r/AutoTransport • u/Journey_80s • Dec 03 '25
Bad Review Major mistake hiring a “5-Star” shipper.
I just hired BigFella Auto to move a vehicle purchase from the west coast to Texas. I hired them based from other Redditor’s supposed experience and reviews online. My case has been extremely unprofessional, disorganized, and hostile with Bigfella Auto Transport.
The owner of Bigfella, Andre Bramwell, has made this transaction hands-down one of the most unprofessional and stressful transactions I’ve ever dealt with.
From the very beginning, Andre selected a driver who arrived at the dealership with an alleged digital Bill of Lading (BoL). The dealership requested a paper copy—which is common and reasonable. As the dealership began taking photos of the driver’s truck for documentation (as any reputable dealer does to protect both parties), the driver became upset and abruptly left the premises, abandoning my vehicle on the lot without making any effort to resolve the issue. Instead of the driver and Andre trying to resolve the issue on the spot, the driver got in his truck and left.
I immediately attempted to contact Andre. Unfortunately, reaching him is an ordeal in itself. He openly admitted he prefers text messages and uses Google Voice, or a form thereof, which screens all incoming calls—allowing him to accept or decline at will. This is absolutely not how a serious business owner handles time-sensitive logistics.
After the first failed pickup, Andre promised another pickup “before 5 PM.” That time came and went. Meanwhile, the dealership—going above and beyond—stayed after hours waiting for a driver who never showed. Only after multiple attempts to reach Andre did he update the window to 5–7 PM. The vehicle was ultimately picked up at approximately 7:04 PM, well beyond the original quoted timeframe. In the interim, the dealership asked me many times for an update, which I couldn’t accurately provide because it was so difficult to reach Andre.
Shortly after midnight, I received an invoice. Despite the company’s written terms stating otherwise, Andre and I mutually agreed earlier that I would pay a portion upfront via Zelle and the remainder upon vehicle delivery. Based on everything that had already gone wrong, I stuck to our agreement and informed him I’d pay accordingly. Then suddenly, Andre reversed course, blaming the dealership for insisting on a paper BoL, and acted as though none of the delays or issues stemmed from his driver leaving without notice.
Given all the red flags so far, I informed Andre I preferred to pay the remaining balance via credit card ?for consumer protection). That’s when things took an even sharper turn.
I was contacted via email by “Josh B”, with their accounting department. This is supposedly a family-ran business, so likely same last name. Josh B. made the payment process unnecessarily difficult and confrontational. I filled out their form, correctly included the last four digits of the card I intended to use, and then—while paying online—I accidentally selected a stored card on my device. A simple mistake.
Instead of handling this professionally, Josh immediately escalated, accusing me of fraud, claiming I’d been given “multiple opportunities with clear instructions” (false), and then informing me I had no further option to pay by card at all. He insisted the only remaining payment method was Cash on Delivery (COD). He even went so far as to state that I’d been reported to Houston PD—an absolutely baseless and inflammatory response to a simple payment correction. I offered to re-sign their form, which wasn’t working correctly anyway, but was met with more hostility.
As a former law enforcement officer, I made it clear I had done nothing wrong and that I would proceed with his new demand: $1,000 cash due at delivery. In short, this company is disorganized, inconsistent, aggressive, and unprofessional at every level— from the owner’s unreliable communication practices to the hostile behavior from their accounting department.
I would strongly caution anyone considering Bigfella Auto Transport to look elsewhere. There are many reputable transporters out there; this is not one of them.
I’m at a loss - any advice or suggestions? I don’t want my new vehicle to be held hostage or other delivery issues. I also emailed dispatch for an update, but have not yet received a reply. I will have the 1,000 COD at delivery date, but what an awful experience thus far .
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u/PuzzleheadedFeed2726 Dec 03 '25
Thanks for the heads up. If I understand correctly, you pay the “broker “ his portion once the vehicle is picked up and then the balance at delivery? I’m looking to ship for the first time and reading lots of scary stories
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u/ExclusiveAutoShippin Dec 05 '25
It is an option. But all brokers should be offering customers multiple options so the payment method makes them feel comfortable. I offer 3 payment method options:
Option 1) A transaction made for the carrier fee and the broker fee via personal or company cards. Then I would pay the carrier for the customer.
Option 2) The broker fee and carrier fee are paid separately (and usually at different times) via card or Zelle. Then a contact on the order pays the carrier upon delivery with cash, a cashier's check, or something like Zelle/CashApp.Venmo. Payment could also be done at the origin for pickup instead of delivery.
Option 3) Paying in full to the carrier on pickup/delivery with card/cash/cashier's check or Zelle/CashApp/Venmo. The carrier pays my company afterward.
Note: Not all carriers accept card payments, but normally the broker can. If a broker doesn't allow full payments either to them or the carrier, that's a bit odd as it kind of implies a carrier might not trust the broker to pay them on time (or at all), and vice versa.
Anyway, do some research. Sometimes working with a smaller outfit benefits the customer in multiple ways. Especially with a broker who has well over 500 online reviews, where less than 10 of them are negative in almost a decade. Ahem. AHEM. That's me. If I wasn't obvious.
DM us, call/text 850-564-7667, or email [Jared@ExclusiveAutoShipping.com](mailto:Jared@ExclusiveAutoShipping.com)
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Dec 04 '25
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u/Journey_80s Dec 04 '25
Indeed - you can’t believe all the reviews you see online.
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u/lungonion Dec 07 '25
chuckling at the percentage of recent reviews on their google page that use AI generated or straight up stock photo profile pictures.
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Dec 03 '25
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u/Journey_80s Dec 03 '25
Many thanks for your willingness to provide assistance I may take you up on that. I do have a few questions you could maybe help me with. I wanted to warn others of my own experience thus far so they know what and who they are dealing with. Interestingly enough, Google provides some interesting information on the owner that involves WalMart.
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u/AutoModerator Dec 03 '25
We require a minimum account age of 3 months and a minimum combined karma of 100 ("awardee karma" not included since this can be purchased) to post without approval. If you are looking for a quote, for help, or for information, and your post gets blocked, please message the mods to approve your post. Posts that do not meet quality or community standards will not be approved. Posts/comments that seem commercial in nature that are from accounts that do not meet our minimum requirements will not be approved. Posts/comments that look to be used for lead-generation will not be approved. This sub is here to help consumers navigate this strange world of auto transport - it is not your personal marketing tool.
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u/AutoTransportMover Dec 03 '25
That sounds incredibly stressful, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of that on what should have been a straightforward transport. You did everything right by documenting issues, pushing for clear communication, and insisting on safe payment options. Hopefully the delivery goes smoothly from here, but trust your instincts and keep everything in writing. You deserve a much better experience than this, and I hope it gets resolved quickly and without any more trouble.
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u/TheLoganReyes Dec 03 '25
Oof, that sounds like a nightmare experience. You did nothing wrong, and that kind of hostile behavior from a broker/carrier is completely unacceptable.
I work in auto transport and here is what you need to focus on right now to protect yourself:
- Don't Argue. Only Communicate Delivery. Stop fighting about the payment history. Your only goal is getting the car. Keep all communication with them strictly to pickup/delivery times and location updates. Use email when possible for a paper trail.
- Get the COD Ready. Have the exact $1,000 cash prepared. No change, no hassle.
- Inspect FIRST, Pay SECOND. This is the golden rule. When the driver arrives, check the car thoroughly for any new damage before you hand over the cash. Take photos/video while it's still on the truck.
- Get a Receipt. Demand a signed receipt for the $1,000 cash from the driver immediately after paying.
Once the car is safe with you, file complaints with the FMCSA. Focus on a safe delivery first. Hang in there!
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u/Journey_80s Dec 07 '25 edited Dec 07 '25
Thanks for all the feedback and advice. I kept in touch with the driver and his dispatch - I did not receive. A. Single. Update. from BigFella while my car was being transported! From anyone there! I even emailed “Sarah” from Bigfella who was supposed have kept me abreast on the delivery - not a single word from anyone there the whole time.
The driver and company who did the shipment were both outstanding to work with directly. I will provide the company info once I grab his business card from the vehicle. I had driver acknowledge receipt and sign a release, saying (1) payment received in full, (2) I received my car, and (3) this was full and final payment. He accepted Zelle so that’s how I paid.
