STOLEN: my first bike from the transport company WTF die transpro (1 Nov 2009) [Archive]

Grasshopperus

1st November 2009, 09:56

Hi everyone,
I'm an aspiring motorbike rider who's had his very first bike stolen before I even received it.... Please read this long (sorry) post and help me, I'm really bent over a barrel here.

Bought a 1990 ZXR250 off a KB member who was selling. He's in WLG and I'm in AKL so we use a shipping company, transpro.co.nz

It's dropped off to them on October 19th and I called them every 2 days from that date to get an ETA and every single time I call I get a different date. This drags on for a while until October 30th when they say it's finally left the WLG depot and will be delivered on the 31st. Their service had been shit up until this point but I was relieved to hear that it actually left the depot and was moving towards me.

So it's due on Saturday (yesterday) but then I get a call from transpro saying "Oh, the entire trailer that had your bike in it has been stolen. The driver of the truck got a flat tyre, left the truck and trailer on the side of the road in East Tamaki (industrial area in East Auckland) and when he got back after fixing a tyre 4 hours later the trailer was gone".... WTF man!!!

He said he was going in to see the cops at 3pm but when I couldn't get a hold of transpro that arvo I called the cops to report a stolen vehicle and when I mentioned the transporter trailer they said nothing of that description had been lodged and that as my vehicle from stolen from within another stolen vehicle I couldn't report it stolen until transpro give me the police case number to link it all together.

As transpro don't appear to have reported a theft to the police I think foul play is afoot. I reckon they may have taken it for a joyride, crashed it, and have been buying time while cooking up this elaborate hoax. They may be telling the truth but as they've become extremely difficult to contact I'm assuming the worst.

* the transport company says they only cover up to $1500 on their insurance but I will definitely take them to small claims if need be. Bike cost me $3300 and I want it all back.
* I'm definitely going to involve Fair Go.
* I guess technically I could be a dick to the old owner and say that he still hasn't delivered the goods that I paid for but he's not the one at fault here. In fact he's been awesome.

Yours in total desperation.
Grasshopperus (Al)
021-514-085

Bike details
--------------

1990 Kawasaki ZXR250
License plate: 32TCK
Blue/black/silver. Original paint job. Small, thumb-size dent in tank to the left of where you left upper thigh sits.
VIN: ZX250A-009590

scumdog

1st November 2009, 10:16

Sound prett sucky, keep us posted.

nothingflash

1st November 2009, 10:22

Unfortunately they are correct here. You could have a been shipping a cargo of gold - they'd still only pay out $1,500 under their insurance policy.

There was an item on Fair Go a small while back where a guy shipped a bike from Dunedin to Auckland and when it got to Auckland and the driver opened the tail of the truck it fell out and caused around $2.5k worth of damage. From memory I think the company may have reluctantly come to the party only on the basis that the seller didn't sign anything when he dropped the bike off.

Good luck with your fight though - that sucks arse!

Edit: "technically correct" I mean...

Dutchee

1st November 2009, 10:32

How could you be a dick to the old owner? You don't mention him till the end, so nada to do with him. Taking it you just wanted 3 alternatives ;)
Thanks for the heads up on the transport company. If the tale's true, they worse than suck.
What sort of truck was it? Sounds like a big rig, and those drivers don't leave their livelihood for that amount of time due to a flattie. There's the mobile truck tyre changers that go around fixing blowouts on the motorway that are called.
Very dodgy story. Hopefully your new bike is just still in Wellington, or they come to the party and give you your money.
Good luck and let us know the result (sounds way fishy the cops know nothing at this stage).

sil3nt

1st November 2009, 10:32

The big thing about that above fair go case was the transport company said insurance was offered. However the (new) bike owners brother was sorting out the shipping and he said the company never mentioned it. If they offered you insurance and you declined it then the max they pay out is $1500.

But surely having your bike stolen is a bit different than having them damage it. They would get insurance for the trailer and surely the goods inside of it?

Kiwi Graham

1st November 2009, 10:32

Bloody hell. It sounds dodgy to me, a truck & trailer stolen and not reported Mmmm.
Good luck on getting any money back!

RantyDave

1st November 2009, 10:36

As transpro don't appear to have reported a theft to the police I think foul play is afoot.
Report it to the police as having been stolen by the transport company. Make it their problem.

Transpro.co.nz is registered to "Nazsha Holdings Ltd" whose directors are Nazia Nazhat Sharif and Shahil Chand of 7 Pidgeonwood Lane, Woodridge, Wellington. The company was previously a property development company (changed names in Feb 2007) so we know for a fact that these are dodgy cunts you're dealing with.

Dave

gunrunner

1st November 2009, 10:37

I would contact land transport NZ , incase someone tries to re rego it but im sure the cops are on to this . Hopefully someone has inly taken it for a test ride, were you insured ?

caseye

1st November 2009, 10:39

They are LYING, if this has not been reported to the Police then they are definitely telling you Porkies!
I'd be laying a complaint of theft against them! Now.
Action and fast is what is needed here, you need proof that your bike was delivered into thier yard on such and such a day.
Prof of phone calls made to them.
Proof that it was actually in any trailer that has subsequently been stolen.
Proof that the theft of the trailer has been reported by them.
If no proof of theft report Go lay the complaint of theft against them.
Your local Police station may not want to take the complaint but if they do their job properly and check that no complaint has been made by the transport company they'd better then take your complaint and start actioning it immediately.
Keep notes, names of who you spoke too, when, their contact numbers make a bloody nuisance of yourself and dont give in.
Luck compardre.

nothingflash

1st November 2009, 10:46

Sounds like it's gonna get fun - keep us posted mate and good luck.

ynot slow

1st November 2009, 10:49

Also they might have public liability cover for this exact thing.Would assume this would kick in for you if they had the cover.

mossy1200

1st November 2009, 10:51

If the unit was stolen they would have had to report it as insurance will do zero for them without a report number.
Also the $1500 doesnt stack up as the trailer unit will be insured and that will cover its content also.They would never need to claim multi $1500 max claims.
The $1500 will apply to damaged individual or lost items.
If your having problems call the police and let them know you believe that a staff member has stolen your bike.
Or lodge it in small claims costs about $50.
Mention in claim report that they have failed to supply relevent police report info and any other info etc.

