I made a contract with Countrywide Transport in mid November for a move from Los Gatos, California to Basel, Switzerland. The contract explicitly specified door-to-door service with full packing, unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of all of my personal belongings. The estimated time of arrival was 6-8 weeks. 10 weeks later I finally recieved my shipment at my apartment in Basel. This extra time in an completely empty apartment was no small inconvenience.
In the meantime everyone at Countrywide was exceedingly unresponsive to any of my repeated inquiries. I also became very suspicious shortly after they picked up my goods because they insisted on having my social security number for passage of US customs. Though it turns out that this actually is required for shipments valued at higher than $2500, I am happy that I refused to give them this personal information.in dealing with this issue and with my payment, I spoke to a Mr. Daniel Biran, who has been only rude and unreliable.
My 3 palets of home furnishings were finally delivered only after I personally hired a local moving company to move my goods from a local shipping warehouse to my apartment. The shipping company, which is reputable and reliable, was hired by Countrywide only to ship the goods to the local warehouse. Their contract with Countrywide explicitly did not include the promised full delivery service to my door (including unpacking and reassembly). As a result I had to spend $1200 on top of the $6000 sum payed to Countrywide. According to the local company, this is not the first time that Countrywide has promised more than it actually delivers.
Furthermore, three large items were delivered by Countrywide with significant damage. The corners and legs of a large wooden dresser were smashed, a wooden nightstand was crushed beyond repair, and a small wooden drawer was warped and cracked. Though I have full replacement value coverage from Countrywide up to $2500 with a $500 deductible, they have been unresponsive to my claim.
From the other posts on this site it is clear that they are either criminals or, at best, extraordinarily irresponsible businessmen. I will seek to have my $1200 fully refunded by Countrywide since otherwise they are in clear breach of contract. I will also seek rougly $1500 in damages less the $500 deductible. Given the reports here, I don't imagine I'll be successful. I would be happy to provide any information or support to people in legal proceedings against Countrywide, its ownership, or staff.
Do not hire this company under any circumstances. Do not hire any company involving Daniel Biran, Rosemarie Johnson, or Sean Madhani.
Martino
Basel
Switzerland
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