are you / do you tip the auto transport guys ?

just had my 70's vette shipped via reliable..... i tipped the guy (likely only because my wife nudged me) .......

wasn't sure of the protocol...

 

Yes, I tipped the guy that had delivered my car.

 

Yeah, unless they are late. Then no.

 

Interesting. I have had two cars shipped to me now, and I have tipped neither driver. Maybe I should have. Either provided excellent service though. Both of my cars arrived late. Late seems to be the norm for shipping cars it seems.

 

I did. I was overcome with emotion, happiness and sunshine.

 

I've never used a commercial transport company for my Ferrari.
My mechanic, in another city, does employ a full time driver with a truck and an enclosed trailer. Whenever I deal with the transport of the equation for my service/repair needs, I always tip in BAKED GOODS, and not in cash. I buy a specialty brownie tray from a local grocer (these baked good happen to be pretty well known in my state) and send them back with the driver. He gets to enjoy the treat and share it with the garage crew if he wishes.
The transport driver is so nice, I'm pretty sure he'd refuse any cash gratuity. He's a retired older fellow who does it because he likes to be around high end cars.

 

I've done the same - cookies, donuts, some bottled water, cup of coffee, bathroom break, and sometimes some cash, too. Seems it is always at the end of the day, and the snack is well received.

Only difference is in Alaska, it was delivered to the shipping company, and I drove it out of the container and home.

 

I basically "buy them lunch", usually just a 20 spot. It's usually well appreciated.

 

I generally always tip the driver.. depending on the deal 20 50 or more.. They are normally pretty good guys.
LarryH

 

Always at least a $20..

 

$ 40. guy worked hard. very professional. these drivers have very difficult jobs and we would probably be surprised how many hours they work for how little pay

 

I guess I "over tipped" huh...I tossed him a $100 bill. No wonder he was so happy...

 

$20-100 is fairly normal. $20 for acceptable service to buy some dinner along the road. $50 if they show that they are extra conscientious handling your car. $100 if they meet you out of the way or somehow go or went the extra mile (ha) to get your car to you.

Talking about shipping cars in the US, this country is huge and making sure the truck is full is what pays the bills for these guys. They may have the opportunity/need to drive 4 hours out of the way to pick up another car. That is 8 hours round trip. That puts them a day behind but makes the difference between making a decent living or scraping by. It is easy to say that they are always late, but a traffic jam or freak storm can cause a few hour delay that turns into a day delay because of DOT regulations. Communication is key. A phone call, email or text from the trucker or their dispatch to level set expectations goes a long way.

I love a good road trip and have done several 3 or 4 day marathon runs to pick up a car. Doing that everyday and sleeping in bunk bed in the back of the truck would get really old, really fast. I would think that guys dropping $70k, $100k, $200k, $400k+ would be able to throw a nice thank you to the guy that took good care of their car. How often do you drop a $20 tip when you go out to eat and think nothing of it? For a meal that cost $80 and the waitperson spent less time taking your order, bringing your food and checking on you than a guy unloading/loading your car from the trailer.

 

Always $100 and I get their name so I can ask for them the next time

 

When I had mine delivered, I met him at a truck stop just off the interstate about 20 miles from my house, I guess that was my tip. When we spoke about the delivery he was so happy I was meeting him there, he thanked me a dozen times or more. He told me a few nightmare stories of customers getting him to a location where it was almost impossible to get out, or just made it very difficult to unload. Next time, I will throw in some $$ as well, as I'm sure they deal with many more difficult customers than easy ones. Important & tough job they have.

 

I was just thinking about this....thanks, I'll be sure to have the vehicle delivered in a better spot AND tip the guy at least $20....sounds reasonable

 

my $10k vette had some high brow companions............
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Good question. My car was delivered when I was out of town for work-my wife and kids were here and I have no idea if she tipped the guy! I'll have to ask I guess. I'd probably throw him $20 to $50 but I guess it depends on the car-If they drag a 288 across the country for you I don't know if $20 will cut it! That would be a GREAT dilemma to have though

 

By the way, I think your Vette held it's own in there with it's company!

 

I tip well before and after delivery. Always use same company and try to get the same driver that knows my expectations.

 

Probably a good idea tipping before-think about what they are shipping you

 

Well, think about it this way. I have had many of my drivers show up to pick up a car and the customer isnt home. If that isnt the case they fill their car up to the ceiling with personal items (we dont ship freight). Or, the vehicle doesnt run at all and was suppose to and driver didnt have a winch.

These drivers go through so much crap its unimaginable and then unfortunately those people who were ready to ship and have been waiting for dropoff get their vehicle late.

On a side note I had a driver drop off a vehicle a day early to a lady and she refused to meet him because she was having coffee with a friend. She made the driver wait the entire day for her and wanted a discount because she wasnt 100% satisfied with the service because he was early.

Drivers run into all kinds of stuff daily on the road. Be patient the driver doesnt want your vehicle on his truck any longer than you do. They dont get paid to drive around not delivering.

 

Do you tip your plumber???? That's the guy that deserves the money.

 

Are they ever on time? Most of the time not because they are slipping another car on their rig between scheduled deliveries. I had a Ferrari GTO next to my car on one delivery. Yea they had to back it out onto the street, the driver was sweating hard on that.

 

Anyone run into any problems with drivers not knowing how to drive F1?