I dont believe the unit was stolen.They have done something and now they are telling you porkies because your young.

rideon

1st November 2009, 10:52

Transpro.co.nz is registered to "Nazsha Holdings Ltd" whose directors are Nazia Nazhat Sharif and Shahil Chand of 7 Pidgeonwood Lane, Woodridge, Wellington. The company was previously a property development company (changed names in Feb 2007) so we know for a fact that these are dodgy cunts you're dealing with.

Dave

If no result by 17th Nov, there may be a few bikers in welly that day that could swing by & make some 'noise' on their door. :bash:

GOONR

1st November 2009, 10:54

Sounds more than a little iffy to me. caseye has a point, ask them for proof that it was on that particular trailer and proof that it has been reported stolen. If they can't come up with that report it. If they can prove it then you have the info that plod are after.

Owl

1st November 2009, 11:00

I guess technically I could be a dick to the old owner and say that he still hasn't delivered the goods that I paid for but he's not the one at fault here. In fact he's been awesome.

Not sure I understand why you'd even mention this?:(

Still, I hope this gets sorted dude and yes, it sucks!:yes:

Grasshopperus

1st November 2009, 11:10

Update:

finally caught up with Shahil from transpro

They have reported the theft to the police and I have verified that the trailer, my bike and some other unlucky car owners car have all been registered as stolen.

According to the extremely helpful police call centre at Manukau, it was reported as stolen from the side of the East Tamaki highway. What was stolen was the trailer unit, the thieves actually jacked up the 2.5 tonne trailer, changed the wheel (leaving the old blown one on the side of the road) and then took off.

So, my paranoid rant about transpro lying in this case looks like its off base.

The trailer itself can be towed by a standard 4wd apparently. It's not an 18wheeler, MACK truck size thing.

I'm so pissed off, I bought that ZXR250 for a great price, I don't think I can find one like that again :(

Talked insurance with transpro, was thinking that this is not the standard case of a customer's vehicle being damaged in transit. This is a case where the entire trailer (owned by transpro) has been stolen and that their insurance should cover the trailer and all of its contents.

In anycase, I'm back on the market for bikes again. :crybaby:
Thanks for all of your support.

GOONR

1st November 2009, 11:12

Talked insurance with transpro, was thinking that this is not the standard case of a customer's vehicle being damaged in transit. This is a case where the entire trailer (owned by transpro) has been stolen and that their insurance should cover the trailer and all of its contents.

So what did they say about the insurance?

EDIT: or is the second sentence their response?

awayatc

1st November 2009, 11:14

directors are Nazia Nazhat Sharif and Shahil Chand of 7 Pidgeonwood Lane, Woodridge, Wellington. ...
so we know for a fact that these are dodgy cunts you're dealing with.

Dave

Dodgy cunts?
Nah just some good old Kiwi blokes trying to make an honest living.........

YAMASAKI

1st November 2009, 11:15

If no result by 17th Nov, there may be a few bikers in welly that day that could swing by & make some 'noise' on their door. :bash:

hmmmm, that IS DODGY, there doesn't seem to be a Pidgeonwood Lane in welly!

Matt_TG

1st November 2009, 11:18

FYI, the $1500 mentioned is the maximum liability under law, ie the Carriage of Goods Act 1979, not 'insurance'. The limit of $1500 is on a per unit basis, as in what form the company received the item to be shipped (in this case, one unit - a bike).

You can elect to take out insurance over and above this limit, either with the transporting company, or privately, but that would have been up to you at the time the agreement was commenced. Most goods are carried under what they call Limited Carriers Liability unless selected otherwise.

You have 30 days to lodge a claim of loss with the carrier, and 12 months to actually get the money from them, or you have no redress at all. Send them a letter / email right away, calling it a Pro Forma Claim and ask for their claim procedure documentation.

I've dealt with cases where the 12 months has expired and the carrier has dicked around and not paid and we can't get anything ... but that's the law and the law is an ass.

Disputes Tribunal's could look at the loss over and above the $1500 if you can prove the Carrier has been negligent or failed to carry out obligations under the Act...

Have a look at the Act, as regardless of what we feel is right and wrong, it's the basis of the contract you had.

Carriage of Goods Act Link (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1979/0043/latest/DLM33495.html?search=ts_act_carriage_resel&p=1&sr=1)

This sucks and I hope you get to the bottom of it - seems real dodgy.

200BUSA

1st November 2009, 11:19

Not sure I understand why you'd even mention this?:(

Still, I hope this gets sorted dude and yes, it sucks!:yes:

Because he hasnt taken possesion of said article and previous owners insurance may cover said loss. He wasnt implying he was going to just that he could. But depends on wether appropriate paper work has been completed.

Grasshopperus

1st November 2009, 11:19

Matt_TG thanks a lot mate. That's really useful info.

Owl

1st November 2009, 11:49

Because he hasnt taken possesion of said article and previous owners insurance may cover said loss. He wasnt implying he was going to just that he could. But depends on wether appropriate paper work has been completed.

No, that doesn't explain at all why the comment was made!

Fair enough if the seller was responsible for getting the bike to its destination, but that is hardly likely.

grusomhat

1st November 2009, 11:56

I remember fairgo found the act so old that inflation had not been accounted for. Ie, the $1500 is really not fair these days. It hasn't been changed though so it's still what will be paid. However, I would think that either the carriers insurance should pay full amount to them so why shouldn't you get it. The other option is small claims where you could possibly you the inflation argument in your favor (I may be wrong).

That sucks pretty bad though and what a PITA!

EDIT: Yeah 1979 and I can't see any amendments to the amount liable.

EDIT: Using this calculator http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics/0135595.html general says about $7000 lol

Headbanger

1st November 2009, 12:30

No, that doesn't explain at all why the comment was made!

Perhaps to head off anyone suggesting that was a viable plan of action. By mentioning and dismissing it himself, it shows its not an alternative worth considering.

vagrant

1st November 2009, 12:41

hmmmm, that IS DODGY, there doesn't seem to be a Pidgeonwood Lane in welly!

