Author: chptrkrules
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 9:33 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

Jessica,

If the not to exceed estimate is from a legitimate moving company, then your final cost can be lower, but not higher, than the estimate.

If the weight is lower then your price will be adjusted accordingly, but if it happens to be higher than the estimated weight, you are protected and will not have to pay more than the original estimate.

The major van lines are not the only quality moving companies, but they have been at it since since the 30's, and while all moves are not always smooth, you will not get "scammed" by the majors.

Also, a lot of the scammers now call themselves a "van line" to confuse people. Hell, some moving brokers who own zero trucks, have no crews, only high pressure telemarketers, call themselves a van line.

Example- Budget Van lines is only a household goods broker, and a bad one at that, but they don't want you to know they have never actually moved anybody.

As for the hostage question. If a broker gives a not to exceed estimate it means nothing and yes, chances are that your not to exceed will be thrown out the window and you will pay a lot more than what was promised.

All brokers are crooks in this industry
Good luck

Author: ArchieWhite
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 8:20 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

Not to exceed means you know at the start the maximum price...it might be lower, but won't be higher...meaning, once they weigh the truck, count the boxes etc, it might be less if it comes in 'under' but the price won't go up if it comes in 'over'

Walking thru a home and guessing how many boxes and pounds is not an exact science, professional guesswork....

The big 10-12 van lines ( they drop off fast after about 5) will never scam you, they have too much at stake, the FMCSA knows where they live, as opposed to the internet scammers, who dont have any brick and mortar, they can fold up their pretty website and disappear into the night, at the first hint of trouble.

Author: jesshall317@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 8:00 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

Thanks for all the advise and concern. What I am hearing is that a national, well known moving company such as Mayflower and Allied is the only way to go. Believe me, I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

I have another question about charging from the other type movers. All the quotes I received are "not to exceed" quotes. Is this a hoax also and they up the price and hold your things hostage?

Thanks again.
_________________
Jessica L Hall

Author: stillwatergal
Subject: Re: specific questions to ask long distance movers
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:32 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

thank you... a good beginning to our estimate hunt. I've already done some of the things mentioned and will be sure to do all I can do to collect that info. I know I'll have more questions related to our specific situation as we go forward.
thanks again
stephanie

Author: MusicMom
Subject: Re: Long distance movers from chicago - need review
Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 5:39 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 2

They only recently changed their name from Olympic.

Here is their complaints report at the FMCSA. You can see their inspection graph shows a higher than average number of safety inspection failures, and the last bar refers to the 3 times they've been fined by the DOT.

Their BBB report indicated an F rating and 119 complaints in three years.

The BBB has some misleading information, however, in that it ends the report by saying this company "should not be confused with Olympia Moving at 8820 Skokie Blvd", but as you can see by the FMCSA report that this is indeed the same company at that address.

Author: Diane
Subject: Re: Long distance movers from chicago - need review
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:58 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 2

Do a search on "Olympic Moving" (aka "Olympia Moving") in quotation marks using the Search box above and you will have your answer.
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Diane
Check out companies on this thread.
I?m happy about every company endorsed by this website except SmartMove and Albert Moving; I think they don?t have enough good reviews.

Author: moving_again
Subject: Re: emove.com website...companies to load/unload truck
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:47 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 16

I had a highly unpleasant time using Darling Movers and I have to say that I rarely call to complain, but the level of unprofessionalism during the move caused me to call and see if there was anything they could do to remedy this. I have not yet heard from management but am hoping they will reply in some way.

I would not recommend their movers on all levels and intend to be vocal about it due to such an unpleasant experience. I am glad that there have been those who had a pleasant experience- and it sounds like some of the movers may have been better than the ones I was sent. I have to say from my experience that not ALL of their movers are professional, both in terms of moving furniture, and in terms of their attitude.

I was quite nervous anytime one of the movers in particular picked up any piece of furniture, as he nearly hit the ceiling or hall lights (large archstone building with wide hallways and high ceilings) multiple times. In the end the damage was to two large lamps I have- to the point I could not use them. What was damaged was the steel frame so that it came apart in pieces. It would have been more understandable was it minor damage such as a lampshade but essentially the posts on the lamp were bent beyond use or re-sale. I have to find new parts from the manufacturer. Unfortunately were this the low point to the move, I would not be writing this complaint.

The movers seemed to think I was responsible for their transportation from location and we have a dispute currently for whether I should be charged overtime for transporting them to the subway station (in traffic - it was about 40 mins).

This is quite ridiculous as all the movers I have ever used transported themselves from the final destination, whether it was in a suburb or in the city. Furthermore they would not leave until I paid them the amount they requested. As a woman, it is uncomfortable to be put in a position where you are intimidated by your movers.