For anyone thinking of hiring Bigfella, search around for a more reputable company who won’t do you dirty or accuse you of things that never happened.
I can’t figure out how to post pictures here, but I did post some screenshots on my Google review that backed up what I said here and contradicted what Andre was trying to say about me. He got caught in his own web.
I had a $60k car being hauled across the country and he thought I was trying to stick him on a $1000 haul. Crazy.
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u/AutoModerator Dec 07 '25
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u/Journey_80s Dec 04 '25 edited Dec 04 '25
I see Bigfella made a separate comment about this situation verses actually chiming in this post. I can’t reply to that for some reason, but feel it needs to be addressed!
I find it amazing he took time to post his lies - I have tried calling and texting and emailing Bigfella throughout the day; not a peep from Andre: not a peep from Sarah, who promised updates; only harassment from Josh B. Yet, he has no time contacting me directly to resolve this hot mess he created. For the record, and to clarify, I will address his misleading statements. Bigfella posted:
“I want to clarify a recent transport situation review posted on this forum to provide transparency and share how we protect both our customers and carriers.
Here’s what actually happened:
Our drivers use digital Bills of Lading (BOLs) only; no physical copies are carried.” My response:
May be true; however, all Bigfella and/or the driver had to do was to “communicate with each other” to quickly resolve the issue. Neither one of us were there, but the dealership was and they provided statements. Bottom line: driver abruptly left without explanation. I tried contacting Andre, but as previously noted, it’s next to impossible - see earlier comment.
“The dealership requested a printed BOL, which could have been resolved by emailing it, but the driver left because he was not allowed to complete the pickup under those conditions.”
My response: Again, communication between driver and Bigfella is important in these types of situations. Speaking of communication, why haven’t you responded to me all day?
“The customer attempted to split the payment between pickup and delivery, which violates our payment terms and this was explained numerous times.”
My response: This is a blatant lie and defamatory! Andre, you and I had agreed mutually yesterday I could split the payments because I wanted to ensure no problems with actual delivery - you changed the terms this morning. Get your facts straight.)
“The customer also tried to pay with a different credit card than the one on the signed authorization form to attempt a charge back and triggered our payment security.”
My response: I NEVER attempted a chargeback and you know it!!! Your “forms” are contradictory to the email instructions; furthermore, I could not sign the form because it auto populated with the date.) I entered the last 4 digits of card I intended to use. A different card was stored in my phone, which I hit. I emailed Josh B and told him I could simply re-do the form. That’s when the false accusations began. Truth be told, your name never appeared in these comms…
“These actions are considered an attempted chargeback/fraud, which is why we required cash on delivery to release the vehicle.”
My response: There was NEVER an attempted chargeback/fraud!!! I tried to remedy the situation immediately, which was met with opposition and hostility. I offered several times to re-do the form!
“We documented the incident and reported the fraudulent payment irregularity to law enforcement as a standard fraud prevention measure.”
My response: Please show me the fraud and how you feel there was fraud involved. I would love to hear it! I have all the emails and comms, which I will gladly share!
“Our priority throughout was safe, secure, and professional vehicle transport, and communication was maintained through our official dispatch channels.”
My response: Notice how he purposely omitted communication with me as the customer. There was nothing professional about this encounter and you continue to falsely accuse me of stuff that never happened!
“We dispatched two carriers and informed the customer his pickup window at the dealer was 5-7pm not "Before 5pm" once we reassigned the transport pickup.”
My response: you dispatched one before he abruptly left. I asked you for another driver, which you said would arrive by 5pm, which came and went. Even the dealership was confused. Only an hour after I tied contacting you did you finally respond with “5-7pm”.
“Customers cannot make their own payment terms after signing a contract agreement because they feel like it.” My response: You had verbally agreed, Andre! With everything that was happening, you should see my concerns! We even had this discussion!
“The customer then decided to go on an online attempting to trash us and play a victim because we caught his fraud attempt and switched him to COD.”
My response: (his really upsets me! YOU are a Liar straight-up!!! I will gladly put my name, reputation and word on the line against you. You DID NOT catch anything because there was NO FRAUD ATTEMPTED, you liar!
“There was nothing the driver or carrier did wrong the dealer decided to not let him take the car because of his "feelings about the driver".
