Complaint Review: Long Distance Van Lines - Halethorpe

LDVL overcharged us for the packing, storage and delivery of our household goods. 

We contracted with LDVL to move our property from CA to AZ.  They quote based on cubic feet.  We received a phone quote from Sales Rep Joy Miller in the amount of 1048CF.  Total charges were estimated at $5400.00 after we asked for 30 days of storage of our personal property. 

The date of the move was 6/21.  I received a call at 10:25am from the foreman indicating they would not be there at 10:00(obviously).  He indicated they would be at my home in 15 to 20 minutes.  They arrived at the wrong apt at 11:41am.  The workers showed up in tank tops and shorts to pack our goods up on June 21. Boxed the goods for hours and then advised me the amount they would charge would need to be adjusted.  At this point in the process I had no alternatives and most of my items were already packed in boxes.  The quote went from 1048cf to 1500cf.  The charges increased to $8777.75. The foreman advised he had "about" 200cf of equipment in the truck but he was able to determine that I had exactly 1500 cf of items in the Enterprise truck that they rented to haul my property.

They didn't leave my property until 9:15pm.  I had also received an on site quote from Bekins prior to deciding to use this company.  They did an on-site inspection of the entire 2 bedroom, 1200SF apt and determined there was 868cf of property (can provide copy).  A year and a half before this move, Colonial moved us from TX to CA and the total was 564cf (cpc). 

I decided to use LDVL because the sales rep Joy Miller kept insisting they would beat any price and what they had quoted us was less than the quote we received from Bekins even though Bekins had indicated less cf.  In addition, I thought the reviews I read about them on line were real and I found out they were not. 

After I expressed my dissatisfaction with this company on Yelp, I received a call from Paula Payne CSM.  Paula decided to contact me and argue all the points I made on Yelp about the company and my experience. After I asked her if she called to argue with me or resolve the situation she indicated she wanted to try to come to a solution.  I then advised her I wasn't interested in a resolution until I received my property back because I did not trust her or the company any longer due to their bait and switch methods on the day of the move.  She indicated they were not vindictive that way.  I refused any negotiation at that time.

On June 30th I requested our property be delivered to our new address on July 8th.  The reply from Joy Miller was that they would do all they could to make that happen. That never happened and all inquiries regarding estimated delivery of our items went ignored (the only time I got a reply was when I called persistently and sent emails that were harsh - I can provide copies).  Our property was finally delivered on July 27th -- 6 days after our storage allowance time had run out.  We spent July 27th and 28th going through boxes.  We discovered on July 28th that the Dublin workers had stolen our liquor. I have to assume they stole it because Paula Payne refused to tell us where our property was being stored. She indicated it was "somewhere in San Jose" she thought.  She also indicated it is company policy that they don't pack or haul liquor.  So, that being said, it only leaves as suspects the 5 individuals that were at my apt on 6/21.  Paula basically eliminated any other suspects through her statements (all discussions with Paula were recorded by me).  A police report has been filed regarding that theft. 

When the delivery trailer arrived, our property was the only thing left on it.  I took photos and measured to determine actual cubic feet (I can provide copies).  We seekd reimbursement for the over charges as follows.  My measurements found that 1188 cf was actually packed and delivered (can provide supports)

1188 cf x 6.25 = $7425(transport pack store)

Criminally charge by LDVL:$8777.75

Net Owed Us by LDVL: $1352.75

"Goodwill" offer made by Paula Payne 8/8 at $625 (I declined - There is no Goodwill at this company)