(2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

On 1-22-2013, I had R & L Carriers pick up a pallet with (2) 727-904 transmissions from Holt Race Cars in Columbus, Ohio to be delivered to Pro Trans in Lancaster, California. One had a CSR transmission shield with an adapter plate for a New Generation Pro Stock Hemi. A CSR billet catch can with misc. hoses and fittings were in a small box. Both had 2.19 gear sets, A-1 style locking dipsticks, 3" aluminum pans, and still had solid mounts on the tailshaft. One of the transmissions had a new case. The pallet had the transmissions secured with ratchet style straps and bungee cords and the transmissions were wrapped in plastic. According to R & L Carriers, the shipment was mistakenly tagged with a tracking number that belonged to another shipment that was similar in weight and consistent with number of pieces while at a terminal in LAX or Long Beach, California. From that point on the shipment has seemed to have disappeared. One obvious possibility is they were stolen from the terminal. Another thought I had was because my shipment had the same tracking number as another, perhaps the person who received his shipment with the same tracking number as mine also received my shipment. I was told the person receiving the shipment (at his house not business) said he did not. I don't know what has happened with my transmissions or if I am getting ALL of the true and correct facts from R & L Carriers. I did not exercise good judgement and insure my freight, therefore I am out the $8000 I paid for the transmissions. They are only willing to pay .10 cents per pound which comes to a settlement around $25. I have been in constant contact with people within R & L Carriers and still no progress on the whereabouts of my shipment. I am asking anyone reading this to keep an open eye and ear when visiting or talking with others on the chance we might be able to locate these transmissions. I will pay a $2000 cash reward for the information leading to the location and retrieval of my transmissions. I am not interested in prosecuting in the event of foul play. I only want my transmissions. Thank you in advance.

*** I do have a photo of the shipment BEFORE it was wrapped in plastic but can't seem to figure out how to upload it to this post.

Gary Emmons
Emmons Motorsports
713-875-9199 cell
713-943-1958 office

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary,

I had a similar incident with Roadway several years ago. Roadway lost part of an order that I had shipped with them. And they refused to pay for the product they lost. I spoke to four of their management level staff before I realized they were blowing smoke. I filed a claim against them in the local court here in VA. and had their loss management director served by the VA. Secretary of State. There was not a peep from them until two days before the hearing. A lawyer that represented Roadway called wanting to know what my "little deal" was all about. I told him I had pictures and documents and planned on getting a judgement against Roadway in two days. He was in Denver and wound up begging me for an extension. Long story short he overnighted a check and I asked to have the case dismissed.

I had no insurance on this shipment and I don't think it was even available and it may not have been in your case.

I would get all your ducks in a row and file a claim against R&L. It cost me $17.00 in VA. You may have to file the claim in the state where R&L picked it up. You are by no means out $8,000.00. The freight carriers huff and puff and chase most people off but they are still responsible for your freight. Make the butt heads pay.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

On this I have to agree with Bruce. Take action against them for losing what you trusted them to handle on your behalf. Taking a photo was a smart move on your part.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary-- you might try talking to Jeg-- a while back R&L was an associate sponsor for them he might have some contact that can help you--regards Dick Ullrich

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Do not accept that settlement. You have no recourse in the future if you do.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Reading this really P--------s me off. I don't have any answers, but as expensive as it is to race these days, and then "lose" valuable equipment in shipping is BS....Good luck Gary hope you find this and get it to Pro-Trans, they are the best.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

What's the scrap value of one of their trucks?

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

try getting in direct contact with the local driver that would have delivered the trannys to the house to see what he recalls. i think he would remember that odd of a delivery.

get in contact with the locals dont just talk to the carriers customer service dept.

good luck!

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary, do you know where the shipment went?? I mean the one that the same number as yours. If so I suggest putting a "wanted add in Craig's List for a transmission might just get a lead on yours....

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

I know how you feel. I hope you are successful in recovering your transmissions or getting reimbursed. Mike McMahan

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

I passed on shipping my trans last year for that reason...was using R&L for years and they never told me about the insurance but I happened to be going with Fedex freight this time and they informed me that if you wanted the proper value insurance for the trans the fee was staggering....I passed

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary, We had the same thing but was able to find ours thankfully. We now use UPS freight and they seem to be ok. We also insure them for twice the value cause I was told they only pay $.50 on the dollar at best.
PB

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Sorry to hear of your loss. I thing one of the biggest problems anyone can make is for the public to see high dollar parts being shipped all over the country. I have shipped my engines many times without any problems. Shipping cost to ship my engine from Covington, La to Vian Oklahoma is $100.00+.. The reason I mention this is because we bought a shipping crate made by Scribbner Plastics. This crate is for a small block Chevrolet. They also make crates for shipping transmissions. These crates are fully enclosed and no one can see whats inside of the crate. If it was not for the engine being completely sealed from public view, I would not be shipping my engine! Think about how many times you ship an engine or transmission???? It makes good sence to protect your high dollar parts from the temtation of theft. Scribner plactics. Google and buy a plastic crate to ship your transmissions and engines

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Torqueflites? Not putting a Dodge DP together, are ya?

