Tipping rules for Auto delivery - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GruntyPants · 11-23-2009, 09:13 AM

Hello all,
I'm about to receive my 'new' tow rig from California, and I wondered if there is an expectation of a gratuity for the driver, and if so how much? Would it be based on the total price charged to my by the company? Is it based on mileage? Has the same driver been in possession of my truck the duration of it's cross country journey?

All these questions must be answered for fear of committing some type of over-the-road-faux-pas.

I mean, Even if the truck gets here in good shape, I can't really be sure that I got good service from him, or can I? Will he provide documentation that he fought off evil marauders along the way to keep my vehicle safe? Did he put together a travel plan with a national team of meteorologists and highway-environmentalists to ensure that no acid rain, salt spray, gravel trucks, sea-gulls or hippies would tarnish or offend said vehicle?

So if anyone has had any past experience with auto transport services or is a driver themselves, I would appreciate any feedback.

*Shane* · 11-23-2009, 09:43 AM

Just curious, but why do you feel the need to tip a truck driver?

GruntyPants · 11-23-2009, 09:48 AM

I don't think I should, but I figured I might ask.

I suppose these guys mostly deliver to dealerships and auction houses, so they aren't expecting it.

Thanks for sticking this in General... didn't realize I was still in the truck section when I started.

**old Rusty C10** · 11-23-2009, 09:49 AM

in all the years ive towed vehicles i never got a tip... however if you wanted to throw the guy a jackson or a grant im sure it would be appreciated...

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 11-23-2009, 10:02 AM

If the truck driver actually seems to care that your truck made it there with out getting destroyed id throw him/her a tip for taking good care of my new ride..

68gmsee · 11-23-2009, 10:24 AM

A tip should be for appreciation of a job well done above and beyond what should be expected from any one. Most people are qenuinely interested in doing a job well and don't receive a tip. A thanks is all that is required.

I think that if you feel that you should do something nice for the person after the truck is delivered in what you feel is a good condition, a letter of appreciation to the company would mean more. Get his name and name of the company or the boss.

Thealien · 11-23-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

A tip should be for appreciation of a job well done above and beyond what should be expected from any one. Most people are qenuinely interested in doing a job well and don't receive a tip. A thanks is all that is required.

I think that if you feel that you should do something nice for the person after the truck is delivered in what you feel is a good condition, a letter of appreciation to the company would mean more. Get his name and name of the company or the boss.

I agree with this. Everyone hears complaints. Who takes the time to tell someone they are happy with their service? I try to tell managers, owners, and workers themselves when I apreciate their effort. I am also just as willing to tell them when I am not happy! I will tip anyone who goes above and beyond.

fastwillie 696969 · 11-23-2009, 01:56 PM

give him a kit kat bar and tell him to take a break he deserves it

vectorit · 11-23-2009, 02:09 PM

I work in a type of job that requires me to meet all kinds of people, and I am there to improve/fix things for them. Personally I would be uncomfortable taking anything in appreciation of the work I am paid to do for them, but an email/letter explaining how good of a job I did for them to my management is VERY appreciated.

**slomotion** · 11-23-2009, 04:25 PM

An awful lot would depend on attitude, and genuine concern for your property. A note to his company, and a twenty for lunch. He won't be expecting either one, but his gratitude may "pay it forward" somewhere down the line.

old_truck1969 · 11-23-2009, 04:45 PM

I had my corvette on a flatbed when i moved. i called and said i needed a flatbed asap. it was raining out and the guy was crawling under the car to hook it up. we only had to go maybe 2-3 miles. i paid the bill with my credit card, and gave the guy $10 cash for getting there so quick and being careful with the car.

EyeH8the24 · 11-23-2009, 04:55 PM

the letter to the company is a great deal .with my company anyone that gets a letter from a customer gets it sent out company wide and posted in all offices..

PanelDeland · 11-23-2009, 05:44 PM

I tip where appropriate.(not for delivery of a vehicle)I also write a note on the reciept noting great service and will ocassionally hunt down a manager to let them know.I have recommended servers in restuarants be trainers when the service warranted it.

tcb-1 · 11-23-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I tip where appropriate.(not for delivery of a vehicle)I also write a note on the reciept noting great service and will ocassionally hunt down a manager to let them know.I have recommended servers in restuarants be trainers when the service warranted it.

same here. I really appreciate good customer service and I tip the person or email the manager when I can.

I ALWAYS grease the bartender on the first round. you shouldn't have to ask why

!

