TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC TropicalTransport Stay away from this Transport Company 2 young guys with a small ford ranger pick-up is a fraud and is transporting illegally as per the federal laws with (NO ACTIVE) commercial cargo insurance, DOT, MC or ICC #S also displayed on the side of your legal truck like all commercial trucks running DOT hrs & log books. You need proper government authority to transport for hire. You have not. We have filed against him. Do not use this guy or the many other non legals that state they are insured or legal it will cost you in the long run. When he gets pulled over by any law enforcement or go over required scales or at state lines driver will the arrested and fined and your load will be impounded and towed to DOT storage and get fees/fines and require a legal transporter with DOT / MC #s with commercial insurance to remove it with proper certification after all fines & fees have been paid.
BEWARE, He is illegal and there is no protection with this hauler.
Here is the site to check this info on anyone transporting>>

http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/

STOP ILLEGAL TRUCKING.com

I would hope you wouldn't risk allowing someone without commercial cargo insurance with legal authority per FMCSA haul your hard earned possessions ...You would think twice if your cargo got impounded by police/DOT stuck in who knows where because he is not legal or worse in an accident damaging it or never delivering... theft... You would lose it all with a total loss to you and cost you much more in the end or just an I owe you. He is also taking jobs from the legal carriers protecting their customers. Would you want a garage tech to do a heart transplant? I hope you understand. Have a good day and protect your investments.
The MC number:
In general...
Companies that operate as “for hire” carriers (for a fee or other compensation) that transport passengers or federally regulated commodities, or arrange for their transport, in interstate commerce are also required to have interstate operating authority.

ny for hire, a buck or for "a buddy..ie.gas money"

Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: xcocovios (-1)
On: 08/03/10
For: Car parts to NY
Stay away from this Service.
Response from TropicalTransport:
WE PICKED UP THE ITEMS ONTIME, BUT COULDN'T DELIVER BECAUSE AT FIRST THEY DIN'T WANT TO PAY THIS GUYS BILL.I WAS TOLD TO RETURN AND GET PAID, WE DID THIS 6 TIMES OVER A TWO MONTH TIMEFRAME BECAUSE, EVERYTIME WE TELL THEM WE ARE COMING THEY CLOSE AND LEAVE THE BUSINESS.AFTER 6 TRIES, I HIERED ANOTHER SHIPPING COMPANY TO SIT AT THE LOCATION UNTILL SOMEONE SHOWED UP, THEN WE STILL GOT HASSLED OVER THE SHIPPING FEE'S.THIS IS NOT HOW WE DO BUSINESS IN THE U.S.A. NO MORE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FOR US!
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: artur3910 (4)
On: 08/02/10
For: BED FRAME( 5 PICES WOOD ) n...
I BUY NEW BED< AFTER THIS PROVIDER TRANSPORT TO ME THIS BED HAVE SO MANY SCRATCHES, THEY ARE DELIVERY ME ON SMALL PICK UP WITH NO ANY PROTECTION, THEY JUST DUMP MY FRAME ON THE BACK OF PICK UP . I'M VERY VERY DISAPPOINT THAT PROVIDER. NO RECOMMENDED!!!
Response from TropicalTransport:
THIS WAS A WELL USED BED, AT PICK-UP THE METAL FRAME WAS ALLRAEADY BENT, AND IT HADS SOME SCRATCHES, TT IS MADE OF WOODGRAIN PAPER OVER PARTIAL BOARD.WE DELIVERED IN A DODGE 2500, NOT A SMALL TRUCK AND BLANKET WRAPPED ALL PIECES, THEN WRAPPED AGAIN IN TARPS, NO TWO PIECES EVER TOUCHED.BED WAS HANDLED CAREFULLY ONOUR END.I THOUGHT THE CUSTOMER WAS HAPPY, GAVE US A FIVE DOLLAR TIP FOR GOOD SERVICE.THEN I GOT THE NEGITVE FEEDBACK.I DON'T UNDERSTAND, WE DID A GREAT JOB!
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: hansito (4)
On: 10/15/09
For: chaparral 200 1998 on trailer
I know the trailer was damaged so he could not tow the boat but till now I still dont have my money back and the communication is very bad.
Response from TropicalTransport:
Drove from Rhode Island to Florida to pick up this boat & trailer, arrived at dealer to find out the trailer is not towable, and I was told that there is nothing they can do.We have used the deposit for fuel & drivers pay.We did offer a 50% credit for another item to be picked up.
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: gapoletti1 (1)
On: 11/15/08
For: 2007 Vespa LX 125
Stay away from this Transport Company! The Driver Stole my Blue 2007 Vespa Et2 on OCT 10 in route to NYC! Left a message that he does not plan on returning the Vespa given that he was fired from Tropical Transport. Must I say more? They provided no help, no insurance, no Vespa. It's over a month! Nothing. Just excuses. They claim to have 50K in insurance- So where is it? They don't answer the phone or provide any soultions to the problem- In short, this is terrible Transport company.
Response from TropicalTransport:
You know we have spoken with you dozens of times, both phone & email, we have filed police reports with every police station involved, including State Police in 3 states, I am not sure of why they won't help, but you can't say we haven't tried to resolve this problem.We are still working with you, we have called the driver insurance company, and will contine to to help you untill his matter is resovled.Your negitive feedback just promotes what the driver is trying to do, prolong the recovery of the bike
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: trust6464 (25)
On: 11/11/08
For: LIncoln Front Bumper Cover ...
A big time Lier and crook! Their phone is dead! Never responds to Emails. Picked up item and delivered only 4 weeks later, once I reported to Uship. This thief was paid for shipping on Pick UP however they did charge a receiver one more time same fee. Very bad expirience. NEVER AGAIN!
Response from TropicalTransport:
You are highly mistaken, yes the truck was late to pick up your item, but it got delivered to you in a timnely manner after that.If you paid the driver twice you are a fool, has nothing to do with me.I was not the actual driver of the truck, and this the first I herd of this, if this is actually the case.The buyer and the seller should have spoke about payment, so the other would know.Why are we just hearing of this now? 4-6 weeks after drop off.We provided a professional service, at a great price!
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: shuja (1)
On: 10/21/08
For: bags & cartons
TROPICAL TRANSPORT IS NOT PICKING UP THE PHONE IT IS ON RECORDING LIKE YOU HAVE CALLED OUT OF OFFICE HOURS PLS LEAVE THE MESSAGE AND I CALL THEM THIS MORNING !! WHAT TO DO ??
Response from TropicalTransport:
WE HAVE FINALLY SPOKEN WITH THE CUSTOMER, HE HAS BEEN CALLING THE OFFICE NOT THE DRIVER.NO ONE IN OFFICE, IF I AM DRIVING.HAVE PICKED UP BOXES AND DELIVERED THEM TO NEW LOCATION, IN A TIMELY MANNER.SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN COMMUNICATION.
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: mawlamotors8 (2)
On: 10/13/08
For: 1987 suzuki gsxr 750 engine
booked my shiping list and never pick up my parts super bad pepol
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: tteggad1 (-1)
On: 10/01/08
For: 21' sea ray saville on trailer
I responded to the confirming email within an hour, didn't hear back. I called the numbers on the email - one was disconnected, the other was the wrong number. Finally got Mike on his cell. He told us he had everything he needed. Today he was supposed to pickup - no truck, no call. I called Mike @ 9:15. He needed to chk on something & would call back in 5 minutes. 2 hours later, no call & now he doesn't answer his cell. Finally at 2:30 he answers, gives lame excuse. No apology. I cancld.
$200 cheaper.
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: ACRACR (7)
On: 08/18/08
For: Live Little Gem Magnolia Tr...
No Detailed Feedback Available All trees shipped were damaged, refused by our customer and returned to us. We immediately replaced the trees and delivered ourselves at a great loss. Mr. Bernard Coleman executed & faxed a written agreement to repay $500.00 as damages by the end of June, 2008. He did pay $250.00 in June. As of this time we have not received the balance and consider him disreputable. We likewise intend to file with the State & Federal Dept. of Transporation a formal complaint. Would not recommend to anyone.
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: 218guy (3)
On: 06/30/08
For: 1997 chris craft concept bo...
No Detailed Feedback Available I will not use this service provider again, not because of lack of communication, but because the service was poor and the equipment they used for transporting was not adequate. For instance, we were to meet in Plattsburg at noon to pick up the boat, they finaly arrived at 4.30 pm, and they were four days late in delivering the boat.