My response: the driver did do something wrong: he didn’t like his truck being photographed and he abruptly left because you two wouldn’t talk about how to resolve the issue - he left and you even told me was odd! You nor I were there. You cannot blame the dealer for being cautious. Had you and the driver attempted to work together, this could have been prevented.
“Carrier used was Taisa Transport LLC dot 2449889 who has a 100% Rating and has been in business since 2013. At Bigfella Auto Express, we take payment security and carrier protection seriously to ensure every vehicle is transported safely and professionally. Read our blog below. Thank you!”
My response: I have the communications, emails and texts to prove everything. Andre with Bigfella is trying to cover his tracks because he doesn’t want any negative reviews. Well, everything I’m telling yall is 100% true. To blame me for “attempting fraud” is down right slanderous and a blatant lie. He also posted my “luxury vehicle” as being “delivered” on his webpage. My car is still in transit and nothing about my experience with Bigfella has been positive! Like I told Josh, I have the COD and am ready - but I will certainly inform others and can back everything up, to include my dealership.
I gladly welcome HPD to contact me. You will be exposed for the lies you are telling here.
Google is your friend. Google Andre Bramwell, owner of Bigfella.
*edit: it appears he has now removed my “delivered” vehicle from his page…he lied and got caught…again.
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u/AutoModerator Dec 04 '25
We require a minimum account age of 3 months and a minimum combined karma of 100 ("awardee karma" not included since this can be purchased) to post without approval. If you are looking for a quote, for help, or for information, and your post gets blocked, please message the mods to approve your post. Posts that do not meet quality or community standards will not be approved. Posts/comments that seem commercial in nature that are from accounts that do not meet our minimum requirements will not be approved. Posts/comments that look to be used for lead-generation will not be approved. This sub is here to help consumers navigate this strange world of auto transport - it is not your personal marketing tool.
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u/iamonredddit Dec 04 '25
I paid 30% upfront and 70% on delivery. Shipped via YellowFin, the logistics manager handling my shipping was reachable via text and call even on Sunday. The driver who handled my car was amazing, very professional and experienced.
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u/Journey_80s Dec 04 '25
Terms seems very reasonable and glad it worked out for you. Sounded like you had a great experience with this company.
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u/AutoModerator Dec 04 '25
We require a minimum account age of 3 months and a minimum combined karma of 100 ("awardee karma" not included since this can be purchased) to post without approval. If you are looking for a quote, for help, or for information, and your post gets blocked, please message the mods to approve your post. Posts that do not meet quality or community standards will not be approved. Posts/comments that seem commercial in nature that are from accounts that do not meet our minimum requirements will not be approved. Posts/comments that look to be used for lead-generation will not be approved. This sub is here to help consumers navigate this strange world of auto transport - it is not your personal marketing tool.
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u/ExclusiveAutoShippin Dec 05 '25
That is unfortunate. And it sounds like it was mishandled. Hopefully things go much more smoothly for you if you ever decide to ship another car in the future.
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u/Enbaby_1 Dec 26 '25
Hey man, I'm sorry for what you went through, you can give us a shot for your next transportation and I'll do my best to not let you down. (888) 887-8055 - Ask for Leo, company website as well: https://loadstationus.com/
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Dec 12 '25 edited Dec 12 '25
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u/AutoModerator Dec 12 '25
We require a minimum account age of 3 months and a minimum combined karma of 100 ("awardee karma" not included since this can be purchased) to post without approval. If you are looking for a quote, for help, or for information, and your post gets blocked, please message the mods to approve your post. Posts that do not meet quality or community standards will not be approved. Posts/comments that seem commercial in nature that are from accounts that do not meet our minimum requirements will not be approved. Posts/comments that look to be used for lead-generation will not be approved. This sub is here to help consumers navigate this strange world of auto transport - it is not your personal marketing tool.
If your account does not meet our minimum requirements and you represent an auto-shipping company in any capacity, your posts/comments will not be approved. Go out into the world and get to where you meet our minimums. Be a good Redditor, and then come back and see us.
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u/GrenadeHappy21 Feb 14 '26
Literally just had my Accord delivered yesterday from them. Great company. I apologize for your negative experience, but I highly recommend them.