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Review 5/21/2010
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This is a consumer moving nightmare. I spoke with Affordable Moves for Less for over a month, finally, electronically signing a "Binding" contract. We paid the fee up front, in full. (not pressured to do so)
Our journey started when the truck did not arrive at the pick up on the day. We were told the truck broke down in N.Y., but they would send another truck. Two days later, Public Van Lines arrives, against our contract (NO THIRD PARY OR MIDDLEMAN). Sam, from Public Van Lines, called me (on my father’s cell) with additional items he had to pack / box/ and move. I told him to send me another quote, with an itemized list, which I never received. My father sent me the itemized list... 4 columns of "Box", no descriptions for a total of 120 boxes. ( we started with about 12 boxes, and my father lives in a condo… 120 boxes????) My father never signed the list.
Then the nightmare kicks into over drive.
To have the truck delivered, we were to pay an additional $1000.00 for the extra. My thought... just get the truck here. I called Affordable Moves daily, multiple times with seldom response. I told them I was not signing anything else and would have an officer at the delivery site and would fairly give the officer the $1000 to hold with confirmation of the items and the condition. They laughed and said go ahead, they can't do anything, it is a civil matter.
The truck again was delayed, we are up to 10 days of being held hostage. Finally, the day the truck arrives; it is Mega Van Lines, (another party). They start measuring the foot steps from the truck to my door and the charges start adding up. For each additional Cubic Foot, they claim I have, and each step taken.... was $75.00, plus additional for steps. (one step can be considered a flight of stairs for an additional $85.00) I stated I had a Binding contract! Did not matter to the driver.
The driver kept tapping his watch, sign the release and pay or he will leave to his next job. He would not let us read the agreement he wanted us to sign. The agreement released them from ALL liability.
Extra police were called in and they did an inspection of the truck, on site. The truck / Trailer’s right break not working, left not much better. The truck was stickered with "out of service" sticker and was told not to be moved.
They had Pedro open the truck and it was filled to the brim with items, carelessly thrown in. My father's belongings were destroyed. The wood dresser, solid maple, split down the sides and missing.
His belongings had, in deed, been moved to 2 different trailers. There were items with my father's numbers, which were not his? We left those on the truck? But, I am sure; they will go to flee market? Beautiful pieces belonging to someone in N.C. and there was nothing I could do.
We fortunately were able to get our belongings, what was there.... no inventory list, without paying the additional fees and WITHOUT SIGNING THE RELEASE.
Empty boxes, with 2 item numbers, my dad's recliner had 2 stickers counted as 2 items? No way to know what was his on the truck?
This is a civil matter, but the attorney fees are not covered, then once you win your suit, you WILL end up in court trying to get payment. The moving companies know this!!!
I checked this company prior to use. They were not listed, which I thought meant a good thing. But, they started their company in February, we used in April. The minute there is a complaint, they change names and the scam moves on to the next victim. We need legislature!
Lastly, the truck was supposed to park, but it was gone in the a.m.
My mission is to try to find legislation to protect the consumer. Search MovingScam.com DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
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