Question: Hi Craig, Robert here. I am looking to fill a spot along this route and inquire as to your preparedness and price range to get this handled. I assume the chassis rolss for winch loading? If we can get chatting here right away I'm pretty sure we can get you a decent price... (10/24/2009)
Response: Hi Robert. Ive only got one other bid so far and its for more than what I thought it would be. The bus does roll so it should load easily. I see that it is listed as an auction which it is not and now I can't change it. It could be ready for pickup at any time. (10/25/2009)
Response: Thanks for the quick response Craig. What were you thinking it would cost? I have a car going to ND sometime in the next week so I can bid the job if we can plan for that time frame. If we can schedule the timing right I might be able to get her back for you for a better price than you have. (10/25/2009)
Response: Robert, I had a car shipped from northern california a couple years ago for $600. Realizing that fuel costs have gone up and this is a little less than half the distance, I was thinking it should cost me 4 to 5 hundred? (10/25/2009)
Response: I can certainly understand your thinking but it is more than just fuel... Tolls have also gone up as has the cost of tires, maintenance, insurance, licensing and the 12% fee here to book the job. All in all someone charging $800 here gets $704 then pays fuel ($241.00) and tolls ($40.00). So the question is how much above and beyond the expenses is the $40,000 worth of equipment and two days time worth? Generally we figure our truck and trailer are worth $500 ($50.00 / hour X 10 hours) a day so based on 1.5 days I'm still coming up to $750.00 just for transport time without winch loading and unloading. I couldn't do this for $500 but might be able to get you down to $700ish. (10/25/2009)
Response: Robert, thanks for the quick reply. I had not idea what it might cost to ship, and a friend has used uship a couple times so I thought I'd try it. I have access to a friends trailer and had figured that I would go get it myself if it cost me any more than $500. (10/25/2009)
Response: OK, I understand and if that is an option for you and the four days are worth it then by all means good luck to you. It is a sometimes scenic trip in nice weather but watch out for the sudden freezing rain this time of year. Just keep in mind a truck and trailer are gonna get a lot less MPG and your looking at 2000 miles round trip. If you get 11 MPG your still 180 gallons of fuel + $80 in tolls round trip + lodging, meals and your time... (10/25/2009)
Response: Robert, I hope I didn't offend you, I guess its just sticker shock comparing it to the last transport I had. You raised some valid points if I go & pick it up myself. (10/25/2009)
Response: No Craig, you did not offend me, I hope my reply did not appear as if you had. Many folks often think doing it themselves will cost less but find out it doesn't in the end. I was sincerely wishing you good luck if you choose to go youself. (10/25/2009)
Response: Robert, I'm new here so not sure what happens next. Can I ask you how close you would be to the $700 figure or do I just ask you to put in a bid? (10/25/2009)
Response: I would put in my bid and if the price and timing are acceptable for you then you can accept the bid. After you accept the bid you will receive my contact info and I yours. I am currently waiting on confirmation of my outbound to ND so there is no rush on my part for you to make a decision today. (10/25/2009)
Response: Robert, I just spoke with the seller & found out that the bus is presently located in Detroit Lakes, MN, about 48 miles directly east of Fargo. (10/25/2009)
Response: That should not be a problem. I'll be headed east to fargo so it may add a few miles but should not change the cost. I should know tomorrow what my schedule will be for this week and can place a bid for you then if that's OK. (10/25/2009)
Response: Sounds good. Thanks (10/25/2009)
Response: No problem Craig. As soon as my seller here gets his $$$ wired in I'll bdi for you and we'll be on the road. Have a good night and thanks for your time. (10/25/2009)
Question: Good evening Craig. I'm getting ready to place a bid for you but I am having a real hard time getting down to the $700 mark. Our out of pocket hard expenses here are the fuel ($241,xx) and tolls ($40.xx). I'm sharpening my pencil here and trying to be creative with the numbers... but the best I'm coming up with is around $729.xx all inclusive. Let me know what you think. Even if I bid the labor only and you reimberse our hard costs the bottom line still works out to $700. Let me know what you think... (10/26/2009)
Response: Robert, that seems to be the lowest number anyone has come up with. (10/26/2009)
Response: I know but I'm trying to get it down there for you so it's as reasonable as possible. Do you understand how this web site generates it's revenue? If you're familiar with ebay it is similar to that. (10/26/2009)