In September I signed a contract with Auto Central Direct to internationally ship a container with 3 cars from Houston, TX to Almaty, Kazakhstan.By agreement I had to deposit money to Auto Central Direct account and they will take care of getting my cars to Kazakhstan. I made a deposit of $400 with my credit card and 2 additional cash deposits to Auto Central Direct account to have the 3 vehicles shipped, receipts attached. Also I was told by Rich Lawson, the Auto Central Direct representative, I initially dealt with, that all cars will have 100% insurance coverage to Kazakhstan, and that the insurance is already included in the cost.
In early October I had a call from a representative of American International Shipping, Mike Fetanat, the overseas shipper, saying that Auto Central Direct has not transferred all the funds required to ship my container. I was informed by American International Shipping that in order to avoid having of my vehicles impounded in China and pay $135/day storage fee and for the shipment to reach its destination. He referred me to Mr. Eric Hadad, the Auto Central Direct representative; I needed to ask to send the remaining balance due on the shipment ASAP.
In my conversation with American International Shipping representative I found out that Auto Central Direct does not have a license to do international shipping. Also, that the container was shipped without insurance coverage.
I had several talks with Mr. Hadad with Auto Central Direct trying to get the funds he did not send to American International Shipping. Mr. Hadad only partially transferred the money to American International Shipping.
I had to borrow and come up with additional funds to cover the balance in shipping fees that I already paid to Auto Central Direct.
As of February 8 funds amounting to $1,650 still have not been returned to me.
It has been over four month, my numerous attempts and several calls each week to recover the funds I have sent to Auto Central Direct had been ignored.
I want to formally file a complaint against Auto Central Direct LLC and Mr. Eric Hadad, who I transacted with for international shipping without having license to do this type of business and for misappropriating the funds I have deposited for this purpose.
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