Complaint Review: AMEX Movers - Peak Movers - Moving Experts) - Orange County California

I've been previously employed with a several moving companies in Los Angeles area and I can firmly say they do not even come close to practicing a fair business model. You are right, it is more or less like becoming a scam victim when you hire a company like this. Since you have crossed the state line, it is a matter of Department of transportation, cause its their jurisdiction. However, in state of california PUC or Public Utilities Commission is in power to regulate the industry (and quite strictly). Therefore if a moving truck is loaded in california and leaves to where-ever it would leave to, it still a subject to PUC max tariff 4 regulations. and that is the place you should call and raise hell at! http://www.cpuc.ca.gov On the other hand, these things only happen for the lack of self education on consumer side. All rules and regulations are given to a customer (in most cases) before the move. However very very few of them even attempt to turn that booklet open. trustworthiness is a good virtue, but you should always verify. especially dealing with people like these. by the way. if you get a chance to read this. their license is suspended as of february. Therefore I highly recommend you contact puc to see whether their license was active at the time of the move. if it wasn't you may have yourself a nice lawsuit in your favor. in case it was active, they still can not over charge you. your money should be refunded and PUC is a good place to contact for a refund. :-) good luck

Before I offer some options - there is a lot of confusion regarding your move. For starters, it would be good to get clarification: 1. The address you provided is not in Orange County - it is in Los Angeles County, and near downtown Los Angeles. 2. I don't know of a single moving company that would give away boxes unless the boxes were previously USED boxes. If they were used, then YES, I would have a beef with them. If the boxes were NEW, you're going to be liable for them in all likelihood. 3. I don't know where you moved from or to; I suppose you moved to Ohio. Did you move from CA? If so, packing labor and materials would be normal assuming the materials were new. These generally aren't in the quote. Now to suggestions: 1. I would contact moverescue.com immediately and speak with one of their lawyers. Holding goods hostage is illegal. They can advise you on what your next steps should be. 2. I would contact the Department of Transportation and file a complaint, indicating a hostage load is taking place. Tell then you want the DOT to fine them for the hostage load. It's a $10,000 fine against the company who moved you and/or AMEX. 3. They can't auction your goods off - that is a threat they can't carry out and if they do auction them off, you can sue them for conversion of your items and it is a dead-bang winner for you and a headache they can't handle. Cheap movers are usually scam movers. Moving is not inexpensive and going with the cheapest quote often finds the consumer in a situation similar (or worse) than yours. In fact, going with the cheapest quote often results in the consumer paying more than if they had gone with a reputable mover. What I am afraid of is that you may have a lot of damage with the items in storage and they're only going to reimburse you $0.60/lb. valuation on any claim filed. Carry out those suggestions and best of luck to you.