- Report: #270405
Complaint Review: Cross Country Relocation - Bronx New York
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Cross Country Relocation
51 Bruckner Blvd. Bronx, 10454 New York, U.S.A.
Phone:
718-4029200
Web:
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Cross Country Relocation Dishonest Bronx New York
*Consumer Suggestion: Sorry...
*Consumer Suggestion: We also got ripped off by this company, in the same time frame
*UPDATE Employee: Slanderous Comments Backfire...See Proof
*Consumer Suggestion: Need answers, KJ
*Author of original report: RIIIIIIIIGHT
*Consumer Suggestion: Try this, Emily
*Consumer Suggestion: Try this, Emily
*Consumer Suggestion: Try this, Emily
*Consumer Suggestion: Try this, Emily
*Consumer Suggestion: THESE CROOKS WERE PUT IN PRISON
*Consumer Suggestion: THESE CROOKS WERE PUT IN PRISON
*Consumer Suggestion: THESE CROOKS WERE PUT IN PRISON
I used a company called Cross Country Relocation (located in Bronx, NY, (718) 402-9200) for my move from State College, PA, to Madison, WI (on June 27, 2007.)
Before my move, I spoke exclusively over the phone with a representative named John. He is the one who recorded an inventory of my possessions to be moved. On the day of the move, it suddenly came to my attention that the list of my furniture that he had compiled from that conversation was incomplete. He neglected to write down several items that I had specifically mentioned, including but not limited to the following: a full size mattress, a large mechanical litterbox, two smaller endtables.
When the movers arrived, they informed me that the amount of space my possessions would take up was obviously greater than originally estimated, and I would be charged extra for that discrepancy. I realize now that John deliberately omitted some items in order to keep the estimate low.
When I spoke to John over the phone, he specifically and repeatedly informed me that the estimate he had given me was all-inclusive. He stated on multiple occasions that it included the cost of flights of stairs, the cost of boxes to be used, the cost to partially or fully pack those boxes, and full value protection insurance. This too turned out to be false, with the exception of the stairs issue (there were no stairs involved in my move anyway.)
When I received the work order by email, I noticed that it didn't mention full value protection insurance. I called John to address that issue in specific, because it was important to me to have that type of coverage instead of just basic insurance. He very clearly reiterated that full value protection insurance was included, but that the movers would provide that service when they arrived at my apartment on the moving day. He said they would take pictures and document the state all of my furniture to make sure it was done correctly. This was a blatant lie, which I did not discover until my moving day. The movers forced me to sign a statement saying that the value of my shipment was $0.60 per pound per item damaged.
In addition, I was forced to sign a statement which I later realized also included a sentence saying that I had received the pamphlet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". I was never given this pamphlet, and cannot believe that statement was quietly embedded in fine print. I did not appreciate being told "you must sign here in order to get your stuff delivered", in fact, it seems a little like coercion, in hindsight.
When, on my moving day, I discovered that John had misinformed me about a number of things, I called the company to ask what was going on. The person on the end of the line was completely unhelpful, and told me that John was away on a two week vacation. It would have been prudent of him to inform me of this when I spoke with him just days before his vacation started, as he was the only company representative I had spoken with thus far.
When I originally spoke to John over the phone, he very clearly stated that I would not owe any money upon the pickup of my belongings, but would only have to pay my balance upon delivery. He said I was not to give any money to the movers packing up my things - under any circumstances. Yet after they had my things on the truck, they demanded part of the vastly increased balance be paid IN CASH before they leave. I had to go to an atm and withdraw hundreds of dollars on the day of my move, as if it wasn't stressful enough. I really did not appreciate that, and it make me very distrustful of the movers. After my things were completely packed up, the movers told me that the total cost of my move would be $2716, almost double the original estimate of $1400.
Another thing John assured me was that the men who moved my things out of my old apartment would be the same men to move my things into my new apartment in Wisconsin. This was an outright lie, and it made me very nervous to see two unfamiliar men show up with my things when I had expected the same three men who originally packed them up.