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: grpinc (63)
On: 04/14/08
For: 1989 Proline 23.0 walk arou...
No Detailed Feedback Available My boat and trailer was involved in an accident due to the negligence of this service provider. He used a 2" ball to tow a 2 5/16 trailer after being warned by the shipper it was not the right size. He also used a truck not rated for this load. After the accident occurred my boat was towed and impounded for storage fees. This service provider will not furnish me will his insurance company and will not return any of my calls. I have files criminal and civil charges against him. He is BAD No Good
Rating: Negative
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: toolbox (0)
On: 02/05/08
For: grady white 21 adventure
No Detailed Feedback Available ford ranger mini tow vehicle was way under sized for the boat, i asked if they had a transport plate before accepting bid driver said they had one, driver did not have a transport plate, which makes me think there was no insurance, driver did not call me before pick up, as discussed, they did get the boat to the address with no issues but very unprofessonal, id ck insurance and truck details before acdcepting bids boat customer made general comments concerning delivery and tow vehicle
Rating: Neutral
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: cworthy88 (11)
On: 02/08/09
For: Scooter, Moped, Motorcycle, ...
No Detailed Feedback Available
Rating: Neutral
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: grndirusa (1)
On: 10/15/08
For: WANTED! Someone to help fil...
Communication:
Care of Goods:
Punctuality:
Services as Described:
Although we are very please with the driver we were equally disappointed on the arrival date of our new dog. She was to have been delivered Sunday and she didn't arrive until Monday evening.
Response from TropicalTransport:
WE WERE ONE DAY LATE FOR DELIVERY, WE WERE HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY AND DROVE ALL NIGHT TO ARRIVE ON MONDAY, NO WAY WE COULD MAKE IT ANY SOONER.
Rating: Neutral
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: ishbossman1 (4)
On: 10/05/08
For: air compressor
Communication:
Care of Goods:
Punctuality:
Services as Described:
Recieved in good condition. Was expecting a professinal Transport Co., turned out to be 2 young guys with a pick-up. They were not on schedule and expected someone to meet them @ business location @12pm, but did have to wait until 5am. Were very polite and got the job done. Price was right.
Response from TropicalTransport:
We are very professional, in the bid we included, all the information about the truck we would use, the way your item would be shipped, we are a family run business and you were added to a run wth other customers, the driver just had arrived early and wanted to know if you could take your item early, waiting to the next morning was no problem.Glad that everything worked out well.
Rating: Neutral
Company: TROPICAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Left by: PaulGraham (3)
On: 10/04/08
For: Military Generator
Driver was very good. Did the job quickly and communicated well. The broker (Tropical Transport) on the other hand really performed poorly. Took so long that the delivery was no longer needed in the hurricane zone, didn't communicate, used three different drivers. I had to give pickup information to three different people! I was about to cancel the shipment when I was notified that the shipment was being picked up. I felt sorry for the driver, but I pretty much feel like I wasted $400.
The US DOT number:
Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number. The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.
The Reach of Operating Authority
FMCSA operating authority is also referred to as an "MC, " "FF, " or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run, the cargo it may carry, and the geographical area in which it may legally operate.
Now if the truck you're getting is owned by someone else, you're in a whole different ball game. It would have to be leased to your company by the owner. You would become the lessee and the person owning the truck would be the lessor. As the operating motor carrier, you'll be responsible and liable the same as if you owned the truck and the driver would be the same as a company employed driver.
You can't just allow someone to run their trucks under your authority without a written lease.
All trucks operated under your motor carrier company must be covered under your motor carrier company's insurance policy. You must keep the appropriate company records for all equipment operated and all drivers operating them. The New Entrant safety audit, normally conducted within a few weeks after your authority is activated, will examine the company records. If your records do not contain the mandated records, you'll be out of service until they're corrected. I would recommend you visit this website for more information on the New Entrant Program.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/NewEntrant-faq.asp
As I've said numerous times in the past, the driving of the truck is a small part of operating a motor carrier company. Running the company correctly is what keeps you out of trouble and lets you continue to operate.
Thanks for the question and I hope I've answered it for you. If not please feel free to submit a follow up question.
There is another website you may find of interest. The "Stop Illegal Trucking" website can be found at http://www.stopillegaltrucking.com/
Check out the organization's mission statement and purpose. From there you can click on the red stop sign and go to their forums. The forum has a topic named "GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY" where a lot of information has been posted that may be of interest to you. You can visit the website as a guest and read only the topics in the forum. Registering as a member takes only a few seconds and there are no fees or charges of any kind. Registering allows you to participate in the discussions, ask questions, and post information helpful to other members. You'll meet a lot of folks that operate small motor carrier companies similar to you. There you can learn from their experiences and maybe it will help avoid some mistakes made by others. As one of the co-founders, I extend a personal invitation to you and others to join our cause to elevate the awareness of the safety and economic issues caused by illegal trucking on our nation's highways. I hope to see you there.