I am hoping to hear from management about whether they could talk to their movers, as my responsibility to transport them and pay them for me to transport them was the center of the unresolved dispute. I am hoping management will do something about this experience furthermore.

I will certainly follow up with the outcome. Good luck with your moves.

Author: Rick
Subject: Re: Beware of "Liberty Transport" in NJ
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:56 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

I guess I kinda understand the van line's predicament.

If the driver (who is the 'on-site' service agent of both Liberty and United and the party ultimately responsible for paying the damage claim) offered to try to obtain the proper parts from the hardware store and install them himself but you sent him away before he could complete the repair, then, in effect, your denied all of them the opportunity to fix their problem.

If I were in their shoes, I'd probably deny your claim also. If this is the only service issue, it's definitely NOT a scam. More likely a bruised ego.
_________________
The 'Moving and Relocation' Examiner

Author: ad123
Subject: Long distance movers from chicago - need review
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:50 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 2

I am looking into using Olympia Moving and Storage, Skokie, IL for my long distance move.

I would appreciate any reviews who have used this company for moving. I have seem good reviews of this on other sites. But am particularly interested if anybody in this forum has experienced their service.

As far as their DOT # (got the DOT number from their website) is concerned, I checked as suggested on this website.
Everything seems to be fine.

Thank you for all the help.

Author: chptrkrules
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:18 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

A couple of weeks ago I had a nice lady that had a small shipment going from Portland to Arizona.
We had a self hauled shipment heading that way so I was able to cut her a good deal with a 1000lb minimum as opposed to the van lines 2100lb minimum.
I was ready to get the order for service to her when a company in AZ promised her a low ball price, and they were located a few blocks from her husbands workplace.
Of course I did some research and immediately told her what I found about about this company. She did listen to me as I told her what was probably going to happen, almost gave us the move, but at the last minute decided to go with the AZ. company.
I told her she MIGHT get treated right since they had an office so close to her hubby's office, and wished her good luck.
The kicker is, she called me last week, thanked me numerous times for being upfront with her, and told me how awful her move was going and that the new price was more than double. They had given her move to a sketchy mover here in Portland. She ask me what she should do and I told her she should post her story here as well as where to file a complaint.
I keep hoping she tells her story here, but I guess she has been busy trying to get her stuff.
On thing she mentioned to me was, when I told her that all of our interstate moves are shipped on a semi, she thought I meant a flatbed and her stuff would be "flappin in the wind" all the way to AZ. So when they told her "we only ship in moving vans" she felt that would be a much better way to move her things
I guess what I'm saying, is that I am always learning from my customers and I will be more specific when I am attempting to educate people on the moving process.
I never considered that saying semi vs moving van would confuse somebody, but it did.
These sleazebag moving broker telemarketers dis-educate people. (is that a word?)
That's my rant.
Football starts in a week, I'm soooo stoked. I'll have a life outside of work for the next 5 months, and my team might not suck this year

Go Chiefs

Author: shaunsindelman
Subject: Re: Beware of "Liberty Transport" in NJ
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 6:55 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

Ok, so I guess it isn't quite a "scam" as much as a telling of people so they are aware of the sort of practices that Liberty and United have when an issue of dissatisfaction is brought in front of them.

The driver was making excuses and adding to the problem by trying to use outside parts to fix the issue opposed to going out and getting the right ones the first time. He only offered to go to a hardware store and get what was needed after I confronted him about it but by that point, I was fed up with their antics and told them to leave, knowing I was going to bring in someone who KNEW what they were doing a day or 2 later.

Author: NYCMover
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 6:40 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

To Chptrkrules,

It is unfortunate, my friend, because many people seeking advice here have already "let the dollars talk" and they think or hope (the huge price increase) is going to happen to the other guy and not to them.

C'est la vie. At least we try and you know that if they went with the low-baller against professional advice and wound up getting scammed, they're sure as hell not going to come back on here and report to us about it.

Author: Rick
Subject: Re: Beware of "Liberty Transport" in NJ
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 6:01 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

Your dissatisfaction is understandable but it appears to be a claims issue. What part of your transaction with the company qualifies it as a scam that requires your account to be posted in two different forums?

scam noun \ˈskam\: a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation; a swindle.

What was the driver's response when you pointed out the laborers lack of experience?
_________________
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Author: shaunsindelman
Subject: Beware of "Liberty Transport" in NJ
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 3:40 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

I just want to say that while Liberty was good at packing, loading, and driving my belongings from Brooklyn, NY to Denver, CO last month, I will NEVER use them again for a few reasons.