When my things arrived in Madison, my bike and a small mosaic table (gift from my mother) were missing and my coffee table was irreparably damaged. Additionally, some items were delivered to me in error; items belonging to somebody else, including a painting and a college diploma.
It is now August 26th -- two months since my move -- and the only recognition of my formal complaint against Cross Country Relocation has been a letter (received yesterday) offering me $50 and "promising" to eventually return my bike to me if I sign a statement releasing them from all liability.
I am incredibly frustrated by all of this, and at this point, realize that I will probably never see my $500 bike again, let alone any sort of refund.
Emily
Madison, Wisconsin
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving Companies
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer
Before my move, I spoke exclusively over the phone with a representative named John. He is the one who recorded an inventory of my possessions to be moved. On the day of the move, it suddenly came to my attention that the list of my furniture that he had compiled from that conversation was incomplete. He neglected to write down several items that I had specifically mentioned, including but not limited to the following: a full size mattress, a large mechanical litterbox, two smaller endtables.
When the movers arrived, they informed me that the amount of space my possessions would take up was obviously greater than originally estimated, and I would be charged extra for that discrepancy. I realize now that John deliberately omitted some items in order to keep the estimate low.
When I spoke to John over the phone, he specifically and repeatedly informed me that the estimate he had given me was all-inclusive. He stated on multiple occasions that it included the cost of flights of stairs, the cost of boxes to be used, the cost to partially or fully pack those boxes, and full value protection insurance. This too turned out to be false, with the exception of the stairs issue (there were no stairs involved in my move anyway.)
When I received the work order by email, I noticed that it didn't mention full value protection insurance. I called John to address that issue in specific, because it was important to me to have that type of coverage instead of just basic insurance. He very clearly reiterated that full value protection insurance was included, but that the movers would provide that service when they arrived at my apartment on the moving day. He said they would take pictures and document the state all of my furniture to make sure it was done correctly. This was a blatant lie, which I did not discover until my moving day. The movers forced me to sign a statement saying that the value of my shipment was $0.60 per pound per item damaged.
In addition, I was forced to sign a statement which I later realized also included a sentence saying that I had received the pamphlet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". I was never given this pamphlet, and cannot believe that statement was quietly embedded in fine print. I did not appreciate being told "you must sign here in order to get your stuff delivered", in fact, it seems a little like coercion, in hindsight.
When, on my moving day, I discovered that John had misinformed me about a number of things, I called the company to ask what was going on. The person on the end of the line was completely unhelpful, and told me that John was away on a two week vacation. It would have been prudent of him to inform me of this when I spoke with him just days before his vacation started, as he was the only company representative I had spoken with thus far.
When I originally spoke to John over the phone, he very clearly stated that I would not owe any money upon the pickup of my belongings, but would only have to pay my balance upon delivery. He said I was not to give any money to the movers packing up my things - under any circumstances. Yet after they had my things on the truck, they demanded part of the vastly increased balance be paid IN CASH before they leave. I had to go to an atm and withdraw hundreds of dollars on the day of my move, as if it wasn't stressful enough. I really did not appreciate that, and it make me very distrustful of the movers. After my things were completely packed up, the movers told me that the total cost of my move would be $2716, almost double the original estimate of $1400.
Another thing John assured me was that the men who moved my things out of my old apartment would be the same men to move my things into my new apartment in Wisconsin. This was an outright lie, and it made me very nervous to see two unfamiliar men show up with my things when I had expected the same three men who originally packed them up.
When my things arrived in Madison, my bike and a small mosaic table (gift from my mother) were missing and my coffee table was irreparably damaged. Additionally, some items were delivered to me in error; items belonging to somebody else, including a painting and a college diploma.
It is now August 26th -- two months since my move -- and the only recognition of my formal complaint against Cross Country Relocation has been a letter (received yesterday) offering me $50 and "promising" to eventually return my bike to me if I sign a statement releasing them from all liability.
I am incredibly frustrated by all of this, and at this point, realize that I will probably never see my $500 bike again, let alone any sort of refund.