Don't rely on google maps too much, they are way out of date. FYI Pigeonwood Lane is in Woodridge, just off White Pine (first right)
http://www.nzpost.co.nz/NZPost/Templates/ReclaimRed/APLT/APLT2008.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID={8FF41AEA-2CC0-4303-9879-865C80259493}&NRORIGINALURL=/Cultures/en-NZ/OnlineTools/PostCodeFinder/%3fnumber%3d7%26streetname%3dpigeonwood%2520lane%2 6suburb%3dwoodridge%26town%3dwellington&NRCACHEHINT=Guest&town=wellington&suburb=woodridge&number=7&streetname=pigeonwood%20lane

Lurch

1st November 2009, 13:33

In this thread: Yet another reason to not live in Auckland.

Hopeful Bastard

1st November 2009, 13:48

And another reason to transport your bike with BikeTranz..

I would recommend them to anyone transporting their bike.. Forgot to get bike insurance.. Bike got picked up thursday.. Left auckland Friday and got to Levin Saturday Midday.. Bike was strapped in nicely. Driver was a friendly bugger. All good for me :2thumbsup:

metalslug

2nd November 2009, 00:42

Man I really feel for you, especially this is your first bike!!!...And I just don't get how the trailer will get stolen from the side of the road? was the driver taking a long piss and fell into a ditch or something?

hope they give back your moneys worth...

Getting Transpro to transport my bike from Welly to Auckland as well. Last Friday / Sat they missed their pick up from the seller, said they have some "problem" with the van....:blink:

Finger crossed..

Headbanger

2nd November 2009, 07:29

The suspense would kill me, I'd jump on a plane and get the seller to meet me at the airport with the bike.

Ride home.

Excellent.

gtr boy

2nd November 2009, 07:38

Mystic13

2nd November 2009, 15:15

Winston001

2nd November 2009, 15:25

Besides using a bike transport company it seems pretty obvious to me when you buy a bike you insure it. So that would mean it'd be covered by your insurance the moment you pay. I've seen a few stories on here where people seem to wait till the bike arrives to them before insuring it. That just seems risky.

Agreed although many people overlook it. Risk passes upon delivery and in this case that happened the moment the seller dropped the bike off at the transport company.

vifferman

2nd November 2009, 15:42

Besides using a bike transport company it seems pretty obvious to me when you buy a bike you insure it. So that would mean it'd be covered by your insurance the moment you pay.
Are you sure?
Insurance companies can sometimes be a bit dodgy with some of their exclusions. You'd have to make sure that it was specifically included.
Like house and contents: any and all items are usually included anywhere in New Zealand. Except when in a furniture truck, and especially NOT if they happen to need to go between the islands - you need separate insurance cover for that, which costs significantly more than the cover for the whole year. :blink:

dogsnbikes

2nd November 2009, 15:49

Are you sure?
Insurance companies can sometimes be a bit dodgy with some of their exclusions. You'd have to make sure that it was specifically included.
Like house and contents: any and all items are usually included anywhere in New Zealand. Except when in a furniture truck, and especially NOT if they happen to need to go between the islands - you need separate insurance cover for that, which costs significantly more than the cover for the whole year. :blink:

Aint that the truth,last time I moved it was going to cost me $112 for insurance of my contents in a truck for 2 hours WFT BUT!!! to shift those same contents in a private car nothing they were still covered under my standard contents:woohoo:

tcpdump

2nd November 2009, 16:13

I almost bought this bike, I had to choose between this one and my xelvis.

Not sure if it will help you but this bike had also a dent in the exhaust and the owner had a youtube clip with 360degrees views.

Sorry about your loss.

Grasshopperus

2nd November 2009, 21:22

Thanks for all the kind comments guys.

About the questions of why I even mentioned the old owner; I was just mentioning it as something I didn't want to consider and don't need others to bring it up.

Anyway, I've treated myself to some retail therapy and have committed to buying a year 2000 VTR250. Won't pay a cent until it's in my driveway, which after explaining the reasons, is fine with the current owner.

To MetalSlug: Get insurance ASAP dude. Transpro are not reliable.

Rayray401

2nd November 2009, 21:38

This could be a stupid comment, but what about suing the truck driver? negligent misconduct? he should have work insurance shouldnt he?..i mean, he did leave the truck unattended..mm dunno how it works but hey XD

Danae

3rd November 2009, 11:26

Wouldn't the trailer be locked to the truck...?

Hopeful Bastard

3rd November 2009, 12:28

Wouldn't the trailer be locked to the truck...?

Apparently the trailer got a flat and he un-hooked it, Took his truck to get a new tire?

Laxi

3rd November 2009, 12:34

damn resession, the driver obviously couldn't afford a cell phone then, getting the nearest mobile tyre truck to come out would have been a hell of a lot easier

Kinje

3rd November 2009, 13:48

The suspense would kill me, I'd jump on a plane and get the seller to meet me at the airport with the bike.

Ride home.

Excellent.

Definately the best way to do it. Though you do get some funny looks walking onto a plane in leathers and a helmet as carry on luggage :rockon:

musicman

3rd November 2009, 15:10

Besides using a bike transport company it seems pretty obvious to me when you buy a bike you insure it. So that would mean it'd be covered by your insurance the moment you pay. I've seen a few stories on here where people seem to wait till the bike arrives to them before insuring it. That just seems risky.

Can one insure a vehicle when it's not (yet) registered under their name? Some people don't do the transfer of ownership until after they've received it, I would've thought that they can only insure it after the transfer of ownership has been done.

crazyhorse

3rd November 2009, 15:22

Sounds very dodgy to me - I sure the hell you get something sorted. I am sure you gutted. Hope you get a resolution soon

Winston001

3rd November 2009, 15:51

Can one insure a vehicle when it's not (yet) registered under their name? Some people don't do the transfer of ownership until after they've received it, I would've thought that they can only insure it after the transfer of ownership has been done.

Yes you can insure immediately the deal is agreed. Ownership passes when the parties swop delivery and payment. Delivery in this case was to the bike transporter - it then became the buyers property.

Registration is a separate requirement and is only necessary if you are going to use a vehicle on a road. For example buying a damaged registered bike to race as a bucket wouldn't require a change of registration.

Matt_TG

3rd November 2009, 18:31

Yep, all you need is some sort of 'interest' in it to insure it. He is still able to seek the $1500 limit of the Carriage of Goods Act, at least that's something I guess.

Grasshopperus

3rd November 2009, 18:39

UPDATE - FOUND (for now)

So I get a call today from TransPro apparently the AKL police towed the trailer to the Onehunga impound lot but failed to do the paperwork. That's why no-one knew about it.

