I had my experience with Shiva Transport in March. Because it became a several month ordeal I never had an opportunity to file my report.
I hired Shiva to move me from Tampa, FL to Long Island. Despite both the drivers and Amanda (the estimator) having GPS systems they rode three hours distance away from Tampa. These movers were either pulling another scam or "dumber than dumb". It forced me to leave my apartment at 11 P.M., preventing me from saying good-bye to some of my neighbors. I thought that surely, the move would be over by 3 P.M., at which time they were first walking in to start loading the truck. From the moment they walked in their "everything is extra charge" spiel began. I should have stuck to my instincts and told them to leave. I noticed that while the head mover was placing stickers on the individual pieces the other mover (who was allegedly a retired NY police officer; he even showed me a scar from a bullet entry) did not put stickers on the items that he loaded onto the truck. I kept watching the list that they head driver was documenting to record all items loaded. Everything seemed to be listed. Surprise! When I reached my destination I noticed that some things were missing from the list. When you have numerous items and boxes to load it is difficult to accurately verify every item on loaded.
When the movers arrived on Long Island, I informed them that it seemed that boxes were missing. The head driver said that everything was there and off the truck. He advised me that I could file a complaint within 30 days. I noticed that the shipment weight was not recorded. I questioned this and again was told that the headquarters would give me the information. They requested that I pay them. I did this against my will, but knew that they would not unload my belongings until I did this. I insisted on seeing the inside of the truck, before they left. The only thing on it was a dining room chair that was not mine.
I called for weeks asking for the weight of my load; I should not have to pay for items not delivered or broken beyond repair. Also, to find my missing boxspring, china, glasses, everyday dishes, and linens. Mementos of my children's school years and their pictures were gone. I informed Amanda "That they better find them, toute suite, or I was coming down to Hollywood to confront them; and it would not be pleasant. This seemed to shake her up a bit: The next day, she informed me that they had been found and would "allegedly" be mailed to me that day; special delivery. It took them a week before they actually mailed the package. I called Amanda everyday wondering where the package was. I was frantic that Amanda and Shay (the owner) might be lying; Amanda gave me a spiel about their being in business for 8 years and never having a problem. Furthermore, anything not packed by the company was my responsibility and would not be replaced. They also broke the front panel of my computer and totally destroyed my computer desk. Amanda tried to tell me that because the desk was flakeboard Shiva would not be responsible. I advised her that given the destruction of boxes and the fact that something was obviously "loaded ontop of th desk" that Shiva would be responsible. The condition of this desk is indescribable. She relented and said they they would take responsibility for the desk. Also, they broke several family heirlooms (that were my mother's) that could not be repaired. I am still heartbroken. My daughter had also intervened asking why her middle-aged mother was sleeping on the floor because my boxsping was missing. More double talk. Frequently, phone calls were not returned.
The BBB is absolutely useless. I called and wrote several related federal organizations; without success. However, one agent did compassionately advised, that movers, such as Shiva, mislead innocent consumers all the time. My only reccourse was to file a claim; but would receive only 10% of the actual shipment value due to federal regulations. Keeping damaged boxes might give consumers some leverage; it proves abusive treatment of belongings. These are long gone due to the duration of my dispute. Terrific! I get a big $120 for $1200 of loss and damages. I refused to accept it, on general principle. Not having the bill of lading, I over-paid significantly for this move.
Please, anybody who is desperate to move, do not rely on the double-talk of any internet mover. Many are con artists who play on elderly consumers and those in desperate situations.
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