- Report: #676056
Complaint Review: Guardian Moving and Storage - Los Angeles California
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Theft Victim -
Brentwood, California, United States of America
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Updated:
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Guardian Moving and Storage
2345 South Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, 90058 California, United States of America
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Guardian Moving and Storage Theft of My Belongings Los Angeles, California
Originally I hired them to move my belongings from Oahu to California. The move took place on 9/23/10. Due to financial constraints on my end, the Property Manager supervised the move. That was my first mistake.My second mistake was hiring this moving company. The original move was quoted at $3500, which I thought was fair, since I shopped around with other companies. My final bill was almost $8100, since they stated there was much more than originally stated. That was untrue. The total that showed up only filled a small room in my home. They damaged many of my belongings, including an expensive comforter which they used as a moving blanket-resulting in many holes in the comforter. Some of the boxes were incorrectly packed, like they just threw everything they could find into the box haphazardly. After unpacking, I found that there was a large number of items missing. It was later determined that these items were left behind in the old residence, including a car which Chris Brown told me would be added to the move.
I had to schedule a second move, and fly to Oahu to personally supervise the move-to make sure ALL my belongings were indeed moved. Upon arrival at the old residence, I noticed from my list of missing items, that not all of the missing things were there. They didn't show up at my California home, and were not in Oahu. The movers were two hours late, and this was my only day to move what was left. My son and I proceeded upstairs to get the tools which were previous locked in an upstairs cabinet, and found the cabinet empty. Since we needed some type of wrench to remove the locks on the wall hangings, the Supervisor of Guardian, who was there because of the botched original move, stated the people coming to move what was left had tools we could use. When the truck showed up, the supervisor asked the "lead" mover to get his tools and see if he had something to remove wall hangings. The employee stated that this was the place he just moved recently, and was told by his supervisor that I was the owner. We went inside, and the employee opened the tool bags he removed from the moving van. He asked me what tool was needed, so I started helping him look through the bags. That's when I realized he had most of the tools I was missing. I immediately went out front, and told his supervisor what I found. I was told to let them finish the move, and he would personally take care of confronting the employee. Because the employee who had my tools was the same who originally filled out the move inventory list on the September move, I am certain he had the remainder of my belongings, or knows who does. While packing up to leave, after boxing what was left, the employee saw the screw gun he came in with, sitting on the floor, and asked me "Is that yours?". I find this strange, since he knew I had no tools whatsoever on the premises. I then knew he was aware I knew he stole from me.
I am so sorry I ever hired this company. I trusted them, and they took advantage of that, and stole from me.
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United States of AmericaLegal Recourse Against Guardian Moving and Storage
#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, September 29, 2011
I am currently dealing with Guardian Moving and Storage (aka Guardian Moving & Storage; aka Guardian Cargo Logistics). After a lot of research, I discovered that they are based out of Los Angeles, although they claim to have offices throughout Hawaii.
After consulting attorneys, I was told that without a signed contract and only an email/oral contract, it is better to pay the amount demanded and then file a claim in court for extra charges. Don't forget to obtain a detailed bill to produce as evidence. However, small claims court can be expensive when they are not based in your hometown (I reside in Hawaii).
According to an attorney, outside of court, there are many avenues to deal with unscrupulous, dishonest or negligent moving companies:
The first government contact you need to file a complaint with is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They have recently streamlined their process, and even if you have filed previously with them using their old system prior to (1/1/2003), you should file with them again. It's easy to file a complaint online using their web site at Commercial Complaint Form
Information (http://www.1-888-dot-saft.com/CC_Info.htm), or toll-free by phone at 1-888-368-7238.
You should also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General. Although they don't have a system in place that is as easy to use as the FMCSA's, you can email them at [email protected].
Next, you should find out if your mover is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). You can find out by calling the AMSA at 703-683-7410, or by sending them an email to [email protected]. If your moving company is an AMSA member, then they have agreed to participate in the AMSA Arbitration Program. You should file for arbitration with the AMSA by following their guidelines on www.moving.org (http://www.moving.org). Also check out MovingScam.com (http://www.movingscam.com).
You should file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau even if the company is not a member. You can file a complaint with the BBB online using their web site at United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings at www.bbb.com (http://www.bbb.com).
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