The driver chose the most inept people to do the unloading and reassembling of furniture that was disassembled at the origin. It says alot when one of the members of the unloading crew admits he does not do cribs yet he is sitting there reassembling one and proceeds to use screws and hardware that did not come with the crib to begin with as replacements for hardware that was missing (due to the disassembler not packing all of them and not telling the driver).

Now I'm trying to deal with United to get reimbursed for what I paid out of pocket to hire someone to come and reassemble them PROPERLY yet nobody at United wants to take that responsibility.

For anyone's future moving needs, I would stay clear of Liberty and possibly United in general unless you want to be told "things go missing all the time. It's not our fault."

Author: shaunsindelman
Subject: Re: Liberty Transp. & Storage Co., Inc./Union, NJ
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 3:37 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 5

I just want to say that while Liberty was good at packing, loading, and driving my belongings from Brooklyn, NY to Denver, CO last month, I will NEVER use them again for a few reasons.

The driver chose the most inept people to do the unloading and reassembling of furniture that was disassembled at the origin. It says alot when one of the members of the unloading crew admits he does not do cribs yet he is sitting there reassembling one and proceeds to use screws and hardware that did not come with the crib to begin with as replacements for hardware that was missing (due to the disassembler not packing all of them and not telling the driver).

Now I'm trying to deal with United to get reimbursed for what I paid out of pocket to hire someone to come and reassemble them PROPERLY yet nobody at United wants to take that responsibility.

For anyone's future moving needs, I would stay clear of Liberty and possibly United in general unless you want to be told "things go missing all the time. It's not our fault."

Author: chptrkrules
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 11:59 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

Please listen to the pro's here.

I understand money is tight everywhere and folks like yourself are looking for a "deal". Unfortunatly in the moving industry "to good to be true" is a sure sign that it is in fact "to good to be true"

I'll never understand why someone would ask for advise, get that advise, and still hand over their belongings to a sketchy company?

Nobody here has a vested interest in your move, just trying to keep people from getting taken to the cleaners by dishonest moving companies.

Author: Diane
Subject: Re: specific questions to ask long distance movers
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 9:55 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

Here's a list that I remembered that a customer compiled back in 2004 - http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=919

Quote:

1. What is your full company name? 2. What is the company address? 3. What are the company phone numbers? 4. What are the company DOT and MC License Numbers? 5. What are the local offices of the company near [the customer's point of origin]? 6. What are the local offices of the company near [the customer's destination]? 7. How many days do you estimate the move to take? 8. Are there any special documents needed to move into [the destination state]? 9. How long has the company been in business? 10. Is the company a broker or a carrier? 11. Will any of the work be subcontracted? If so to whom? What is your affliation? (Please answer all listed questions for subcontractors.) 12. How is the charge determined, ie linear foot, cubic foot, or weight? 13. Is your estimate binding or non-binding? 14. What happens if I exceed my estimated space? 15. What happens if I do not use all of my estimated space? 16. Will I be provided with a written estimate? 17. Will the move be door-to-door? These three questions apply to freight moves only: - 18. Is same day pick-up/drop-off available (ie the trailer does not sit there for a day)? - 19. Does the driver assist in loading in any way? - 20. Are ramps provided or available for rental on both sides of the move? 21. Do you provide any packing materials? Are any available through the company? 22. How will my belongings be secured and sectioned off from the rest of the truck? 23. Who has access to my stuff during the move? 24. What else will be on the trailer during my move? 25. What is the expected state of the trailer, ie cleanliness, etc? 26. What happens if I am not satisfied with the condition of the truck upon arrival? 27. Is the trailer air or spring ride? 28. What is your record of providing on-time, claim-free delivery? 29. Will there be only one driver for the duration of the move? 30. Please explain your valuation (insurance) policies. 31. Please explain the procedures for filing a claim, if need. 32. Do you take credit cards? What are the methods of payment? When is payment due? 33. Do you have an online tracking system? 34. Can you provide me with a list of references?

I am assuming that you will have done all of the following basic things: checked for the number of BBB complaints over the past three years; checked www.protectyourmove.gov (as MusicMom suggested) for complaints reported to the FMCSA, safety record, and proper licensing and insurance; checked on the Internet for complaints by searching on the company name plus the word "complaints" or "reviews."

The number of BBB complaints should be considered in light of the number of moves that a company does in a particular year. You can often deduce the approximate number of moves from the number of trucks the company has. The latter information is available on www.protectyourmove.gov. For example, if a company has 12 complaints over a three-year period with only 2 trucks, that is much worse than if the company has 60 trucks and 12 complaints. Unfortunately, many sales reps don't know - or may not want to disclose - the number of moves their companies do each year.

