PLEASE READ Do not deal with Advanced Relocation System. They will quote you a low estimate price, but it will not be honored. They will be friendly and responsive until your belongings are picked up and then ignore requests and never return your calls.
Advanced Relocation System was a pleasure to deal with on the phone up to the point of scheduling pick up/service, BUT it's been a nightmare ever since. I was relocating from NJ to CA, and after speaking with numerous companies, I went with ARS because they gave me a reasonable price estimate and agreed to have my belongings picked up on 7/6/07 and delivered by no later than 7/15/07. I was given an estimate based on inventory of $1400.
They arrived on time to pick up on 7/6, but after they loaded the truck, the price jumped from $1400 to $2008 due to the fact that I had a few more boxes than I originally had told them. At this point I didn't have the time to have them unload the truck, find other shippers, etc so I was willing to pay the extra $600 (though I thought it was a bit ridiculous). I figured I'd have my belongings in 8-9 days and the cost was worth it.
I then called on 7/9 to check on status and was told that they didn't think the truck would even leave NJ until 7/12 (two days before the agreed upon delivery date) and that someone would contact me once it left NJ. After not hearing from them, I called them on 7/15 and was told that the shipment was once again delayed and that it would not even be leaving NJ until 7/19.
After finally receiving most, but not all of my belongings on 7/26 - almost two weeks later than our agreed upon delivery date, I called their office once again. This time I was told that Nick (mgr) was on vacation and that he wouldn't be back for 10 days. I asked for claim forms to be sent to me for my broken AND missing belongings and the response I was given was that only Nick could do that. I asked whether they were looking into where my missing belongings could be and was told that only Nick could look into that for me. So in other words, if Nick is not around, the business is basically put on hold. He might as well buy an answering machine and tell Kevin to take a vacation as well.
It's not been 8 months since my move and I'm still waiting for their claim check that they allege was sent out. I can no longer speak with anyone because they let all calls go to their answering service and they obviously screen calls on who they would like to respond to and who they don't.
I used ARS because they were were a BBB member and thought this made them a reputable company. After dealing with them it is clear to me that membership does not necessarily mean quality service. Do not use them because of their lowball estimate because it will most likely not be honored. They also charge $25 for each one of their boxes that they need to use for packing your loose belongings!
I would strongly suggest that you use another moving company that is more established and has a longer track record. If you must use ARS, I would recommend you ask for a GUARANTEED DELIVERY DATE, not an agreed upon delivery date. Also for claim forms to be brought with the pickup crew so that you have them on hand. Also ask to see the contract before any loading is done and make sure the "Guaranteed Delivery Date" box is filled in and even ask one of the guys to initial it by the box.
When receiving shipment, ask that they bring in the most damaged boxes first so that you can open them up and take a look through your belongings for any damage, otherwise they will do the reverse.
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