Went online to freightcenter.com and was quoted $535 for shipment. Booked online and credit card was immediately charged full amount. OK so for.
Called Freight Center once item was picked up to verify delivery date. Everything still going as planned. Very pleased at this point. No mention of any additional charges during call.
Item arrives a few days later than estimated but in perfect shape so I am still happy. Get my credit card statement a few weeks later and see an additional charge of $603 from Freight Center. I did not authorize this charge nor was I informed about any additional costs. I "assumed" at this point that I was being charged an additional $68 for the shipment and that they neglected to take into account my original $535. I was not happy about this but wasn't going to make a giant fuss over $68.
When I called them they informed me that this was indeed an additional charge of $603, not $68. Their excuse was the shipping class was incorrect even though their system automatically assigned the shipping class based upon size, weight, and category. My information was 100% accurate. The rep on the phone acknowledged that I should have received a call or email from them notifying me of the additional cost. They also acknowledged that I entered my information as described. I would not have purchased the item in question if I had received a shipping quote of $1140. Despite all of this they still insisted that I owed the additional $605.
I disputed the charge with AMEX and they sided with me and reversed the charge. I immediately received an emailed invoice from Freight Center for $603 and an additional email stating that even though I was successful disputing the charge, "a dispute with your credit card provider does not negate your responsibility of the charges. Per terms and conditions of your Bill of Lading, you are responsible for the charges". This is obviously a form letter that they use VERY OFTEN. I left a message with accounts receivable and expect that I will have to get an attorney involved or pay the $603 to avoid a collection company ding on my credit. I have since searched many review sites and see that this practice is business as usual for them. I wish I would have done this first.