Navigating the world of auto transport can be daunting, and finding a reliable company is paramount for peace of mind. Montway Auto Transport, a well-known name in the industry, often promises just that. However, real customer experiences can paint a more nuanced picture, especially when considering their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and customer reviews. This review delves into a recent customer experience with Montway, highlighting critical aspects of their service that potential users should be aware of.
From Repeat Customer to Deep Disappointment
The customer initially had a positive experience with Montway Auto Transport two years prior, setting a certain expectation for future services. This past positive interaction made the subsequent negative experience even more jarring. Booking auto transport from New York to Florida for a December 23, 2024 pickup, the customer anticipated a smooth process. Even when the pickup date was adjusted to December 26, 2024, with Montway’s agreement, there was still an initial sense of confidence based on past experience.
Price Hike and Communication Breakdown: The Red Flags
However, the experience quickly deteriorated just days before the scheduled pickup. Montway contacted the customer to increase the initially agreed-upon price by approximately $200. Faced with a tight timeline and the need to move the vehicle, the customer reluctantly agreed, highlighting a potentially concerning practice of last-minute price adjustments.
The real issues began with communication and punctuality. Despite the rescheduled pickup date of December 26th, no communication was initiated by Montway as the day approached. The customer was forced to constantly reach out to Montway to inquire about the status and any potential delays. This lack of proactive communication is a significant departure from the “peace of mind” they advertise and a major source of frustration for any customer relying on timely service.
Delivery Delays and Unprofessional Conduct
The pickup date was repeatedly pushed back. Initially promised a January 4th afternoon pickup, no driver arrived, and again, no proactive communication from Montway. After the customer contacted them, a pickup was rescheduled for the following morning. However, January 5th arrived with the same result – no driver and no call. Upon contacting Montway yet again, the customer was informed the driver had gone elsewhere and would arrive later, eventually showing up at 4 PM after multiple follow-up calls from the customer. The notification from Montway that the car was picked up felt almost sarcastic given the ordeal.
Delivery was initially estimated for January 6th, an unrealistic timeframe given the pickup date. This was then revised to January 7th afternoon. By late evening on January 7th, still with no communication from the driver, the customer reached out again. The driver finally arrived at 11:30 PM. Adding insult to injury, the car was delivered in a filthy condition, unlike the customer’s previous experience with auto transport services. Furthermore, the driver’s behavior was described as “obnoxious, rude, and very unprofessional,” solely focused on receiving cash payment.
Lesson Learned: Beyond the Montway Auto Transport BBB Rating
While Montway Auto Transport may boast numerous positive reviews and potentially a satisfactory BBB rating, this customer’s experience serves as a stark reminder that consistency and customer service can vary significantly. The issues encountered – last-minute price increases, abysmal communication, significant delays, and unprofessional driver conduct – all contributed to a severely negative experience, the opposite of “peace of mind.”
This customer’s takeaway is clear: despite a prior positive encounter, they will be seeking alternative auto transport companies for future needs. Potential customers researching Montway Auto Transport and considering their BBB rating should weigh such negative experiences alongside positive reviews to make an informed decision. “Buyer beware” becomes the resounding message from this dissatisfied customer, highlighting the importance of thorough research and perhaps exploring alternative car shipping options beyond Montway, regardless of their general BBB profile.