*Shane* · 11-23-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcb-1

ALWAYS grease the bartender on the first round.

my hero.

tcb-1 · 11-23-2009, 09:20 PM

thought you'd like that, Shane!

*Shane* · 11-23-2009, 09:59 PM

ERASER5 · 11-24-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

Just curious, but why do you feel the need to tip a truck driver?

Maybe he can not find any cows to tip... or tractors.

MacAttack · 11-24-2009, 01:39 PM

I know nothing about long-range hauls, but I tip AAA drivers (always specifying flat-beds) a minimum of twenty bucks. I get their names and ask for the same guy on the next call and magically that "be there in approximately 20 minutes" evaporates.

cdowns · 11-24-2009, 03:41 PM

i've had a few cars delivered motorcycles too// if i got the vehicle when stated with good comunication anywhere from $10-$20 so they can get lunch seems fair

Longhorn Man · 11-24-2009, 06:04 PM

i say you tip the driver just like you would tip anyone else that you usually tip.
Why tip a pizza guy? they don't work for less than minimum wage.
Why tip the valet?
Why tip the old man in the mens room who hands you a towel and a mint after you wash your hands?

All those guys are offering a service with very little care needed.
Someone who has your pride and joy, drove it onto his truck, tied it down secure, then hauled it to your destination (be it 3 miles, or 3000 miles) and then unloaded it all with a profesional attitude and zero damage, delivered where and when you wanted it... I feel he deserves a tip of sorts.
Movers are another bunsh who never get tipped... after hauling your EVERYTHING from your old house to the new house.

I worked for 14 months as a mover and was SHOCKED at the fact that I got tipped maybe 3 times. Got many many letters sent to my boss, and even higher up (to corperate) with praise, but never a tip, and usually not even a can of pop or lunch.
I also delivered pizzas for about 3 years. This was a little over 10 years ago, but at that point, and in the area that I worked (fort hood Tx) less than 50% of the people would tip. They'd scream and complain if it was 30 seconds late, but no one would ever blink an eye when it was at there door 10 min early.

If you don't want to tip, then don't. No one does it anymore and no one expects it anymore.
If you want to be remembered, or feel 'better than the rest' then toss the guy a tip for making sure your pride and joy was delivered to its destination unharmed.
Drivers make way less than you think.

retodd7711 · 11-24-2009, 06:37 PM

I drive tractor-trailer for a living.
In 10 years I have been tipped 3 times, but I remember every one.
One was $10 for having to wait for the crane driver.
One was $20 for no reason at all.
The best was a homemade meal of ham, pinto beans and cornbread just cause tthey wanted to.
I do agree with attitude being the final judge, if the guy is very good at what he does, and he acts like a pro. Then by all means do what you feel.
But if he's a d***head, no thanks are necessary.

GruntyPants · 11-24-2009, 11:12 PM

I appreciate all the responses, and I see this in a new light.

I've never worked in the service industry where I was able to be tipped... I was always asked to stay away from the customers... But I can now see that a little cash in hand along with sincere appreciation can go a long way.

This is exactly why I asked the question in the first place, I just didn't know.

Now I feel like a tool because I never tipped the AAA drivers... and I use them a lot, especially with the junk I drive. That will change as well.

Now the waiting is just killing me to get my 'new' truck.

**fine69** · 11-25-2009, 02:53 PM

Hey. Great topic. Since this is what i do for a living i will put my 2 cents in.

Monday i picked up this truck...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=373471

Delivered it Monday as well. Each and every time i stop to fuel up (which is every 200 to 250 miles) i check my chains or straps. Make sure everything is ok. I do this with EVERY vehicle i haul.
It is important to me that you get your vehicle to you safe. You spend lots of money on them. And its not always cheap to get them hauled. And on top of that you have to worry that the guy doesn't give a crap about it.
I also take pics when i get it loaded so you know its in the same shape when it gets to you. And that there is no misunderstanding about condition.

Now.... Do i expect a tip??? HECK NO. But i tip my waiter great when i get great service.
I get a tip about 75% of the time. Anywhere from $10 to $50 normally. And i am very thankful. It is very nice to be appreciated.
But it is not necessary. My customer is still important to me even when i don't get a tip.

It really boils down to how you feel about the driver once you meet him/her. And if you feel it is worth it to you. How did the company treat you? Was your driver courteous? If he was running late did they call you to update you? Things like that.

If you feel a tip is worthy give one. If not don't.

MacAttack · 11-25-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fine69

I get a tip about 75% of the time. Anywhere from $10 to $50 normally. And i am very thankful. It is very nice to be appreciated.

