Teamsters, CARS Team Up on Auto Safety

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Mar 05, 2010, 11:11 ET

Consumer Advocates Join with Teamster Safety Audit Teams to Study How Fiat/Chrysler Vehicles are Being Delivered

TOLEDO, Ohio, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Teamsters Union was joined by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) as it began a revolutionary grassroots safety program to help ensure that new cars delivered to consumers are transported properly. Both groups have concerns about the quality of service being performed by automobile transport companies Fiat/Chrysler has started using, after moving the work away from experienced, professional carriers.

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The report, "Damaged When Delivered?" includes photographs that document issues that arise when auto transport companies with less experience and knowledge transport new vehicles improperly. Incorrectly secured vehicles can sustain hidden damages to tires, rims, axles and the overall frame, which can cause safety problems and increased costs to consumers.

The Teamsters have created safety audit teams that will systematically document improper auto transport practices. They expect to release monthly reports with the analysis of their findings starting in April. A representative of CARS will participate with the Teamsters audit team, which will include spending time on at least one on-the-road audit and reviewing data collected by the audit teams.

CARS representative Christina Catalano, whose mother was killed by a defective Chrysler vehicle when it self-shifted into reverse said, "Carefully auditing Chrysler's auto transport carriers is an important step in examining how their new vehicles are being transported. Based on prior evidence, we believe Chrysler and its cut-rate haulers are skirting even the most basic requirements for ensuring safe delivery. Right now auto safety is on the minds of the car-buying public, and these audits are an important step in keeping them safe."

Teamsters Carhaul Division Director Fred Zuckerman added, "As proud professionals, Teamster carhaul drivers' number one concern is the safety of the cars we deliver to customers. In moving contracts away from longtime, professional companies, it is our belief that the small, short-term savings Chrysler forecasts will be quickly overcome by dissatisfaction among their dealers and their customers due to poor service and the risks of hidden damages."

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters