out of this thing.

Its unlike any vehicle purchase I've ever done. Both post-COVID chip shortages, and supply chain issues as well as the UAW strike were obviously significant uncontrollable factors. She's already been wheeled a bit with MUCH more to come. Not a garage queen! It's a pretty special vehicle. If you get the chance to push one hard off road, do it.

 

[Andyp]

Glad it worked out for you but I would have brought your Navy Seal friend...

 

[Johnny Rebel]

Its unlike any vehicle purchase I've ever done. Both post-COVID chip shortages, and supply chain issues as well as the UAW strike were obviously significant uncontrollable factors. She's already been wheeled a bit with MUCH more to come. Not a garage queen! It's a pretty special vehicle. If you get the chance to push one hard off road, do it.

You scheduled for the Raptor OffRoadeo yet? It takes “pushing it” to the next level. You’ll love it.

 

[USSCajun]

Why not get a one way airfare and drive it home?

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Its unlike any vehicle purchase I've ever done. Both post-COVID chip shortages, and supply chain issues as well as the UAW strike were obviously significant uncontrollable factors. She's already been wheeled a bit with MUCH more to come. Not a garage queen! It's a pretty special vehicle. If you get the chance to push one hard off road, do it.

we'll meet up at some point so you can give me a turn behind the wheel, i've got busy obligations right now but i'm planning to be active in that SDBroncos group as well.

 

[swamp2]

You scheduled for the Raptor OffRoadeo yet? It takes “pushing it” to the next level. You’ll love it.

Trying to go March 3 near Vegas but everything recently is tricky with family obligations. Fingers crossed. That said, it doesn't look beyond stuff I've already done. Haven't owned a jump capable rig yet, but have got some decent air in SxS.

Why not get a one way airfare and drive it home?

Pondered that, but it's a very long trip and I didn't want my son to be out of school that long. We made a weekend holiday out of it and I got to drive it around that weekend.

we'll meet up at some point so you can give me a turn behind the wheel, i've got busy obligations right now but i'm planning to be active in that SDBroncos group as well.

Sure. Not sure how active I'll be in that group as I have a few good wheeling buddies already. That said, I'd happily let a stranger from B6G try my rig. I've let strangers drive most of my rigs. I considered Glamis today, but really want my PPF first...

 

[patientB]

This is too much drama, for a simple Ford factory vehicle.

Chill out, enjoy the ride.

Congrats on getting a supercool spec.

 

[swamp2]

This is too much drama, for a simple Ford factory vehicle.

Chill out, enjoy the ride.

Congrats on getting a supercool spec.

Yes, agree. I had no intent for such, but times are strange in the auto industry.

Thanks!

 

[lapazleo]

This is strange. I've been in the trucking business for nearly half a century and Reliable has a stellar reputation for transporting high end vehicles that are one of a kind worth 100s of millions so I not sure what the issue is here. But above and beyond the agreed upon rate is fuel surcharge which can go up or down weekly based on the department of energy's official surcharge number. Could be a different Reliable too. The Reliable with the stellar reputation is headquartered in Canton Mi.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

This is strange. I've been in the trucking business for nearly half a century and Reliable has a stellar reputation for transporting high end vehicles that are one of a kind worth 100s of millions so I not sure what the issue is here. But above and beyond the agreed upon rate is fuel surcharge which can go up or down weekly based on the department of energy's official surcharge number. Could be a different Reliable too. The Reliable with the stellar reputation is headquartered in Canton Mi.

Think he used a broker named Reliable Transport. Different company than Reliable Carriers (the big orange trucks) that you’re thinking about.

There’s no way Reliable Carriers would have treated him as poorly as this other guy did. They really are the gold standard of auto transport.

 

[swamp2]

Think he used a broker named Reliable Transport.

Indeed, as per the OP @lapazleo

 

[APEX REX]

Auto transporters suck. I have shipped numerous vehicles over the years and they are all very unreliable.

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