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

That good advice from John. I have used R&L several times as well. No issues. The difference is I ship dock to dock and pick up my shipments at their terminal. Might be a bit safer that way. I am a carpenter so I build my own crates and fully enclose the shipment from view.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Here is a picture of the two trans that Gary was shipping.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...monstrans3.jpg

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Makes me think of the pictures at the Post Office.....why didn't they keep him when they took the picture?

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Thank you guys for your responses. I normally do ship everything in boxes or crates but this time I did not require this to be done. I was told that when it was finally wrapped in plastic you could barely tell what was on the pallet. Thank you to Tom Sheehan for posting the pic for me.

Gary Emmons
Emmons Motorsports

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

I thought the same thing when I first read it.

I'm sorry to hear about this and hope you find them or get it worked out to your satisfaction. I realize how frustrating this can be. Years ago I shipped a set of BBC cylinder heads and UPS broke one in half. Even though I paid for the insurance they wouldn't give me a dime and I lost $1K. I haven't used them since. Too many times I think customer service is a thing of the past ...

Good luck with it.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

How about filing a police report for THEFT against R&L??? They took your money ,took your parts said they were going to ship them from Ohio to the trans shop in California and they "lost" them!!!! Now whose fault is that ,surely not yours I wouldn't think!!!

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

At my business we ship materials from the east coast to California all the time. Usually the truck driver will know when dropping the freight off if there is an error. (like the guy recieving it only expecting 1 pallet) They will then leave it on the truck and take it back to the terminal. That's were things get screwed up. Something comes back on the local delivery truck to the terminal and it gets stashed in some corner of the warehouse and not logged in because they only unload from cross country rigs. These warehouses are huge, especially at LAX or Long Beach. My bet would be they still have them and they are somewhere in their warehouse. The problem is getting someone to get off their a** and go look instead of looking in the computer for it.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

It may cost a couple of bills, but I would ratain a lawyer. That should shake up the trucking firm out of inaction.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Folks

You need to forget the lawyer talk....it will not bring you the results you want and the cost will outweigh the benefit.

This is the business I am in....freight forwarding. I routinely ship transmissions to and from Protrans, and $40k engines around the country. There are things you must do to protect the integrity of your shipment and to minimize the risk of loss both from damage and loss.

I would be happy to advise any of you that need to ship your parts in the proper manner to avoid these disasters. Believe me, R&L, YRC, UPS, Conway, Estes.....you name it, they all process and move freight in the exact same manner and your risk is no greater or less with one than the other. I use these carriers but I take very special cautions to prevent these kinds of failures. Feel free to give me a call anytime and I will help you prepare your shipment in the proper manner and advise you how to obtain the appropriate insurance before you book the shipment.

Mark Kirby
Lynn Forwarding
(661) 589-5749

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

I have used Mark many times for shipping; his knowledge on shipping engines and components and his service is outstanding.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary Emmons you have a PM

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Like Mark I ship daily with all the major carriers. Occasionally they lose stuff. Most times it turns up later. Just file a claim with a copy of the receipt or a breakdown of what the parts cost and they should pay the claim. Only claims I have ever had denied are ups where they always say improper packaging.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Mark is correct. You don't need a lawyer to file a claim. You can do it yourself if you have all the necessary information. I don't buy for one minute this talk of "oh shucks we lost your stuff - too bad." They will find it or pay for it if a person files a legitimate claim.

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary,

Just saw this. We ship pallet loads "shrink" wrapped all the way up to oversize 50+ foot skids. The Pro number should have been assigned at pick up. Did they give you a copy of the B/L and who signed for it at that address? I've had engine parts delivered on a skid to the house but I don't think they do that here anymore, you have to go get it at the terminal. Did it change freight carriers enroute? (Sadly you have discovered the new corp. America, I was told they are not concerned with the quality of their product or service as it cuts into their Golf week $ at the Masters:-) We'd file a claim for the full amount. It was mentioned to file a police report, you'd need that even for a theft tax loss next year correct?

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary, if you have both tracking number`s for the pallets wrong and the right numbers? Every time the pallet is moved it would be scanned, on the trucks and off at the different terminals, pallets are shipped by pallet size and weight, the R&L computer should know if there is two pallets with same number the first time they were both scanned. Did the wrong tracking number start out in same terminal? Tom

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

After talking with R & L Carriers again today, they "feel" certain that the other person did not receive my shipment. They are back to looking on docks and inside parked trailers that store unclaimed freight. Pretty much the same story over and over. I really appreciate all of the feedback and private messages. Here is a question.....Would there be possible protection under the Carmack Amendment (even though I did not insure the freight)?

Gary Emmons
Emmons Motorsports
713-875-9199 cell

Re: (2) 727-904 Transmissions LOST at R&L Carriers
 

Gary did you or the shipper accept or sign a limited liability statement from R&L? What does the R&L paperwork for this shipment say regarding liability? Were you able to track the pro number? I'm not suggesting that you go after anyone for foul play. But you still have options for filing a complaint. You do have to send them a letter via return receipt mail that details your loss. In my case, the Roadway staff and lawyer never tried to invoke the Carmack Amendment which is a federal law that largely protects the shipping industry. Check the local Ohio court system to determine if they have any remedies available to you. There's a chance your parts will still reappear but file a complaint if they don't. At that point, R&L will have to stop giving you the run around.