Colette Goodman is the president of Universal Vanlines and whom I dealt with for my move from Michigan to Florida. She subcontracted Murray's Movers - Wayne Murray from who knows where.
Wayne and his buddy show up at my home in MI with a broken down Ryder truck. Not only that, Wayne asked me for $300.00 cash so that he could make the trip and get food! I got scared and phoned Universal. They told me I could give him the money and they would deduct it from my bill. I told them NO WAY! As there would be no record of the payment.
After telling Wayne NO, he proceeded to treat my furniture and personal belongings very rough. He also backed his truck over my neighbors lawn - which I need to replace in the spring. The two men were arguing over how to load the furniture as well. They also told me that the weight amount would be more due to my sleeper sofa - which was already in the contract.
It took them over three hours to load a bedroom set, living room set and 11 boxes!
We had an contract for them to deliver the goods in Key Largo Florida on 3/1/02. We got a call from Universal asking if they could be there on 3/2 instead. Wayne also called saying that they would be late. My husband and I were only going to be down for that day and could not wait for 3/2. Just another issue on the list of many more to come.
Wayne finally shows up on 3/1 at 5:30 P.M. DRUNK! You could smell the liquor on both of them - even some of our condo tennants were asking about it! They were rude and very abusive to our belongings. They proceeded to break a dresser mirror and our entertainment center. Estimate to replace $700. Then, after 3 hours or so, they did not want to bring up the sofa because they said it was too heavy. We argued with them telling them they had to deliver it! They said "NO" and left it in the lobby of our complex! Also left behind was a lot of broken mirror glass. We tried to phone Colette, but no answer as it was 9 P.M. We did have Wayne sign off that he broke the items and failed to deliver the sofa.
My husband and I cleaned up the mess and carried the sofa up the next morning!
I have been trying to reach Universal (Colette Goodman) for over two weeks now to make a claim. I have official estimates for repair and replacement. No one is getting back to me. I have filed a claim with the Better Business Bureau and now letting everyone know my story.
Do not use this company for any of your moving needs! They are smooth talkers, but cannot follow up on promises or contracts. Also, when you call, you will hear dogs barking and kids crying - I think this chop shop is run from someones home and not an actual office!
Take my advice - stay clear of universal vanline!
Teresa
Harrison Twp, Michigan
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