I stored 32,000 pounds of valuable furnishings and art with Sarasota Cook Moving & Storage in Bradenton, FL (also known as Sarasota Moving Systems and as Cook Moving & Storage). I paid between $1,520 and $2,060 per month for storage in what they claimed was a "state-of-the-art, environmentally controlled facility." Over a 42 month period, I paid over $123,000 in packing, transport and storage fees. Sometime during this period, Cook was acquired by Berger Allied, an affiliate of Allied Van Lines, but no one ever notified me that the sale had occurred. I did not find out until I called to schedule transport of my furniture from their facility to my new home in California.
When the furniture was delivered to me, many of the pieces had sustained serious damage. Several independent furniture restoration experts were consulted about the cause of damage, and all said there were two primary causes. The first was that the furniture had been exposed to extreme temperatures and other hostile conditions during storage. None of the experts consulted believed the furnishings had been stored in an environmentally controlled facility as Cook/Berger Allied claimed. The second cause of damage was rough handling and neglect.
I have moved many times, sometimes cross-country, and have used a number of different companies. I have never experienced anything like this. I have been trying since June 23 to get Berger-Allied to make a reasonable settlement with me for the damages but they have flatly refused. Cost to repair the furnishings, light fixtures and art is now over $30,000. Berger-Allied finally admitted some fault but offered a settlement of about $580.
They have been HORRIBLE to deal with. I believe they committed fraud by charging me for environmentally controlled storage and then deliberately not supplying it. I have been dealing with Cook/Berger Allied's claims office in St. Paul, MN, and they are AWFUL. Finally I have given up getting a fair settlement from them, and have filed a claim with my homeowner's insurance company. One of the adjusters from my insurance company told me that when she contacted Berger Allied for information, they outrightly lied to her about the facts concerning my claim.
Do not EVER use this company. They are crooks.
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