Emily
Madison, Wisconsin
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving Companies
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer
12 Updates & Rebuttals
Fedup
Biloxi,Mississippi,
U.S.A.
THESE CROOKS WERE PUT IN PRISON
#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
I was on 48 Hours several years ago after having all my belongings stolen by a company out of The Bronx, New York. They are Israeli criminals and were put in prison and fined big money by the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND THE FBI IN NY. All you people who have had your belongings loaded into a truck, then told you have to pay money (extortion), have been lied to about insurance, have had your belongings STOLEN and HELD HOSTAGE FOR MONEY (EXTORTION), have had your belongings STOLEN in transit, etc. CONTACT THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND FILE A COMPLAINT. ALSO CONTACT THE FBI NEAREST TO WHERE THE COMPANY IS OPERATING OUT OF. Look up their corporate information in the Secretary of State where you think they may be incorporated. This is an old scam, and I'm so sorry to hear they're still operating and/or reaching out in a new network. FORGET THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. it will do nothing. What you need is the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION and don't give up. Keep calling different offices and the U.S. ATTORNEY's OFFICE until they go after them. Be sure and keep your BILL OF LADING and every note of every conversation, etc. Again, don't give up! Keep calling over and over until the feds DO SOMETHING. And by the way, these scams were brought to us by Republican DE-REGULATION of the moving industry. Still support DEREGULATION? Still think business ought to get away with whatever it can?
Fedup
Biloxi,Mississippi,
U.S.A.
THESE CROOKS WERE PUT IN PRISON
#3Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
I was on 48 Hours several years ago after having all my belongings stolen by a company out of The Bronx, New York. They are Israeli criminals and were put in prison and fined big money by the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND THE FBI IN NY. All you people who have had your belongings loaded into a truck, then told you have to pay money (extortion), have been lied to about insurance, have had your belongings STOLEN and HELD HOSTAGE FOR MONEY (EXTORTION), have had your belongings STOLEN in transit, etc. CONTACT THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND FILE A COMPLAINT. ALSO CONTACT THE FBI NEAREST TO WHERE THE COMPANY IS OPERATING OUT OF. Look up their corporate information in the Secretary of State where you think they may be incorporated. This is an old scam, and I'm so sorry to hear they're still operating and/or reaching out in a new network. FORGET THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. it will do nothing. What you need is the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION and don't give up. Keep calling different offices and the U.S. ATTORNEY's OFFICE until they go after them. Be sure and keep your BILL OF LADING and every note of every conversation, etc. Again, don't give up! Keep calling over and over until the feds DO SOMETHING. And by the way, these scams were brought to us by Republican DE-REGULATION of the moving industry. Still support DEREGULATION? Still think business ought to get away with whatever it can?
Fedup
Biloxi,Mississippi,
U.S.A.
THESE CROOKS WERE PUT IN PRISON
#4Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
I was on 48 Hours several years ago after having all my belongings stolen by a company out of The Bronx, New York. They are Israeli criminals and were put in prison and fined big money by the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND THE FBI IN NY. All you people who have had your belongings loaded into a truck, then told you have to pay money (extortion), have been lied to about insurance, have had your belongings STOLEN and HELD HOSTAGE FOR MONEY (EXTORTION), have had your belongings STOLEN in transit, etc. CONTACT THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND FILE A COMPLAINT. ALSO CONTACT THE FBI NEAREST TO WHERE THE COMPANY IS OPERATING OUT OF. Look up their corporate information in the Secretary of State where you think they may be incorporated. This is an old scam, and I'm so sorry to hear they're still operating and/or reaching out in a new network. FORGET THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. it will do nothing. What you need is the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION and don't give up. Keep calling different offices and the U.S. ATTORNEY's OFFICE until they go after them. Be sure and keep your BILL OF LADING and every note of every conversation, etc. Again, don't give up! Keep calling over and over until the feds DO SOMETHING. And by the way, these scams were brought to us by Republican DE-REGULATION of the moving industry. Still support DEREGULATION? Still think business ought to get away with whatever it can?
