Car Buyers Beware

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This car was improperly secured and could be damaged.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

The decision to start using second-rate carhaulers appears to be bad news for cars and new car buyers. This Dodge Challenger was improperly secured by running straps through the tire rims. The car in this picture could have damage to its tires or axles that would cause steering problems, premature tire wear and lower gas mileage. There could also be damage to the suspension that would compromise the handling and safety of the vehicle. Using alternative carriers isn’t helping dealers any, either.

When Used-Car Transport Companies Deliver Your New Car...

This is what can happen. These photographs taken in Lansing, Michigan illustrate what can happen when auto makers like General Motors start hiring cut-rate companies to deliver new cars.

This brand-new $60,000 Cadillac CTS Sports Wagon was tied to a car carrier by threading straps through the tire rims and wheel spokes. "This is completely unprofessional and dangerous," said Troy Hinman, an 8-year car haul professional. "...I don't think new car buyers should accept their cars if they were delivered like this."

You Get What You Pay For - Or Do You?

The carhaul companies that have been delivering GM & Chrysler vehicles for the past 50 years use highly skilled and professional drivers to deliver new cars to dealerships.

When you pay GM or Chrysler their $800 or $900 non-negotiable “destination charge”, you expect that you are paying for a quality service that will get your new car delivered to you safely and in perfect, new condition.

But there are some disturbing trends in the U.S. automotive industry. GM and Chrysler want to move this work to smaller, cut-rate carhaul companies. Some drivers for these companies are independent contractors who must pay for all their own expenses.

These cut-rate companies do not provide the same level of safe, secure service - see the above photo for just one example.

How Will Your New Car Get to Your Dealer?

GM and Chrysler want to substitute cut-rate drivers for the professional car haul drivers who have historically delivered their vehicles to dealerships. Many of these replacement drivers come with little experience, inadequate training, no accountability and inadequate equipment. Some of them are hauling new cars with flat bed trucks or other equipment that is not designed to protect new cars over long distances. Equipment similar to that seen in this photo.

Worse yet, this scheme by GM and Chrysler is going to harm professional, experienced drivers and their families. These drivers will be displaced, putting their income, their health benefits and their retirements at risk. We believe the public will be disappointed to learn that General Motors and Chrysler took billions of dollars in taxpayer money while making promises to save jobs, and instead did just the opposite.