I had a sales representative from Summit Van Lines visit my house to give me an accurate moving quote from Florida to Ohio. Based on a Better Business Bureau rating of A, I decided to hire them. I paid the additional $1,018.00 to have them pack my belongings. It was a relatively small move as I live alone.
I was slightly concerned when the movers arrived (3/20/09) and could not speak English. Apparently, they were from Russia. I became more concerned when one of the packers started stacking my dishes into a box without wrapping them. I provided the movers with newspaper and boxes to pack my various kitchen utensils.
Not more than a half hour into the packaging, I heard a loud crash from another room. There was an antique clock from my Grandmother laying in various pieces on the floor. One of the movers mumbled something in his native tongue so I called my English speaking contact at Summit. She assured me that I would be provided a claim form via e-mail shortly.
When they had completed the packing, the lead packer suddenly acquired much better English skills as he wanted to charge me an additional $209.00 for packaging materials. I had to once again call Summit's office to explain to the movers that I had a firm price and if anything, I should be receiving a discount based on the packing materials I supplied. Two more calls were needed just to hammer out a maximum 10% price increase. So much for a firm quote! Why Summit even bothers to send a representative to perform an onsite quote when they are going to jack up the price regardless is a mystery.
A day after the pickup I received a call from Summit asking what the earliest date for delivery would be. A date of 3/24/09 was the earliest I could receive my belongings, yet a commit of 3/26/09 was provided. On 3/26/09, I was given a 3/27/09 delivery. On 3/27/09, I was given a 3/29/09 delivery which they finally met.
During the unloading and unpacking phase, I noticed that my sofa and loveseat incurred significant tearing of the fabric, which I photographed and identified on the Inventory list. I have since made a claim for these items, which is being denied by Summit.
I have also made a claim for the heirloom clock that was destroyed. Summit is claiming that their$ 0.60/pound basic insurance coverage which covers damage incurred during the shipping process applies. They are offering $4.80 as compensation for a clock that costs over $300.00 to replace, let alone the sentimental value associated with it. I have attempted on three separate occasions to negotiate a comparable settlement since this accident occurred in my house and is not subject to the transport coverage. All times Summit has refused. Now I must return to Florida to pursue a legal recourse for these issues.
The bottom line with Summit is LET THE BUYER BEWARE! Summit does not provide adequately trained individuals for packing nor do they provide adequate protection for your belongings while in their possession!
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