Complaint Review: Mayflower Transit Senior Cargo Claims Adjustor

Our property was shipped through a Mayflower Agent a year ago Sept. 16th and delivered on Sept. 24th. There was a great deal of damage (crushed boxes, damaged furniture, boxes and items soaking wet, boxes scorched and burned. Shipment was of 543 items going from Lindenwold, NJ to Golden Valley, AZ.

The driver who loaded the goods in N.J. did not properly and completely inventory the items being shipped (items not properly listed and load sticker numbered, numerous items double numbered, numerous items not stickered, not even listed on inventory. No furniture pads/blankets used to cover wood or upholstered furniture. He did not give us a copy of the inventory. He did not sign the bill of lading. He did not give my husband the opportunity of being present during the weighing. Number of truck property loaded on to not on bill of lading. Most of these are ALL infractions of Tariff 400-N.

A claim was presented, they have in essence admitted something happened in that they are willing to pay for the repair/restoration of certain items, the replacement of others, depreciated value on two items which is not allowed under the type of protection we secured. However, they are refusing to pay the full value of the depreciated items, and for other very expensive items (over $3200.00 in value).This is a very involved situation and I have all sorts of documents.

Bottom line they are refusing to fully honor the Full Replacement Value Protection that we secured in the amount of $75,000.00 and paid the fee of $374.00 to protect our belongings.

They are saying we can go to arbitration, BUT when you do so it is for the entire claim, not just the items in contention. The artibration board is American Moving & Storage Association Dispute Settlement Board. Pardon me for mentioning this, but arbitration boards are supposed to be comprised of non-affiliated/impartial parties. The arbitrators are the hirees of the Moving and Storage Industry, the big bucks guys.

Now do we see a consumer relying on a fox guarding a hen house situation here. The arbitration board can demand that any proffered prior settlements be returned immediately, and they can if they so decide throw out the entire claim. No matter what evidence the consumer has.

M. Ghost Dancer
Golden Valley, Arizona
U.S.A.