Now the bike is due to be delivered on Thursday morning. We'll see, heard that before :blink:

I was so happy, that after receiving the call at work this morning, I danced the waltz with my boss. Boss was talking to clients at the time and he looked pretty embarrased as I skipped like a little girl out of the building.

Will post again when, or if, I actually get the frickin' thing.

mossy1200

3rd November 2009, 18:39

Just go lodge a small claim that they failed to take precautions which led to the loss of your vehicle that you had entrusted them with delivery.Pay the $50 for the claim.They will have liability insurance and you will get paid prior to going to small claims mediation.They are just waiting to see if you will role over and go away.You will get your cash when they see this isnt so.

mossy1200

3rd November 2009, 18:41

caseye

3rd November 2009, 20:18

Hey ya girly dancer you! That is great news, your bike, no problems with delivery and hopefully you'll be able to ride it on the weekend

Hawkeye

3rd November 2009, 20:45

Thanks for all the kind comments guys.

Anyway, I've treated myself to some retail therapy and have committed to buying a year 2000 VTR250. Won't pay a cent until it's in my driveway, which after explaining the reasons, is fine with the current owner.

UPDATE - FOUND (for now)

So I get a call today from TransPro apparently the AKL police towed the trailer to the Onehunga impound lot but failed to do the paperwork. That's why no-one knew about it.

Now the bike is due to be delivered on Thursday morning. We'll see, heard that before :blink:

I was so happy, that after receiving the call at work this morning, I danced the waltz with my boss. Boss was talking to clients at the time and he looked pretty embarrased as I skipped like a little girl out of the building.

Will post again when, or if, I actually get the frickin' thing.

So! what have you done about the VTR250? I'm sure the current owner may not be happy as he had a sale but now appears that it has fallen through. Hope you have discussed it with him.

nothingflash

3rd November 2009, 20:56

good one - hopefully all is well that ends well.

Grasshopperus

3rd November 2009, 21:14

So! what have you done about the VTR250? I'm sure the current owner may not be happy as he had a sale but now appears that it has fallen through. Hope you have discussed it with him.

Hi Hawkeye,
yeah, I called him shortly after I found out. I had explained the supposed-theft when I saw the bike on the weekend so he understands. Sucks for him I know but he hasn't lost anything as it wasn't a trademe auction.

He's asking a good price and has a nice bike, there are other people interested in it so good luck to him.

gammaguy

3rd November 2009, 21:14

transpro

8th November 2009, 12:31

Hi Everyone,
I am Shahil Chand, owner and director of Transpro. I have been running this company for over 3 years during which my team has helped hundreds of riders through the safe handling and transportation of bikes - to date we do not have a single complaint by way of damage to bikes and have maintained a 100% track record. We have transported anything and everything from rolling-body wrecks to customized $250,000 imports and have had a rapid rise in reputation and market share against our competitors, many of whom have been doing this far longer than us.
On the 31st of October, one of our tandem axle transporter trailers (being towed behind an 8-tonne Isuzu) ran into problems while on the Southern Motorway between East Tamaki and Highbrooke Exit (which the police later on termed "Section 33"). Both tyres on the left hand were punctured on the trailer and our driver was forced to park his truck on the side of the road as the trailer was grounded due to the 2.5 tonne load (There was another Subaru Legacy in the trailer as well). The driver ensured the trailer was parked safely and contacted me to organize a tow while he carried on with other drop-offs - which I did with Fairfax towing (there aren't many towing companies in Auckland area which have trucks large enough to cater for a 8 metre 2.5 tonne covered trailer apparently). At around 1-2 PM, the owner of the towing company contacted me to advise that he hadn't located the trailer in the area advised. I contact the police on 111 and spoke with NorthComms and AucklandComms to see if any of their officers had authorised a tow. They had a note on their system saying that our trailer had been sighted in section 33 by an officer as stranded and it had been stickered for a tow after 24 hours if hadnt been removed. There were no tow authorities logged, hence the police hadnt organised anyone to tow it. The operator from NorthComms also rang around the authorised towing companies servicing that area and apparently none of them had towed it away. That only left the possibilty of it being stolen and after nearly 3 hours of searching, I personally went into Porirua police station and filed a theft report. I had also contacted "Grasshoporus" (who's identity I shall not reveal as I respect an individual's right to privacy) to inform him of these developments and provided him with a Case number within an hour after logging it.

After about 3 days of no contact from the police, I rang up again and enquired. Apparently a note had appeared on their system relating to a tow done by Onehunga Towing Services (OTS) authorised by an officer from Henderson. This had occured 1.5 hours of the trailer being left behind (when in fact we technically had 24 hours to do so and there was no danger to traffic by any means). I was informed that the officer only logged this event on the system about 2 days later and the operator apologised that no one had bothered calling us to advise of this.

I called OTS and they assured me trailer was safe in their custody. I called "Grasshopperus" to advise him of the outcome and assured him delivery within a few days when my next truck was there. Prior to finding out that it hadnt been stolen, I had been in constant contact with Grasshopperus and even assured him that I would try my best to see if my insurance company would compensate over and above the $1500 carriers liability. The bike was handed over to Grasshopperus yesterday morning in the same exact condition in which it was received.

This whole experience has been quite stressful to all parties involved, including myself. It costs over $20 K to replace a trailer of this nature and especially with the modifications done to it. I had spent a significant amount of time and resources in search activity for nearly 3 days for this trailer and had despatched 5 teams of people in the Auckland area to find the trailer - all because of shortcomings on the part of the police.

However, alls well that ends well and I am glad that its over. I do find it extremely saddening that there exists 4 pages of posts regarding this incident and a lot has been said about myself, my company and a few posters have gone to the length of posting out my home address and suggesting they "make noise" outside my property .

I do note that Grasshoperus has posted some updates of the event - however, not as clearly as it perhaps should have been.

In this day and age when a company's repuation is pivotal and ever so easily tarnished, I had to take it upon myself to signup to this forum to defend myself and my company. I highly doubt that there would be any apologies coming my way from some of the posters - all I would like to emphasize is little knowledge can be a dangerous thing and jumping to conslusions and making judgement calls without fully knowing the situation is a very sad reflection on anyone's character.

Regards,
Shahil.

