Transporting a Sportsmobile to Fresno and Back (Denver) - Page 4

jage · 12-20-2010, 03:39 PM

SMB West confirms that there was a truck there at the time of collection, however they did not observe it being loaded. They also provided me with an unaltered copy of the Bic Auto Transport Logistics order with the mileage blank. The version given to me by the guy had the mileage filled in, conveniently 2 miles off actual at delivery. A mistake no doubt that SMB let it go without recording the mileage, but proof the "driver" altered documents and provided them back to McNutt.

Christopher Thwaites · 12-20-2010, 03:53 PM

So how can you prove what the mileage was when it got to SMB? Was it recorded when the van was picked up for shipment to SMB West? I know nothing of the protocol in these matters but if I was SMB I'd record mileage "in" and mileage "out" to protect myself from claims a van was driven excessively while in my care.

Ford_6L_E350 · 12-20-2010, 04:36 PM

Jeremiah,

You truly need a vacation now. And now would be a good time to take one.

Best wishes,

Mike

Nomadcat · 12-20-2010, 04:50 PM

1640 extra miles on the odometer?!?

That's a total nightmare. I don't like an oil change guy to drive mine 10 yards.

And you paid for flatbedding service, correct? That you did not receive, correct?

Lies, bad service and bad communication.

I feel for you. At least you have her back home again.

**BroncoHauler** · 12-20-2010, 05:12 PM

If you paid for the service with a credit card, once you compile all your "evidence" and dispute the charge right away.

Herb

jage · 12-20-2010, 05:45 PM

SMB noted 69,110 on their internal work order, and McNutt has documentation from the original shipper that it was dropped with 69,109. Since it was picked up with 69,108 from me, that's all kosher.

The longest routes from Fresno to Franktown I can devise are 1400 miles, that still leaves 250 unaccounted for. Direct is around 1200.

Should be simple enough though, he should be able to produce weigh station tickets, right? Have a log that shows where and how long he drove his truck and trailer? Simple enough to prove he really trailered it right?

Nomadcat · 12-20-2010, 06:05 PM

Good God, why should there by any dispute? Your odometer isn't lying.

But yes, he ought to be able to prove he did what he was paid to do. Any professional driver keeps records. I used to when I drove a truck, and it wasn't even cross-country work.

Please keep us posted. Again, that's a nightmare.

Does everything seem okay inside and underneath?

Christopher Thwaites · 12-20-2010, 06:35 PM

Judge Judy say's "if something doesn't make sense then it's usually not true." Your van didn't get those miles on it sitting on a flat bed.
My guess is that the driver is an independant contractor for the transport company. They give him an assignment and it's up to him to arrange trucking etc. He gets to SMB and says he didn't know it was lifted?? Translation...I didn't get a big enough truck. SMB didn't see him load it. He drives around the corner and figures it's only 1200 miles, nobody will notice. As for the mileage discrepency and the delivery delays.....he drove it home before delivering it. Hung out for a couple of days and then drove to someplace close to you and paid a tow truck driver $50 to bring it to you. I'll bet they have done this before to avoid hiring a transporter. Most people don't keep track of their odometer readings.
I wouldn't screw around. I'd advise the transport company in writing that your van was driven to your house in violation of your agreement and that they owe you the fee you paid them plus wear and tear of $1,000. Tell them you have filed a small claims action for that amount but will withdraw it if you receive payment in 15 days.
File the small claims action immediately so that they get served. All you have to prove is that they breached the contract. They will be required to appear in your county court house so if they are from out of state or far away they may not appear!!!! You win!

Nomadcat · 12-20-2010, 07:05 PM

Wow, I'm hiring you as my lawyer.

Paul

unimogdave · 12-20-2010, 07:28 PM

If they left Fresno Wed then they hit a large storm that hit Ca Thr and Fri. Is it possible the hubs were locked for 1000 miles at 60 to 80 mph? I'm mad as hell and its not even my truck.