Real Life Move with a dishonest Moving Broker- still no delivery of the shipment

 

The Story

I got a call from a friend's friend today who was desparate for help.   He contacted a company he thought was A Major Van Lines; same colors and similar logo.  Well guess what- they were not!  A broker who charges a large deposit up front and a large amount when picked up.  A warning sign.  They based their estimate on cubic feet of space on a truck rather than weight which can be audited.   The delivery window was anytime during a 30 window after pick up.

They provided a price which was attractive to the customer and he scheduled the pick up. They charged 1/3 of the estimate at booking, 1/3 at pick up and  the balance at delivery.  The move was assigned to a mover, for pick up and delivery named HM (abreviated).  Since pick up it is now 30 days and no delivery, just demands for more money.  The price has gone up from $3800 to over $6000 based on the company's claim the cubic feet went up.  Neither the mover nor the broker are calling their customer back and he has no idea where his belongings are. 

The warning signs...

Large deposits paid to the broker in several payments. Large deposit due carrier at pick up.  The legitimate Van Lines agents may charge a deposit but it is paid to the mover itself not to a broker. It is usually a couple hundred dollars if charged at all.  

Estimate based on cubic feet not weight.  There is no way of auditing the size of the actual move using cubic foot measurments.  When weight is used by a legitimate mover/van line; weight tickes are required from a certified weigh station before the household goods are loaded on the truck and after resulting in the net weight of  the shipment. 

No specific delivery spread- in this case the customer was told delivery sometime in a 30 day period for a relatively short distance- Oregon to Arizona.  Vanlines will provide a specific delivery spread in dates and will pay a penalty to the customer for late delivery. 

Unlimited amount of money due to deliver the household goods.  Most Van lines will limit the amount due to unload the shipment, then a balance due afterward.

No visual survey or video survey by the mover it self.  Estimate not written on the movers document or Order for Service

Types of terms to watch out for:

The carrier reserves the right to collect up to 50% of the balance due prior to the goods leaving the origin state. Subject to federal law, payment in full of all charges is required before delivery and prior to unloading.

Upon pickup carrier, will collect up to 50% of the remaining balance

Should the customer’s estimate come in under the predicted cubic feet, XXXXX Broker will refund 50% of the customer’s price for cubic feet up to 1000 cubic feet. It is the shipper’s responsibility to pursue the carrier if they are looking for additional reimbursement beyond 50% of the price per cubic foot.

The carrier who is responsible for picking up and delivering the household goods of the customer has up to 30 business days to deliver the household goods of the customer

First available delivery dates (FADD) are not guaranteed delivery dates. The first available date is the 1st date you are ready and willing to accept your delivery. The carrier has 30 business days from the FADD you choose to deliver the household goods

If you see any of these warning signs or feel uncomfortable that you may be getting into an uncertain agreement to move your belongings- call your Moving Consultant at Consumers Relocation before you sign.