Mayflower Transit - United Van Lines, Al Naish ripoff: property damage without compensation despite full replacement option Responded with rudeness, stonewalling, and runarounds. Fenton Missouri
We are not satisfied with the result of our claim for damage due to negligence during our move. Delivery: 12/12/02
My antique oak dresser was damaged in such a way that its value is destroyed so that we have claimed full replacement. We paid for Full (Replacement) Value Protection, with a shipment value of $75,000. The Bill of Lading and Estimate/Order for Service state that: If any article is lost, destroyed, or damaged while in your mover's custody, your mover will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement.
Simple logic dictates that it is not physically possible to change a broken article to an unbroken article. It is not possible to restore it to the same condition. Its value is destroyed. It does not meet the criteria for an Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration to be required. There is no language requiring an expert appraisal of this article. This article cannot be repaired so as to restore its value prior to the move.
The claim adjuster at Mayflower Transit insists they will only pay for repair, which is a shortage of $950.
They have responded with rudeness, stonewalling, and runarounds. They say they participate in arbitration, but that is clearly just another scam.
I realize that many have been cheated far worse, but want people to see that a major mover may also cheat you. Notice that United Van Lines is the same company.
Thank goodness we moved our own personal papers, valuables, etc., though at considerable trouble. If only I had taken my dresser, or at least the mirror!
Sydney
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Darel
Kansas City,Kansas,
U.S.A.
United Van Lines, Inc. and Mayflower, Inc. are two completely different companies. They are owned by the same parent company, but exist as competing entities.
#2UPDATE Employee
Wed, December 10, 2003
Understand these important facts. United Van Lines, Inc. and Mayflower, Inc. are two completely different companies. They are owned by the same parent company, but exist as competing entities. Further, both of these van lines are made up of individual agents who compete with one another, and cooperate with eachother for operations purposes.
Here is what is important for you to know. United Van Lines, and Mayflower are both very responsible companies. It is the particular agent that you deal with that matters the most. Of course they have to meet certain criterea to be an agent for one of these two, but some agents are definately better than others.
While it is unfortunate that you had damage occur, honestly consider whether or not you are placing more sentimental value on the mirror than it is worth? The mirror was created once. It can be repaired. If it was a truly unique piece, you have the burden of reporting it on the "High Value Inventory" Also, consider whether or not you chose a deductable option. Deductables exist in amounts of 250.00 and 500.00 with full replacement valuation.
The arbitration, you call a scam, is not a scam at all. The guidelines are determined by your elected Congress members under Section 14708 of Title 49, United States Code, under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. As a 13 year professional in this I urge you to follow the procedures outlined to you in the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" pamphlet. However to help you further, here is the contact information:
American Moving and Storage Association
Attn. Dispute Settlement Program
1611 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
or by fax at 703.683.7524
or for more info www.moving.org
Good luck Sydney. I hope your dispute is settled favorably and fairly.
Sincerely