A recent Teamsters Union report claims that auto giants Fiat-Chrysler and GM's use of cut-rate carhaul companies is threatening consumer confidence and public safety.
The report says that these carhaul companies, which are not unionized, use "inexperienced drivers using inappropriate equipment and methods that endanger the vehicles they are delivering to unsuspecting car buyers."

The report, "Damaged When Delivered?," was released by the Teamsters Union, consumer advocates from Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) and Consumer Action, and members of Congress.

"'Damaged When Delivered?' documents the incorrect and unsafe practices of cut-rate carriers being used by Fiat-Chrysler and GM across the country," said Fred Zuckerman, director of the Teamsters Auto Transporters Industry Division. "This report has been distributed to every member of Congress, to the board of directors at both companies and to every Chrysler and GM dealer in the country."

The report includes a series of photographs documenting the wrong practices for securing vehicles that are hauled by trucks. These practices, according to the report, pose risks to damage and quality of the cars.

During a conference call on the report, Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) spoke at length about not only the threat these practices pose to the driving public, but stressed the importance of protecting good-paying jobs.

"If GM and Chrysler move to a broker-based model to transport cars to dealerships, good-paying American jobs will be lost and the safety of the car-hauling industry will be jeopardized," said Baca. "With over $81 billion of taxpayer money invested in GM and Chrysler through the TARP program, an irresponsible decision of this nature is tantamount to a violation of the public trust."

"With up to 28,000 pounds of autos per carrier traveling our roadways, I want to know the vehicles are properly secured," said Linda Sherry, director of national priorities for Consumer Action. "Inexperienced carhaulers are making mistakes that threaten the safety of car buyers and motorists."

The full report can be accessed at Carbuyersbeware.com.