The Pastor

8th November 2009, 12:37

MattRSK

8th November 2009, 12:40

Hi Everyone,
I am Shahil Chand, ...
Regards,
Shahil.

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/10nucm8.gif" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

caseye

8th November 2009, 13:30

...In this day and age when a company's repuation is pivotal and ever so easily tarnished, I had to take it upon myself to signup to this forum to defend myself and my company. I highly doubt that there would be any apologies coming my way from some of the posters - all I would like to emphasize is little knowledge can be a dangerous thing and jumping to conslusions and making judgement calls without fully knowing the situation is a very sad reflection on anyone's character.

Regards,
Shahil.

Yep a cool story indeed.

Reputation IS Everything in this day and age.

I don't doubt that you did all that you could once informed of events.
Our fellow KB'er has had a particularly nasty experience with regards to his bike.
He has received the run around from your staff, people who should have been able to give him precise information as to the date upon which his bike was going to be shipped, over the initial ten days it was in your yard/possession.
Ten days to get it on a truck, do you consider this normal or acceptable practice?
For the record, if I had engaged a transport firm and I wasn't able to get a confirmed date I'd be hopping bloody mad after ten days.
He came into the forums here and posted his story.
I told him what to do, as did others.
Action and plenty of it is what gets results, if there are any to be had.
You acquitted yourself well in regards to keeping your client informed of what was happening and following up on the Police comm's etc.
It is obvious that YOU have acted quickly and appropriately in this instance.
Coming here is a brave move and I hope it pays off for you.
My advice to Grasshopperus, was advice, based on what he knew to be the facts.It involved getting into peoples faces and not letting them sit still until something was done.
I stand by that advice and I'd suggest that to some degree it worked quite well.
Different dates each time he rang, ten days to get his bike on a truck, then it goes missing, These things need to be addressed before I'd be happy using your company,thats my opinion.

vtec

8th November 2009, 14:27

Big story and explanation, and it seems that you didn't do too much wrong. However, trust is short in NZ for many reasons, and I totally understood why he freaked when given the story about your trailer being stolen and you telling him that he's only covered for $1500. I think he acted totally appropriately, and just because a bit of publicity and pressure came on your company about it doesn't mean that he did anything wrong. The service he received appears to be less than exemplary, and I understand from your story that not all of that was under your control. But by the wording of your argument you make it sound like you are angry with this paying customer of yours for chasing up his "stolen" bike. Until you can empathise with your customers more I won't be using your service. I suggest you reword a couple of parts of your explanation to take the threat out of them, or you're doing yourself an injustice.

Grasshopperus

8th November 2009, 14:45

Different dates each time he rang, ten days to get his bike on a truck, then it goes missing, These things need to be addressed before I'd be happy using your company,thats my opinion.

Hi everyone, yep, got the bike yesterday it's absolutely fine and I love it :yes:

Shahil, I do owe you an apology for the title of this forum thread and also for suggesting that you guys were pulling a fast one on me. Sorry about that.

However, I'd like you to understand how stressful it was to get a different ETA every single time I called up. I know that shipping and transport is not the most precise art, things like road conditions and breakdowns affect schedules but I would have far preferred on the first phonecall if you had given me a better estimate. Also, if the item is not going to arrive when you say it will then call me to let me know. I quickly found that the only way to get updates was to call you everyday which is annoying for all involved.

Here's some suggestions you might like to implement
* collect email addresses of interested parties when you accept a job. Send out ETAs or other updates via email.
* keep an internal record of expected and actual delivery dates of everything you ship. Use it to monitor your own performance
* some sort of tracking system through your website (this can be expensive but customers love it).

About my identity, I already posted my real first name and phone number in an update. I'm not precious about that.

I'll give you a call on Monday and we can wrap this up. I don't have anything against you personally Shahil I just don't like how this whole situation played out.

vtec

8th November 2009, 14:51

Bugger it, I'm going to reword it for you, so in future you know how to handle yourself slightly more professionally.

Hi Everyone,
I am Shahil Chand, owner and director of Transpro. I have been running this company for over 3 years during which my team has [been paid to help] hundreds of riders through the safe handling and transportation of bikes - to date we do not have a single complaint by way of damage to bikes and have maintained a 100% track record. We have transported anything and everything from rolling-body wrecks to customized $250,000 imports and have had a rapid rise in reputation and market share against our competitors, many of whom have been doing this far longer than us.
On the 31st of October, one of our tandem axle transporter trailers (being towed behind an 8-tonne Isuzu) ran into problems while on the Southern Motorway between East Tamaki and Highbrooke Exit (which the police later on termed "Section 33"). Both tyres on the left hand were punctured on the trailer and our driver was forced to park his truck on the side of the road as the trailer was grounded due to the 2.5 tonne load (There was another Subaru Legacy in the trailer as well). The driver ensured the trailer was parked safely and contacted me to organize a tow while he carried on with other drop-offs - which I did with Fairfax towing (there aren't many towing companies in Auckland area which have trucks large enough to cater for a 8 metre 2.5 tonne covered trailer apparently). At around 1-2 PM, the owner of the towing company contacted me to advise that he hadn't located the trailer in the area advised. I contact the police on 111 and spoke with NorthComms and AucklandComms to see if any of their officers had authorised a tow. They had a note on their system saying that our trailer had been sighted in section 33 by an officer as stranded and it had been stickered for a tow after 24 hours if hadnt been removed. There were no tow authorities logged, hence the police hadnt organised anyone to tow it. The operator from NorthComms also rang around the authorised towing companies servicing that area and apparently none of them had towed it away. That only left the possibilty of it being stolen and after nearly 3 hours of searching, I personally went into Porirua police station and filed a theft report. I had also contacted "Grasshoporus" [text deleted due to threatening tone] to inform him of these developments and provided him with a Case number within an hour after logging it.

After about 3 days of no contact from the police, I rang up again and enquired. Apparently a note had appeared on their system relating to a tow done by Onehunga Towing Services (OTS) authorised by an officer from Henderson. This had occurred 1.5 hours of the trailer being left behind (when in fact we technically had 24 hours to do so and there was no danger to traffic by any means). I was informed that the officer only logged this event on the system about 2 days later and the operator apologised that no one had bothered calling us to advise of this.

