Complaint Review: Swift Van Lines

I hired Swift Van Lines (aka Progressive Van Lines aka AY Transport) to move me on May 31, 2008. They were 45 minutes late. Then they started re-taping my already taped boxes (at a cost of $1.50 per roll of tape used). I did not authorize this and told them I wouldn't pay for it. It took 2 1/2 hours to get everything on the truck. I walked through my old flat to confirm everything had been put into the truck. I had also given explicit instructions to them as I have many expensive and fragile items.

They arrived 45 minutes after we did. Instead of loading the elevator and then unloading it into my apartment, one guy unloaded stuff and left it (unattended) at the elevator for the other guy to load. He then unloaded it and left it unattended on my floor. It took them 4 1/2 hours to unload my property.

Instead of moving me these guys went shopping. I am missing 32 pairs of designer shoes ($285 to $985 per pair), broke 24 of my crystal goblets, my Christmas dishes and tree, ornaments, two garment boxes of designer clothes, 2 end tables, broke several antiques, lost my Cuisinart blades, my lingerie disappeared, the list goes on.

I immediately contacted them and complained. They sent me a claim form. I submitted everything in early July 2008. A month later they sent me a letter saying they needed more information and photo's. I sent that in and heard nothing. In mid-August I contacted them and they told me they hadn't received it. I informed them that they had as I faxed everything to them 3 times and have the confirmation pages to prove it. The person I spoke with, Emily, then told me they had received it and it would take 6 to 8 weeks.

Well, I have been calling them for the last two and a half months and they have ignored me. I sent e-mails to them via their website (which is no longer active). I called and left multiple voicemails (that number no longer works).

From what I have read, this company should be prevented from ever doing business ever again. I luckily found information on the net about their insurance policy and carrier. I finally submitted a claim today.

What is even more disturbing is I was moving to escape an abusive husband. I had family with me and we repeatedly stressed that these were all the things I had left (my husband scammed me...there is a Ripoff Report on him. Search Avalar Real Estate / Mike Gordon). These dirtbags stole and broke the only things I had left. This company is immoral and corrupt. I believe they are shutting down again and will reopen as another company. DO NOT USE THEM! THEY ARE CROOKS!

Anonymous
san rafael, California
U.S.A.