Outstanding - does my old heart good to hear that.

My Chevelle's starter went out a couple of years ago when there was a 'Noah' rain storm going on - for about a week - no cell phone at that time - had to use an enclosed pay phone.

The street near where I ended up was flooded from curb to curb and because the nose of the car is down a bit between the suspension, tires and rims - the flat bed was going to be a challenge.

The driver treated the car like his child and spent an hour loading the vehicle, setting in rush-hour traffic and carefully off-loading the 65' with great skill and professionalism.

I always keep a fifty stashed in one of those little magnetic key boxes - just in case - and was glad to slip it to him when I shook his hand.

Mac.

11-23-2009, 09:13 AM	#1
GruntyPants Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kennesaw GA Posts: 95	Tipping rules for Auto delivery Hello all, I'm about to receive my 'new' tow rig from California, and I wondered if there is an expectation of a gratuity for the driver, and if so how much? Would it be based on the total price charged to my by the company? Is it based on mileage? Has the same driver been in possession of my truck the duration of it's cross country journey? All these questions must be answered for fear of committing some type of over-the-road-faux-pas. I mean, Even if the truck gets here in good shape, I can't really be sure that I got good service from him, or can I? Will he provide documentation that he fought off evil marauders along the way to keep my vehicle safe? Did he put together a travel plan with a national team of meteorologists and highway-environmentalists to ensure that no acid rain, salt spray, gravel trucks, sea-gulls or hippies would tarnish or offend said vehicle? So if anyone has had any past experience with auto transport services or is a driver themselves, I would appreciate any feedback. __________________ -- Shawn '67 Short Step '70 Short Wide

11-23-2009, 09:43 AM	#2
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery Just curious, but why do you feel the need to tip a truck driver?

11-23-2009, 09:48 AM	#3
GruntyPants Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kennesaw GA Posts: 95	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I don't think I should, but I figured I might ask. I suppose these guys mostly deliver to dealerships and auction houses, so they aren't expecting it. Thanks for sticking this in General... didn't realize I was still in the truck section when I started. __________________ -- Shawn '67 Short Step '70 Short Wide Last edited by GruntyPants; 11-23-2009 at 09:49 AM. Reason: More talkin'

11-23-2009, 09:49 AM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,302	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery in all the years ive towed vehicles i never got a tip... however if you wanted to throw the guy a jackson or a grant im sure it would be appreciated... __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-23-2009, 10:02 AM	#5
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery If the truck driver actually seems to care that your truck made it there with out getting destroyed id throw him/her a tip for taking good care of my new ride.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

11-23-2009, 10:24 AM	#6
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery A tip should be for appreciation of a job well done above and beyond what should be expected from any one. Most people are qenuinely interested in doing a job well and don't receive a tip. A thanks is all that is required. I think that if you feel that you should do something nice for the person after the truck is delivered in what you feel is a good condition, a letter of appreciation to the company would mean more. Get his name and name of the company or the boss.

11-23-2009, 01:56 PM	#8
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery give him a kit kat bar and tell him to take a break he deserves it __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

11-23-2009, 02:09 PM	#9
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I work in a type of job that requires me to meet all kinds of people, and I am there to improve/fix things for them. Personally I would be uncomfortable taking anything in appreciation of the work I am paid to do for them, but an email/letter explaining how good of a job I did for them to my management is VERY appreciated. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

11-23-2009, 04:25 PM	#10
slomotion Old Duffer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 1,822	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery An awful lot would depend on attitude, and genuine concern for your property. A note to his company, and a twenty for lunch. He won't be expecting either one, but his gratitude may "pay it forward" somewhere down the line. __________________ '68 Short C20 Flatbed Dually w/ 292 4bbl, Langdon cast headers, and WC T5 trans. '81 G10 Shorty Van "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." Will Rogers "Under promise, then over achieve."

11-23-2009, 04:45 PM	#11
old_truck1969 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Posts: 202	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I had my corvette on a flatbed when i moved. i called and said i needed a flatbed asap. it was raining out and the guy was crawling under the car to hook it up. we only had to go maybe 2-3 miles. i paid the bill with my credit card, and gave the guy $10 cash for getting there so quick and being careful with the car. __________________ "All Corvettes are red. The rest are mistakes." - John Heinricy

11-23-2009, 04:55 PM	#12
EyeH8the24 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: beulah,alabama Posts: 1,075	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery the letter to the company is a great deal .with my company anyone that gets a letter from a customer gets it sent out company wide and posted in all offices.. __________________ DOH !!!!!!!