I called OTS and they assured me trailer was safe in their custody. I called "Grasshopperus" to advise him of the outcome and assured him delivery within a few days when my next truck was there. Prior to finding out that it hadnt been stolen, I had been in constant contact with Grasshopperus and even assured him that I would try my best to see if my insurance company would compensate over and above the $1500 carriers liability. The bike was handed over to Grasshopperus yesterday morning in the same exact condition in which it was received. [Hooray for all involved].

This whole experience has been quite stressful to all parties involved, including myself. It costs over $20 K to replace a trailer of this nature and especially with the modifications done to it. I had spent a significant amount of time and resources in search activity for nearly 3 days for this trailer and had despatched 5 teams of people in the Auckland area to find the trailer - all because of shortcomings on the part of the police.

[Deleted "However"] Alls well that ends well and I am glad that its over. [nothing wrong with four pages of posts about an incident, deleted] A few posters have gone to the length of posting out my home address and suggesting they "make noise" outside my property.

I do note that Grasshoperus has posted some updates of the event - however, not as clearly as it perhaps could[should changed to could] have been.

In this day and age when a company's repuation is pivotal and ever so easily tarnished, [I have signed up to these forums as I understand now how Kiwibiker could have an effect on reputation, and possibly be an excellent marketing tool, and am determined to give my side of the story].

[(replacement paragraph for finalé) I hope that there will be some apologies coming my way from a couple of posters who I feel have taken it too far. I hope you understand I am very sorry for being a large part of this stressful situation, and will endeavour to prevent something similar happening in the future.]

[DELETE entire paragraph, replaced above] I highly doubt that there would be any apologies coming my way from some of the posters - all I would like to emphasise is little knowledge can be a dangerous thing (just a point NEVER SUGGEST TO LIMITING THE KNOWLEDGE OF OTHER PEOPLE. THE PERSON WHO WOULD KEEP INFORMATION FROM YOU BELIEVES HIMSELF YOUR MASTER) and jumping to conclusions and making judgement calls (WHEN A BIKE IS STOLEN, SORRY HYPOTHESES NEED TO BE FORMED QUICKLY AND JUDGEMENT CALLS NEED TO BE MADE, IT'S A MOOT POINT WHETHER WHAT WAS REACHED WAS HYPOTHESES THAT WERE BEING TESTED OR CONCLUSIONS AS YOU STATE) without fully knowing the situation is a very sad reflection on anyone's character. (I'M AFRAID YOUR RESPONSE IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR CHARACTER).

Regards,
Shahil.
(edits by Jason)

p.s. If you need help in future BEFORE you release a public statement, feel free to give me a call on 021 031 7454. $30 an hour or some beers and pizza. As a business owner, never communicate in anger.

marty

8th November 2009, 15:36

As a side note, Police call the towie to log a tow. It's up to the towie to then notify the Comms centre - 1; that they have towed it, 2; the rego of the vehicles towed and 3; the location it was towed to.

If the feds don't have that info, they can hardly log it as towed can they?

Conquiztador

8th November 2009, 15:44

Bugger it, I'm going to reword it for you, so in future you know how to handle yourself slightly more professionally.

p.s. If you need help in future BEFORE you release a public statement, feel free to give me a call on 021 031 7454. $30 an hour or some beers and pizza. As a business owner, never communicate in anger.

Nice!

You get a bling for this, as did "transpro" for coming on here and facing up.

I have always picked up my own bikes. And I currently have a doz or so in my shed... Will not change that. I have also at times offered to pick up and deliver others bikes while I travel around. Took a 650cc from Akl to Welly for a chap for $100. Door to door. (I was doing the travel anyhow, so helped with petrol costs). And many others.

When I read this I wonder if there would be business here. Set up a low costs bike and bits pickup/delivery door 2 door where when enough bikes and bits was to be moved around it would happen? Spend a w/e travelling the island picking up and delivering?

See what this causes; possible competition...

transpro

8th November 2009, 16:20

u4ea

8th November 2009, 16:52

Argh just like the thrill of your first kiss the thrill of your first bikes stirs soo much passion..

great to read all has ended well. :sweatdrop:yes:

DJSin

8th November 2009, 16:53

maybe the thread title could be changed to something more reflective of the actual situation

Dirty Heathen

8th November 2009, 17:37

hi jason...thanks for the offer...trust me the last thing i wanna do on a sunny sunday afternoon is type out an essay in my defence but i was compelled to and so i did it..thanks grasshoperus for coming back to this so quickly...like you said, its nothing personal between us, I only got ticked off (as any reasonable person would) because personal information was being made public. Whilst I have nothing to hide, anyone with wife and kids would know and agree with my position.

Grasshoperus, I look forward to catching up with you tomorrow on happier note - till then, I hope you're enjoying your new ride.

Regards,
Shahil

I think its a good show that you came on here and actually posted there is always 2 sides to every story as well I agree too NO one should give out a persons home address details in this type of discussion or situation people do some stupid things when there angry and having a family would be a bit unnerving.

And to grass gratz on getting your first bike man! I am glad you finally got it in the end after all the drama I am in the process atm of buying my first bike I could just imagine what it would be like going through this ordeal with your first bike.

metalslug

8th November 2009, 21:19

Sorry to interrupt, but the story from Transpro sounded purely defensive.

To Transpro:

From a customer's perspective, the most vital thing is that the service is delivered as agreed, with clear communication. If the service cannot be delivered due to the unexpected, a clear explanation must be made as soon as possible, followed by the offering of a solution.

Based on the story from both sides, the service was not delivered and the communication was extremely poor. Not only did Grasshoperus had to ring numerous times to reach someone for an explanation, your whole reply was nothing but a long fancy excuse. Remember, as a customer, we don’t care what tragedy has happened during the delivery or if the event has cost you 20k or 200k or even 2000k; this is YOUR JOB, and that is WHAT we pay you for. Sort it out.

