On 2 Jul, I entered into an agreement with USA Van Lines (2500 S. Park Road, Pembroke Park, FL 33009, Phone number: 800 431-6996) for the transportation of an itemized list of furniture and 20 boxes (the company moves based on item vice weight) for the amount of $2713.00. The company picked up my belongings on 21 Jul 00 and immediately transported the items to Miami, Florida and placed them in storage. On 25 Jul, since I had heard nothing from the company, I called USA Van Lines to request a delivery date. At which time I was advised there would be an additional charge of $1500 because of storage and that that number of boxes required for the household goods
was 30 vice the originally estimated 20.
First, I did not request the additional packing of boxes. Other arrangements had been made to ship any 'excessive' boxes by UPS. The driver stated to my friend in Virginia (Melanie Smith) that the extra boxes would not be a problem because my belonging took up less space than previously believed so their would be no additional charge. USA Van Lines is now claiming that the 10 extra boxes required an additional 150 cubit sq. Ft of space which caused another pickup to be 'bumped' which justifies their original additional charge of $1500.
Obviously I argued this point and the customer service representative and the amount was lowered to $980 for the additional 10 boxes (moving boxes, not crates or anything). I am not above paying a reasonable amount for the additional 10 boxes; however, I do not feel that $980 is reasonable especially when I did not
request the service. Anyway, the original $2713 and the additional $980 have been paid in full to USA Van Lines via cashier's check; however, they are still refusing to ship my belongings or to give a delivery date for my household goods.
Furthermore, originally, the company agreed to 'full payment' when the furniture arrived to Colorado Springs since I was not physically in Virginia where the household goods were located and because of their inability to process a credit card over the phone. After picking up the shipment the company said I must also pay 60% immediately or they would not ship the goods. Furthermore, the company representative Mike implied there would be damage if the amount was not paid immediately. On 26 Jul, I paid the entire amount ($3700) and the company is still refusing to commit to a delivery date.
I have contacted the company repeatedly and for my efforts I have been lied to, threaten, given ultimatums, put on 'indefinite' hold, etc. I am at a loss. Research showed that that USA Van Lines (also known as United Express Moving, Inc) has been the defendant in four lawsuits during the past 8 months ranging from damages to contractual failure to indebtedness. Two cases have resulted in judgements against USA Van Lines (both holding a status of 'Unsatisfied') and the other two remaining cases are still pending.
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