11-23-2009, 05:44 PM	#13
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I tip where appropriate.(not for delivery of a vehicle)I also write a note on the reciept noting great service and will ocassionally hunt down a manager to let them know.I have recommended servers in restuarants be trainers when the service warranted it. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-23-2009, 09:20 PM	#16
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery thought you'd like that, Shane! __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

11-23-2009, 09:59 PM	#17
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery

11-24-2009, 01:39 PM	#19
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I know nothing about long-range hauls, but I tip AAA drivers (always specifying flat-beds) a minimum of twenty bucks. I get their names and ask for the same guy on the next call and magically that "be there in approximately 20 minutes" evaporates. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.



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11-24-2009, 03:41 PM	#20
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery i've had a few cars delivered motorcycles too// if i got the vehicle when stated with good comunication anywhere from $10-$20 so they can get lunch seems fair __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-24-2009, 06:04 PM	#21
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery i say you tip the driver just like you would tip anyone else that you usually tip. Why tip a pizza guy? they don't work for less than minimum wage. Why tip the valet? Why tip the old man in the mens room who hands you a towel and a mint after you wash your hands? All those guys are offering a service with very little care needed. Someone who has your pride and joy, drove it onto his truck, tied it down secure, then hauled it to your destination (be it 3 miles, or 3000 miles) and then unloaded it all with a profesional attitude and zero damage, delivered where and when you wanted it... I feel he deserves a tip of sorts. Movers are another bunsh who never get tipped... after hauling your EVERYTHING from your old house to the new house. I worked for 14 months as a mover and was SHOCKED at the fact that I got tipped maybe 3 times. Got many many letters sent to my boss, and even higher up (to corperate) with praise, but never a tip, and usually not even a can of pop or lunch. I also delivered pizzas for about 3 years. This was a little over 10 years ago, but at that point, and in the area that I worked (fort hood Tx) less than 50% of the people would tip. They'd scream and complain if it was 30 seconds late, but no one would ever blink an eye when it was at there door 10 min early. If you don't want to tip, then don't. No one does it anymore and no one expects it anymore. If you want to be remembered, or feel 'better than the rest' then toss the guy a tip for making sure your pride and joy was delivered to its destination unharmed. Drivers make way less than you think.

11-24-2009, 06:37 PM	#22
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I drive tractor-trailer for a living. In 10 years I have been tipped 3 times, but I remember every one. One was $10 for having to wait for the crane driver. One was $20 for no reason at all. The best was a homemade meal of ham, pinto beans and cornbread just cause tthey wanted to. I do agree with attitude being the final judge, if the guy is very good at what he does, and he acts like a pro. Then by all means do what you feel. But if he's a d***head, no thanks are necessary. __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

11-24-2009, 11:12 PM	#23
GruntyPants Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kennesaw GA Posts: 95	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery I appreciate all the responses, and I see this in a new light. I've never worked in the service industry where I was able to be tipped... I was always asked to stay away from the customers... But I can now see that a little cash in hand along with sincere appreciation can go a long way. This is exactly why I asked the question in the first place, I just didn't know. Now I feel like a tool because I never tipped the AAA drivers... and I use them a lot, especially with the junk I drive. That will change as well. Now the waiting is just killing me to get my 'new' truck. __________________ -- Shawn '67 Short Step '70 Short Wide

11-25-2009, 02:53 PM	#24
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Tipping rules for Auto delivery Hey. Great topic. Since this is what i do for a living i will put my 2 cents in. Monday i picked up this truck... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=373471 Delivered it Monday as well. Each and every time i stop to fuel up (which is every 200 to 250 miles) i check my chains or straps. Make sure everything is ok. I do this with EVERY vehicle i haul. It is important to me that you get your vehicle to you safe. You spend lots of money on them. And its not always cheap to get them hauled. And on top of that you have to worry that the guy doesn't give a crap about it. I also take pics when i get it loaded so you know its in the same shape when it gets to you. And that there is no misunderstanding about condition. Now.... Do i expect a tip??? HECK NO. But i tip my waiter great when i get great service. I get a tip about 75% of the time. Anywhere from $10 to $50 normally. And i am very thankful. It is very nice to be appreciated. But it is not necessary. My customer is still important to me even when i don't get a tip. It really boils down to how you feel about the driver once you meet him/her. And if you feel it is worth it to you. How did the company treat you? Was your driver courteous? If he was running late did they call you to update you? Things like that. If you feel a tip is worthy give one. If not don't. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6 Last edited by fine69; 11-25-2009 at 08:01 PM.

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