Here is my dealing with Transpro just a week ago, (getting my bike transported from Wellington to Auckland) and you can be the judge:

26/10 Monday- Seller obtained quotes from Transpro. Waiting on the confirmation for the pick up and delivery date.
29/10 Thursday- Transpro: “Collecting from seller either Friday evening or Saturday morning. -Hoping to pick up after 6pm Friday”
30/10 Friday- Transpro did not turn up. Seller cannot reach anyone from Transpro and left a message. At 19:56 seller managed to reach someone from Transpro and was told that “the pick up van had some problem and cannot make it”. Transpro agreed to pick up the next day.
31/10 Saturday- Did not turn up again, and no explanation given. Seller left voicemail for the owner of Transpro to say he needs to collect it or refund the money.
02/11 Monday- Seller notified Transpro for cancellation of service with full refund. Transpro: “Will refund money back to seller’s account before end of the week”
Seller and I agreed to go with another company, Biketranz. Seller contacted Biketranz for quote and delivery details.
03/11 Tuesday- Delivery details confirmed from Biketranz. Biketranz agreed to pick up Thursday morning, and notified that the bike will reach Auckland coming Monday and delivered to destined address on Tuesday.
05/11 Thursday-Biketranz picked up the bike as promised
06/11 Friday- Refund from Transpro NOT obtained. Seller to chase up Monday.

If I had gone to Biketranz as a first choice I would have got the bike a week earlier, saving a whole lot of worry and stress.

Rob Taylor

9th November 2009, 19:19

We use bike tranz to move our race bikes.Always on time,if problem always rings,Contacts receiver to verify delivery time by driver,You can not go wrong with them....The old saying is "you pay for what you get"..Pay fuck all ,get fuck all service......:Oops::whocares:

tigertim20

9th November 2009, 22:18

I doubt that shahil is aware of every transaction hos business engages in, and thus does not know about the complaints that come in from time to time.
this is not a defence of him. more a suggestion, that before he says 'we have had no complaints' he actually involves himself a little more in the details of his business. perhaps he could arrange for a few items to be "transported" without his staff knowing, as a secret shopper type thing, and actually gauge how well his business is REALLY being run. people who make fuckups and give customers the runaround are hardly going to let their boss know about it if they can help it...

Kinje

18th November 2009, 14:25

A few other similar stories about Transpro on this website http://www.nocowboys.co.nz/businesses/Transpro-NZ/#ratings

ukusa

18th November 2009, 15:54

A few other similar stories about Transpro on this website http://www.nocowboys.co.nz/businesses/Transpro-NZ/#ratings
I have never used them, but there does seem to be a similar pattern emerging. Personally I've read enough to avoid them.

archer3000

20th November 2009, 13:06

Hi mate...

My names Paul..

Transpro owe me over 400 dollars and i'm taking shahil to court via the disputes tribunal, he won't give my money back after cancelling my order.. it seems we're not the only ones to be conned. I've spoken to another shipping company who have told me of 2 clients being taken for a ride (they had to go to his house to get theirs back), basically as you know they take your money won't give it back and are absolute shit to try and get in touch with... How many times did you phone and get his wife answering promising shahil will call back??

I will let you know how i get on in court if you decide to go down that avenue..

paularcher30@hotmail.co.uk \

P.s If your reading this shahil... see you in court.. :)

P.P.s please do not use this company, you are simply throwing money away..

Hans

20th November 2009, 20:06

As of today I happen to be working for a company that transports bikes as well as cars. I'm not on any of the units that take bikes as well, but I'll keep an eye on the standard of service and recommend it as soon as I know, that everything is kosher.

LanaWil

26th November 2009, 13:15

Hey mate,

Transpro SUXS - im looking at taking them to fairgo, small claims and debt collection. Are you able to give me your story in an email, im just making a collection of complaints about Transpro there are so many? I have been emailing and phone calls and no response. I have been contacting him for three months for my refund and nothing has happened.
As soon as i told him i was going to Debt collection i got an email straight away but of course it was all my fault not Transpro.

I look forward to hearing from you guys,
Lana
alana.wilson@xtra.co.nz

Hi everyone,
I'm an aspiring motorbike rider who's had his very first bike stolen before I even received it.... Please read this long (sorry) post and help me, I'm really bent over a barrel here.

Bought a 1990 ZXR250 off a KB member who was selling. He's in WLG and I'm in AKL so we use a shipping company, transpro.co.nz

It's dropped off to them on October 19th and I called them every 2 days from that date to get an ETA and every single time I call I get a different date. This drags on for a while until October 30th when they say it's finally left the WLG depot and will be delivered on the 31st. Their service had been shit up until this point but I was relieved to hear that it actually left the depot and was moving towards me.

So it's due on Saturday (yesterday) but then I get a call from transpro saying "Oh, the entire trailer that had your bike in it has been stolen. The driver of the truck got a flat tyre, left the truck and trailer on the side of the road in East Tamaki (industrial area in East Auckland) and when he got back after fixing a tyre 4 hours later the trailer was gone".... WTF man!!!

He said he was going in to see the cops at 3pm but when I couldn't get a hold of transpro that arvo I called the cops to report a stolen vehicle and when I mentioned the transporter trailer they said nothing of that description had been lodged and that as my vehicle from stolen from within another stolen vehicle I couldn't report it stolen until transpro give me the police case number to link it all together.

As transpro don't appear to have reported a theft to the police I think foul play is afoot. I reckon they may have taken it for a joyride, crashed it, and have been buying time while cooking up this elaborate hoax. They may be telling the truth but as they've become extremely difficult to contact I'm assuming the worst.

* the transport company says they only cover up to $1500 on their insurance but I will definitely take them to small claims if need be. Bike cost me $3300 and I want it all back.
* I'm definitely going to involve Fair Go.
* I guess technically I could be a dick to the old owner and say that he still hasn't delivered the goods that I paid for but he's not the one at fault here. In fact he's been awesome.

Yours in total desperation.
Grasshopperus (Al)
021-514-085

Bike details
--------------

1990 Kawasaki ZXR250
License plate: 32TCK
Blue/black/silver. Original paint job. Small, thumb-size dent in tank to the left of where you left upper thigh sits.
VIN: ZX250A-009590

Graem1985

6th December 2009, 15:43

hi yeah im having problems with transpro as well i paid for the delivery on the 19th of november and its been over 2 weeks and still havent seen my bike,ive rung every few days and the delivery date just keeps changing seems im not the only one having problems with these guys.. let me know what the guts is mumbleblah@hotmail.com
-Another unhappy customer!

red mermaid

14th December 2009, 15:46

For your info this company is now known as Colossal Transport Limited...and they have just got some 'problems.'

harbourview

6th January 2010, 17:22

These guys are dodgy as anything. I used them for a home removal. They also use the name MovePro. They are dishonest incompetent swindlers. I wouldn't believe anything Shahil says. He kept talking about "The depot" as though there were such a thing. Look at the website, there is a picture of an office building, but no address. The website is a sham, TransPro are nothing more than a pair of hustlers. I'm surprised they haven't been prosecuted for their scams.

rebel

7th January 2010, 00:18

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Community/MessageBoard/Messages.aspx?id=119390

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Community/MessageBoard/Messages.aspx?id=125952

Lucy

7th January 2010, 01:27

Hi Everyone,
On the 31st of October, one of our tandem axle transporter trailers (being towed behind an 8-tonne Isuzu) ran into problems while on the Southern Motorway between East Tamaki and Highbrooke Exit (which the police later on termed "Section 33").Regards,
Shahil.

