I'd go with the $690 straight shot guy, too.. having your truck sit in PA while he waits around for another load to bring back could take awhile.
You may want to ask for refrences.. other people he has done work for.. altho with that kind of price, it's probably just a guy with a gooseneck trailer doing it on the side for extra cash.. he may have not ever delivered a vehicle before.
The other thing to ask is what kind of insurance will cover your vehicle while being transported.
Accidents happen.. even with the most reputible carriers. If your truck ends up in a river, or damaged in any way during transport, who picks up the tab?
As far as payment is concerned, thats a good question.
If I was the dude hauling the truck, I don't want to drive 700+ miles to your place and discover "you dont have the money" or "your momma got real sick and had to spend the money on medicine".. i'd want some kind of assurance from you that i'm going to get paid.. so i'd probably require at least half down, and the balance paid upon delivery in CASH.
Now if i'm in your position, I don't know this clown, and for all I know this dude could take my money and go hit the bar.
Half up front, and the balance paid when delivered sounds fair.
Make sure you get something in writing that establishes who is responcible for damages to the vehicle during transport, and also specifies a date the vehicle will be delivered to you on or before.
Make sure that document has both your and the shippers full name, and physical address, as well as the address where the vehicle is to be picked up and delivered to.
So check refrences first, get something in writing, and all at the same time, understand that you're just as much a stranger to him as he is to you.