Sharon
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Try this, Emily
#5Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
Emily, I don't know which mystery agency you've called, but consider the IRS fraud tipline as well. Cash payments often mean income not reported and taxes not paid. And since we know that this comapny does things over and over again, you're hardly the first person to have to pay in untraceable cash without getting receipts. Have you thought about Small Claims Court to get back the amount overcharged? Technically, every cent over your original Binding Estimate was illegal and you are entitled to it back. If you have your bike's serial number, will you file a police report?
Sharon
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Try this, Emily
#6Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
Emily, I don't know which mystery agency you've called, but consider the IRS fraud tipline as well. Cash payments often mean income not reported and taxes not paid. And since we know that this comapny does things over and over again, you're hardly the first person to have to pay in untraceable cash without getting receipts. Have you thought about Small Claims Court to get back the amount overcharged? Technically, every cent over your original Binding Estimate was illegal and you are entitled to it back. If you have your bike's serial number, will you file a police report?
Sharon
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Try this, Emily
#7Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
Emily, I don't know which mystery agency you've called, but consider the IRS fraud tipline as well. Cash payments often mean income not reported and taxes not paid. And since we know that this comapny does things over and over again, you're hardly the first person to have to pay in untraceable cash without getting receipts. Have you thought about Small Claims Court to get back the amount overcharged? Technically, every cent over your original Binding Estimate was illegal and you are entitled to it back. If you have your bike's serial number, will you file a police report?
Sharon
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Try this, Emily
#8Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 30, 2007
Emily, I don't know which mystery agency you've called, but consider the IRS fraud tipline as well. Cash payments often mean income not reported and taxes not paid. And since we know that this comapny does things over and over again, you're hardly the first person to have to pay in untraceable cash without getting receipts. Have you thought about Small Claims Court to get back the amount overcharged? Technically, every cent over your original Binding Estimate was illegal and you are entitled to it back. If you have your bike's serial number, will you file a police report?
Discokoala
Madison,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
RIIIIIIIIGHT
#9Author of original report
Wed, August 29, 2007
This is to respond to KJ's posting ... I NEVER agreed to release your company from liability in this matter. You sent me a letter saying AND I QUOTE: "Your signature below will conclude our monetary settlement and release the Company of any further liabilities" - where the "monetary settlement" you are referring to is a grand total of $80. I never signed this statement, and never will. $80 isn't even close to enough for me to release your corrupt company from liability. The items you lost/damaged (with the exception of my bike) weren't worth a lot in terms of money, but one of the tables you lost was a unique gift from my mother, that will be impossible to replace. In addition, your company never offered to reimburse me for any of the $1316 you charged me over the binding estimate. What about that? $80 is chump change. Give me a break. As for your claim that my bike would be shipped on the next trailer to the Midwest, answer me this: why didn't it get on the trailer that left a month and a half or so ago? Your company didn't put my bike on that shipment, as they should have. It is obvious from your company's shady history that this "misunderstanding" (i.e. the LYING on the part of your representative, John) is not just the act of one free agent, as you have repeatedly tried to convince me, but the policy of your company. Perhaps you did fire that employee (although I doubt it, he brings in a lot of business with his lies, doesn't he?), but only to scapegoat him and avoid liability. Very smooth. UPDATE: the company decided to give me the chance to receive my bike by UPS ... the downside? I have to pay for it. $102. Fabulous. As for Vinbert's suggestion, believe me, I have complained through every avenue available. I filed reports with the Better Business Bureau, the FMCSA, the NY State Attorney General (just recently) and one other government agency (I'm gonna leave that one as a surprise for the company .. but trust me, it's a good one!), in addition to several consumer protection websites. Even if I can't get my money back, I can at least have the satisfaction of sharing my story with anybody who will listen. TAKE THAT, CROSS COUNTRY RELOCATION! Fighting back feels SO good. =)
Sharon
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Need answers, KJ
#10Consumer Suggestion
Wed, August 29, 2007
KJ, I asked a bunch of questions on Vinbert's Report, I hope they are posted soon so that you can answer them. However, I posted a lot of the same information just above for the original author, yet you made no comment on it. Can you please explain to the reading public how you continue to operate when the DOT has placed you Out of Service? Have you yet paid the $5,500 in fines the DOT placed in Jan? Are these fines the reason you have been placed Out of Service? The fines listed above are irrefutable evidence that your company operates consistently in the manner described by both Emily and Vinbert, and that it has happened in such an egregious manner that it actually caught the attention of the overworked Department of Transportation. The BBB lists complaints in excess of $8,500 on top of the Binding Estimate. Quite a jump in price. But I'm sure you'll have an answer for all of this. Just leave the Mike Tyson-like speeches for someone who's impressed by big words.
