Tipping Car Transport Drivers

Dumb etiquette question: For those of you who use professional enclosed car transport services, do you tip (like you would a waiter, taxi driver, etc.) the driver upon satisfactory (i.e., no damage, ahead of schedule) delivery? Flat rate or percentage?

Thanks...

 

Depends on the quality of service...timeliness. Most drivers are not used to getting tipped, so anything is nice. If they are particularly fast and careful, it's okay to go a little wild with a nice tip (especially a) if you arranged directly with the shipper, rather than going via a broker and b) if you plan to use the company again.)

Of course, the guy who delivered my Ferrari was over three weeks late and bent the front hood panel then lied and said it was like that when he picked the car up from the previous owner (and I knew he wasn't the driver who picked up the car from the owner!) Needless to say, I didn't tip him

 

I generally tip $200-300 for long haul (300-2000mi). Given that I usually speak with the driver on their cell phone a few times and let them know what my specific demands are if it is a high end exotic, i think it is the minimum i should offer .. I would like to hear from others

 

I feel bad, I didn't tip em anything.
they only returned my call when they were down the street at 2am saying "we are here."

took 2 weeks to get the car from the east coast to the west coast.

Communication on their part was not the best.

so....no tip

 

My driver was communicative, and gave estimates to his arrival time as he drew closer. He was careful with the car, and was clearly a car guy. I tipped him a Ben Franklin and I didn't think he was expecting it! Made his day, apparently since his other customer that day was rather difficult.

 

I took the last driver to dinner, he ordered a Pizza.

$100 sounds good if all is well

 

I think $100 is right for a car delivered as promised with no damage.
BT

 

My driver called a day ahead of time with an estimated delivery time of noon. He showed up the next day at one minute before noon. He was very nice, I gave him $100.

 

when i shipped my 308 up from atlanta, the driver called several times to confirm his arrival time and he was on time. i tipped $100 and i don't think he expected it. he was careful with the car too. it was a quality experience so worth a tip.

john

 

I had been thinking $100 would be sufficient. Then I thought, "Hmmm, that's only 5%...is that enough or not?"

Based on the replies (thanks!), looks like I'm tracking with the rest of you.

 

I tip when they load the truck and say I will take of them when the car gets there.

Tipping would be a great idea especially if you plan on using them in the future.

 

The 15%-20% tip is good for those working solely for tips, with low wages ($2.50/hr). The transport driver is making a normal wage so the percentage rules don't really apply. If he is a car guy and is careful it is a nice thank you to give a tip. I probably would not tip if the guy asked for one (I hate the tip jar at the oil change place), but would tip if the guy just did a good job.
BT

 

Nothing less than $100.00 if timely delivered and well cared for in transit.

 

Are you guys nuts? I've been shipping cars for 20 years and I've never tipped. These guys make a good wage, and as far as taking care of your car with zero damage.......that's their job. They are supposed to contact you and let you know an ETA. If that doesn't happen, its their hide. They are professionals. Do you tip your doctor or lawyer?

 

I discretely drop an extra $20 for the doc in his 'coledge fund' jar.

BT

 

My thoughts as well.

 

Depending upon distance/price. I tipped my driver $100 when my car was transpored from NY to FL.