In addition, I personally would be sure to ask the sales reps about the following, in order of importance in my mind (some of these things are mentioned above):

1. Claims ratio. This is the percentage of the company's moves where damage claims were filed. The AMSA has estimated in the past that the average for van line agents is 25%. It should definitely be below that, and well below that if possible. Someone from Joyce Van Lines (an independent) recently posted that his company's claims ratio for local and interstate moves is only 8.3%. The claims ratio for interstate moves alone is 7%. - http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=134033#134033

2. On-time delivery rate. This is the percentage of time that loads are delivered within the delivery spread. (It should be very high, approaching 100%.)

For van line agents (not applicable to independent moving companies):

3. The percentage of loads that the company self-hauls using its own trucks and drivers. (Independent companies self-haul everything.) In my mind, as long as the company has good reviews and comments here and elsewhere, the higher the percentage of self-hauls the better. As one highly reputable van line agent said to me recently, "If you don't haul it yourself . . . " (and then her voice trailed off suggestively).

4. Recent customer satisfaction scores from the van line (particularly valuable for non-UniGroup companies; for whatever reason, UniGroup companies tend to have fairly high scores as a group. If the company is "Best in Class" or whatever the particularly terminology is for any particular thing such as packing or estimate quality, I would pay attention to that, however).

With these latter four topics you will be relying on the sales rep to report these things accurately. In addition, be warned that many sales reps may not know the answers to these important questions.
_________________
Diane
Check out companies on this thread.
I?m happy about every company endorsed by this website except SmartMove and Albert Moving; I think they don?t have enough good reviews.

Author: MusicMom
Subject: Re: specific questions to ask long distance movers
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 9:42 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3

Instead of just one good brochure, I'l direct you to this fantastic website FULL of information:

http://www.protectyourmove.gov

Author: stillwatergal
Subject: specific questions to ask long distance movers
Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:24 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 3


We are moving from Long Island, NY to Sedona, AZ. In 10 days or so we'll be getting estimates from a number of estimators (Moovers, Hall-Lane (a United agent), and Avatar/Atlas). I have read and, hopefully, absorbed much of the "how to find a good mover/mover you can trust" etc material on the internet.
It seems to me that there must be some very specific questions to ask about long-distance moves, questions whose answers will (perhaps even more than price) set one of these companies apart from the others. Since I haven't moved in 20 years, and that was an easy, local move, I have no idea what those questions are. Any tips or links to previously written material would really be appreciated.
Thanks
Stephanie

Author: BigLeeCalif
Subject: Re: local movers in LA; to crate or not to crate-
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:58 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 5

an alternative for moving glass tops short distances is to improvise, using masonite or plywood and strapping to the wall of the van, if mirror cartons won't work.
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Author: NYCMover
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:02 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

Dear Ms. Hall,

At the beginning of your topic, you said that they "sound too good to be true." Ever had that same gut feeling before and then found out your first impression was correct?

Author: MusicMom
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 2:16 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

So why would a company incorporated in 2008 be suing a company of a similar name that had been in operation for 7 years before he came along? And representing himself? What could he possibly hope to accomplish with this?

Author: MusicMom
Subject: Re: Avoid CAL STATE MOVING - stay away from them!
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 2:13 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 11

The latest comment in this thread is 5 1/2 years old and it's doubtless the person you're talking to would answer you.

Can you please send me a PM? I'm interested in your investigation.

Author: Rick
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 10:08 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

I suspect the court action was supposed to be filed against First Class Moving and Storage, Inc which a small local mover that's been operated by Rob Masliansky in Northbrook, ILL since 2001.

This company used to be a Stevens agent, currently has an A+ rating with the BBB, and is licensed by the ICC.
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Author: MusicMom
Subject: Re: moving from Wisconsin to Florida and need help choosing movers
Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:25 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 15

I'm a little confused. 1st Class Moving & Storage, Inc is operated by Adnan Grifat, that much is listed on the BBB report and the incorporation record. It was incorporated and licensed in 2008. However, there's a trademark infringement lawsuit filed in July by First Class Moving & Storage, Inc and Adnan Grifat (representing himself) against 1st Class Moving & Storage, Inc. The incorporation for First Class Moving, Inc shows a different name as the registered agent, and an incorporation date of 2001. Did the courts make a mistake?

I'm wondering how this little 2-truck operation is going to move you since at least one of their drivers doesn't appear to have a CDL license (he's been caught twice). Not to mention their trucks have been cited numerous times for inoperable brakes.

DOT still has them classified as Intrastate operations only.