Matson Car Shipping Reviews 2024: Covering Ratings and Costs
OverView
Matson is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services in the United States. Founded in 1882, Matson has a long history of providing high-quality shipping services to customers.
In recent years, the company has expanded its services to include auto shipping, allowing customers to ship their vehicles across the country with ease.
In this article, we will review Matson’s auto shipping services, including its history, services, and customer reviews. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what Matson car shipping offers and whether it’s the right choice for your auto shipping needs.
Key Notes
- Matson is a leading provider of auto transport services in the Pacific, with over 150 years of experience.
- They offer a variety of shipping options to meet your needs, including door-to-door service, roll-on/roll-off shipping, and containerized shipping.
- Matson also offers a number of discounts, including a military discount and a AAA discount.
- Matson is known for their reliable service and competitive pricing.
- They are also committed to providing excellent customer service.
Matson Auto Transport: A Comprehensive Overview
| Description | Company Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | Over a century of experience |
| Headquarters | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
| MC # | 42866 |
| USDOT # | 273472 |
| Broker or Carrier | Carrier |
| Years in Business | 150 years |
| Phone | 1-800-462-8766 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | Matson Car Shipping |
History and Background of Matson
Matson was founded in 1882 by William Matson, a sailor, and entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to provide shipping services to Hawaii. Matson purchased a three-masted schooner called Emma Claudina and began transporting supplies, passengers, and sugar from San Francisco to Hawaii.
Over the years, Matson expanded its services to include shipping to other Pacific ports, including Guam, China, and Japan. The company also built its own fleet of ships and became known for its high-quality service and commitment to safety.
In the 1950s, the Matson began operating container ships, which revolutionized the shipping industry by allowing goods to be transported more efficiently and quickly. Today, Matson continues to operate a fleet of container ships and offers a wide range of ocean transportation and logistics services.
Some key people involved in the creation and development of the Matson car shipping include William Matson, who founded the company, and his son Captain R.W. Matson, who helped expand the company’s services to new ports and was instrumental in the development of container shipping.
Why Choose Matson Car Shipping?
Choosing Matson Car Shipping comes with several advantages. Their reputation for reliability, extensive network, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a top choice for many. Whether you’re moving domestically or internationally, Matson has you covered.
Benefits of Choosing Matson Car Shipping
- Reliability: Matson’s long-standing reputation for reliability speaks for itself.
- Network: Their extensive network ensures that your vehicle can be transported virtually anywhere.
- Variety of Services: Matson offers a range of services to cater to different needs.
- Customer Satisfaction: They prioritize customer satisfaction, striving to make every move as smooth as possible.
Key Ratings of Matson Car Shipping on Reputable Platforms
- BBB Score: 2 out of 5
- Yelp: 3.2 out of 5
- Trustpilot: 3.7 out of 5
- Facebook: 4.2 out of 5
Pros
- Reliable
- Extensive Network
- Variety of Services
- Customer Satisfaction
- Experienced
- Environmental Commitment
Cons
- Longer International Transit Times
- Limited Availability in Some Regions
- Potential Vehicle Damage
- Cost Variability
Matson Car Shipping Services Offered
Open-Air Transport
Matson offers open-air transport, a cost-effective option for shipping your vehicle. While it exposes your car to external elements, it’s an excellent choice for most vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
For added protection, Matson provides enclosed transport services. This option shields your vehicle from weather conditions and road debris, making it ideal for high-value or classic cars.
Expedited Shipping
If time is of the essence, Matson offers expedited shipping services. Your vehicle will be prioritised for quicker delivery.
International Shipping
Matson’s international shipping services ensure that your vehicle reaches its destination, no matter where in the world that might be.
Door-to-door auto transport
Matson will pick up your car from your home or business and deliver it to your destination address.
Matson Car Shipping Costs
Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Matson’s pricing is competitive, and factors like distance, vehicle type, and chosen services will influence the final cost. It’s advisable to request a personalized quote.
Matson car shipping rates and Quotes
Matson Car Shipping Costs and Quotes are available upfront on a single page with prices ranging from under $1,000 to nearly $6,000 depending on the shipping route. Active duty military members can get a $100 discount. Invasive species fees of 75 cents per 1,000 pounds are imposed on shipping to Guam or Hawaii. Enclosed shipping options will cost more than the RoRo or Roll On, Roll Off open garage option. Here’s a table of some of the prices:
| Origin | Destination | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili) | U.S. Mainland (Long Beach, Oakland) | $1,647.00 |
| U.S. Mainland (Long Beach, Oakland) | Hawaii (Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili) | $1,020.00 |
| Hawaii (Honolulu) | Alaska (Anchorage) | $3,859.28 |
| Hawaii (Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili) | Alaska (Anchorage) | $3,964.66 |
| Hawaii (Honolulu) | Alaska (Fairbanks) | $4,399.06 |
| Hawaii (Hilo, Kahului, Nawiliwili) | Alaska (Fairbanks) | $4,504.44 |
| Tacoma, WA | Anchorage, AK | $2,166.11 |
| Tacoma, WA | Kodiak, AK | $3,568.50 |
| Tacoma, WA | Dutch Harbor, AK | $4,546.67 |
Please note that these rates are subject to change and are only estimates. To get an accurate quote for your specific shipment, please contact Matson Customer Service.
Which types of vehicles Matson shipped?
Matson ships a variety of vehicles, including:
- Cars
- SUVs
- Trucks
- Vans
- Motorcycles
- ATVs
- UTVs
- Snowmobiles
- Boats
- Trailers
Matson also ships commercial vehicles, such as:
- Buses
- RVs
- Semi-trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Construction equipment
- Farm equipment
What are Matson car shipping requirements?
Matson has the following requirements for shipping cars:
- The vehicle must be in operating condition, with a working emergency brake.
- The vehicle must have all four tires properly inflated.
- The vehicle must have a minimum of 1/4 tank of fuel.
- The vehicle must be free of leaks, including fuel leaks, oil leaks, and coolant leaks.
- The vehicle must be free of loose items, including loose change, valuables, and personal belongings.
- The vehicle must have a clean exterior.
- The vehicle must be in a condition that is safe to transport.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
To gauge the quality of a service, it’s essential to consider customer reviews and ratings. Matson Car Shipping has received positive feedback from many satisfied customers. Their professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail are often highlighted.
Reviews
Here are a few customer reviews of Matson car shipping reviews:
- “I recently used Matson to ship my car across the country, and I couldn’t be happier with their service. The entire process was seamless, from booking to delivery. My car arrived in perfect condition, and the communication throughout was excellent. I highly recommend Matson for anyone needing reliable car shipping.” – John D.
- “Matson exceeded my expectations when it came to shipping my classic car. They handled it with the utmost care and professionalism. The online tracking feature was convenient and provided real-time updates. I felt confident throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a trustworthy car shipping company, look no further than Matson.” – Sarah L.
- “I had a great experience with Matson for shipping my vehicle overseas. Their team was knowledgeable, and they guided me through the entire process. The pricing was fair, and my car arrived in perfect condition and on time. I highly recommend Matson for international car shipping.” – Michael S.
Potential Drawbacks
While Matson Car Shipping has many advantages, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks such as longer transit times for international shipping or limited availability in certain regions.
How does Matson Auto Transport work?
To ship your car with Matson Auto Transport, you can either book online or call their customer service number. Once you have booked your shipment, Matson will provide you with instructions on how to prepare your car for shipping and how to deliver it to the port.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how Matson Auto Transport works:
- Book your shipment: You can book your shipment online or by calling Matson Customer Service. You will need to provide Matson with your pickup and delivery locations, as well as the make, model, and year of your car.
- Prepare your car for shipping: Matson will provide you with instructions on how to prepare your car for shipping. These instructions may include draining your gas tank, removing your personal belongings, and washing your car.
- Deliver your car to the port: You will need to deliver your car to the port at least 30 minutes before closing. Matson will provide you with the address of the port and the hours of operation.
- Matson ships your car: Matson will ship your car to your destination port. The shipping time will vary depending on the origin and destination ports.
- Pick up your car from the port: Once your car arrives at the destination port, Matson will notify you. You can then pick up your car from the port.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping with Matson?
To prepare your vehicle for shipping with Matson, please follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your vehicle: This will help to protect the paint from the elements during shipping.
- Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle: This includes anything from loose change to valuables. Matson is not responsible for any items that are left in your vehicle during shipping.
- Secure all loose items in your vehicle: This includes the hood, trunk, and any interior items that may move during shipping.
- Check the tire pressure: Make sure that all of your tires are properly inflated.
- Top off the fuel tank: Matson recommends that you leave your fuel tank at least 1/4 full.
- Disarm the alarm system: This will prevent the alarm from going off while your vehicle is being transported.
- Leave the windows slightly open: This will help to prevent the interior of your vehicle from becoming too humid.
- Provide Matson with a copy of your vehicle registration: This will help Matson to track your vehicle during shipping.
Some common pitfalls to avoid when using Matson for auto shipping
- Failing to properly prepare your vehicle for shipment, such as leaving personal items inside or failing to disable your car alarm.
- Not properly inspecting your vehicle upon delivery, which can make it more difficult to file a claim if there is damage or issues with your vehicle.
- Failing to communicate with Matson about any special requirements or concerns you may have regarding your vehicle shipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Matson Car Shipping has earned its reputation as a reliable and customer-centric option for transporting vehicles. By considering their services, reading reviews, and understanding their commitment to excellence, you can make a well-informed decision when it comes to shipping your vehicle.
FAQs
Is Matson Car Shipping available for international moves?
Yes, Matson Car Shipping offers international shipping services. They can transport your vehicle to destinations around the world.
How do I obtain a quote for shipping my vehicle with Matson?
To get a quote for shipping your vehicle with Matson, you can visit their website or contact their customer service. They will provide you with a personalized quote based on your specific requirements.
What types of vehicles can Matson transport?
Matson can transport a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even high-value or classic cars. They have the expertise to handle various vehicle types securely.
How long does it typically take for Matson to deliver my vehicle?
The delivery time with Matson can vary depending on factors such as the distance, chosen service type (standard or expedited), and the specific route. Typically, domestic shipments within the United States may take 1-2 weeks, while international shipments can take longer due to customs procedures and distance.
What should I do if my vehicle arrives with damage?
In the rare event that your vehicle arrives with damage, you should immediately document the damage by taking photos and noting any visible issues on the shipping documents. Then, contact Matson’s customer service to report the damage and initiate the claims process. Matson has procedures in place to address such situations and ensure your vehicle is repaired or compensated for any damages incurred during transit.
Does Matson offer any discounts for car shipping?
Yes, active duty military members can get a $100 discount on car shipping with Matson.
What is the invasive species fee that Matson charges for shipping to Hawaii or Guam?
The invasive species fee is a charge imposed by local governments and is 75 cents per 1,000 pounds.
What is the difference between enclosed shipping and the Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo) option?
Enclosed shipping provides more protection for your vehicle but is typically more expensive than the RoRo option, which involves loading your car onto a large open garage.
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