Kj
Bronx,New York,
U.S.A.
Slanderous Comments Backfire...See Proof
#11UPDATE Employee
Tue, August 28, 2007
It is unfortunate that you were misled by one of the company's former employees at the time of your scheduled move in June. Since the Company has also taken a severe blow due to the representative acting on his free will, we have tightened our quotes policy and have become much more specific about what it includes. As such, each client is aware that full value protection coverage is purchased additionally through a third party insurer and that basic coverage is met at 0.60 cents per pound per article for any lost/damaged items. Extras with regard to boxes, steps and the like are evaluated on a case by case basis and must be outlined in writing on the order for service prior to booking. What you neglected to mention in your complaint is that the Company has worked with you extensively in order to have your bike expedited to your attention and that the Company has also agreed to reimburse you 100% for the amount YOU assessed would be adequate for the damages incurred. In your own words; > Similarly, in an earlier email correspondence I wrote: We can ship the bike to your new address but I am afraid you will have to wait until a trailer arrives in Wisconsin--a region not serviced very regularly and therefore, I cannot guarantee a speedy delivery. I was suggesting UPS might be a little more expedient. Please let me know which method you would prefer. Additionally, the Company has never asked to you to release it of any liability other than that to which you had agreed. The letter clearly stated; > Such is what has accurately taken place to date.
Vinbert
Humble,Texas,
U.S.A.
We also got ripped off by this company, in the same time frame
#12Consumer Suggestion
Tue, August 28, 2007
Our experience was exactly the same as yours. I am currently looking at two boxes that belong to another family. However, our ripoff report has been responded to by a company employee, blaming us for all the issues. I can't believe that this company is allowed to just change names and basically continue on in their malpractice. Please go to the BBB site for your state and file a report. Perhaps if enough people complain, the BBB will do something to make them follow the laws, or at least people contemplating using them will not do so. The only way we can stop these people from doing to other consumers what they did to us, is make sure that whenever anyone does an internet search, their name and address comes up loud and clear for everyone to see what they do. Power to the people !
Sharon
Alexandria,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Sorry...
#13Consumer Suggestion
Mon, August 27, 2007
You're not going to get anything from them, sorry to say. They've gone out of business, it looks like. It might give you a tiny sense of satisfaction to know that in Jan of thisyear, the DOT fined Cross Country Relocation (DOT#1487082) $5500 for: Failing to give the Your Rights & Responsibilities Book (so your move was their standard MO) Failing to charge applicable tarriff rate Failing to reaffirm or negotiate the non-binding estimate Collecting more than 110% of the original non-binding estimate at destination (like with you) I doubt they'll pay this fine, since their license has been revoked and they are probably getting ready to re-open under a new name, but at least you can know that someone did pay attention to them and found enough problems to give them a fine. Tiny comfort, and doesn't return your bike, I know. I bet one of the workers is riding it now, or has pawned it. They want your signature on the liability statement, after which you'll get nothing. But now that you know what's happened to them, you can have a little fun with John. See what he says about the $5500 and the loss of license. Also ask him about The Right Move, which was this company's name before they also got put Out of Service in September 2006.
