This was a very simple contract. I contacted Federal Gateway/Allied Van Lines when I had to move from St. Louis, MO (where I went to law school) to Amarillo, TX, where I started my first job after school.
When Allied's agent came to my home, I told her that I wanted the best move possible, even if it meant paying a little extra. The reason I asked for this was because I had a problem with my move from Austin, TX to St. Louis 4 years earlier. Although that mover quickly resolved the problem, I didn't want to go through that again. Anyway, she assured me that the move would be perfect.
According to the bill of lading, my items were to be packed up by the company and picked-up on July 31. Then, they were to be held in Federal's warehouse until the delivery date of July 5-7. I told the representative that I would be on vacation in South Africa until the 4th. She said that was fine and not to worry.
Incidentally, I was scheduled to begin my job at a law firm in Amarillo on July 9 (the weekend after my things were supposed to be delivered).
I returned to Texas on July 4 and was told everything was going according to plan. I started to drive up to Amarillo on July 6. I called Federal to ask them when my items would arrive the following day. I was told that the person whose items were placed on the truck before me put too many things on the truck, so my stuff wouldn't fit. As such, I would have to wait till the 12th to get my stuff. I called the corporate office only to be told I wouldn't get my things until the 14th.
Ultimately, I got my things on the 14th, but I had to drive back to Dallas in the meantime because I didn't have any furniture or clothing. All my things were in St. Louis still.
I came back a week later to Amarillo and finally got my things, but I had to start work 1 week late and had to pay for lodging, clothing, food, and gas because of the delay. Federal says it's not their fault because there was nothing they could do about the person before me.
This is absurd — it wasn't a hurricane or other natural disaster. It was a forseeable problem. More importantly, I had a contract with them to deliver my things between the 5th and the 7th. I realize they didn't have to bring me my things on the 5th, but at least on the 7th.
Otherwise, what's the point of paying movers — they might as well deliver my things to me whenever they want. I am disputing the cost of the move with them right now, because I lost a lot of money in wages and because of the other unexpected expenses. I'm so mad — movers like this love to take advantage of the little guy.
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