None of this explains why the bike which was dropped off on the 19th was even on that truck that broke on the 31st.
Trademe has some horror stories running at the moment of car beiing driven instead of transported, run arounds with phonecalls, weeks to arrive etc etc.

Conquiztador

7th January 2010, 01:47

Started this, maybe it could help the ones who are new?

: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/116461-Can-we-on-here-warn-bikers-re-businesses-who-rip-us-off

Syko1

7th January 2010, 15:23

What a laugh, Shahil Chand is full of kaka, our Transpro nightmare goes like this...........................

Bought a 1994 Toyota Rav through Trademe for $5000 in December and used Transpro to uplift the car from Whangarei and transport to Featherston and paid $587 on 16/12/09.

Prior to using them I rang Shahil and asked when the vehicle would be delivered, as we needed it for the start of the Christmas week. Shahil told me the vehicle would be delivered on either Saturday or Sunday following the Thursday of pick-up.

Vehicle was picked up in Whangarei on Thursday 17th December.

No vehicle arrived by Saturday so I text Shahil who tells me the vehicle is still in Auckland and would "probably" be delivered Monday.

We weren't very happy with that as we were told it would be delivered that weekend but wasn't much we could do so put up with it.

Monday arrived, no sign of vehicle and no word form Transpro. E-mailed Transpro and got a response from Nazia Hanif who sent the followmng;

Hi Pete,

It normally takes an estimated 4 working days for vehicles to come from Whangarei to Featherstone – it first needs to be collected on truck and transported down to Auckland, then from there to Wellington on another truck and finally from Wellington to Featherstone on a smaller truck. Your vehicle is scheduled to leave Auckland for Wellington later on this evening and at this stage we anticipate it to be delivered to Featherstone tomorrow evening. Our truck driver will be in contact a few hours prior to drop-off.

We will try our best to get it sooner if we can.

Kind Regards

Nazia.

So why did Shahil tell us that he could deliver the vehicle at the weekend then? Anyway, we waited in anticipation for the vehicle to arrive on the Tuesday evening. Tuesday arrives, no sign of the vehicle. Ring Shahil at around 4.00pm and he claims that he had just spoken to his driver who was near Taupo and that he would ring the driver and get him to contact us, and ring us back. Never heard back from Shahil or the driver.

Wednesday morning arrives and no sign of the vehicle. By this time, we had researched Transpro and read all the horror stories about this dodgy bastard and his company, and were becoming increasingly concerned. At about 7.40am I receive a text from someone claiming to be a Transpro driver who claims that he got diverted to Napier that evening to do a pick-up and that his log book hours had run out, so he couldn't deliver our vehicle that evening. He promises to deliver our vehicle safely by the afternoon.

At 11.40am I text the driver to se how far away he was, as it takes about 4 hours from Napier to Masterton by truck. Driver text back to say he was back in Auckland as he had to go and do a pick up there, and promised that he would still deliver our vehicle to us that day. I text him to see where my vehicle was, as by now, I'd had a gutsful of getting the run around from these clowns and was going to pick up the vehicle myself. Driver text back to say my vehicle was somewhere near Taupo.

I then rung the "driver" and told him it takes 6.5 hours by car from Napier to Auckland so there was no way he could be in Auckland if he had been in Napier when he text me earlier. Driver was very cagey to say the least and admitted to not being in Auckland. When I asked him to tell me where my car was he said he didn't know exactly where it was as another driver had dropped it off, after earlier telling me in a text that he had dropped it off near Taupo. I told him he had until midnight to deliver it or it would be reported stolen. I also told him we knew the mileage of the vehicle and it had better be transported by truck and not driven.

My wife then rang Shahil and told him the same thing. Shahil said the vehicle would be delivered by 1.00am. My wife stayed up that night in anticipation of the vehicle arriving, it never arrived.

It's now Christmas Eve and a week since Transpro picked the vehicle up from Whangarei.

Thursday morning I contacted the Johnsonville Senior Sergeant, who was extremely helpful, and reported the vehicle stolen. The Senior Sergeant went to Shahil's house and advised him the vehicle was reported stolen. Shahil made a call and then told the officer my vehicle was in Wellington and he was trying to organise a driver and would deliver it that day. I had told the officer to have the vehicle delivered to the Johnsonville Police station where I would pick it up from.

Despite Shahil's continued bullshit, the officer told him he needed to show him where the vehicle was. I received a call from the officer who said he was following Shahil to a Porirua address where my vehicle was parked, and he said it was a dodgy part of Porirua.

My vehicle was located at a friend/relative's address of Shahil in Poririrua. Police then made Shahil drive the vehicle to Johnsonville Police station, where I picked it up from.

When the vehicle was uplifted from Whangarei it had 148,060 km's on the odometer. When I picked the vehicle up, it had 148,785 km's on the odometer, about the same distance from Auckland to Wellington. The windscreen was covered in dead flies/moths etc and had obviously been driven through the night.

I have e-mailed Shahil and given him the opportunity to respond and reimburse me but he has not replied.

My next course of action is to instigate a claim in the Disputes Tribunal and make a complaint to the Commerce Commission.

I seriously doubt that Transpro have the 110 trucks they claim to have on their website, and am guessing he employs many of his fellow country men to drive the vehicles to their destinations.

As for the photoson their website of th ebig office building and the "110 trucks" what a load of crap.

Don't use Transpro, they are only interested in getting your money, their service is shit, and Shahil is full of shit excuses after excuses.

These guys messed with the wrong person, they have got some surprises coming their way.

Pete