In late February of 2004, my wife and I hired Nationwide Moving and Storage to make the move from California to North Dakota. Over the phone and in email correspondence they gave us an estimate of $2,200.
When they arrived in a Ryder truck I became suspicious, unfortunately we didn't have the time to find a new company. The first thing they did when they did when they started removing items from our home was to knock over a break a lamp.
As they filled the truck one of the drivers, Moshe, said that he could tell by the number of lines used in the truck that we were over the 4,000 pound estimate
After a long conversation over the phone and in a language other than English I was told that I would have to sign a binding estimate of $5,900 or ,if the truck had to be weighed, I would have to pay 2% of the cost of fuel. Their website at the time This was fraud since their website at the time stated "You will find our company has no hidden charges." My wife and I decided to go with the binding estimate, but I was assured that the truck would be weighed as per Federal Regulations.
I assisted in unloading the truck at a nearby storage facility. They told me they were done as the storage facility was closing for the evening and I asked them about a large closet full of stuff they hadn't moved. I was told again that they were done.
I planned on starting my move drive to North Dakota the next day, but had to postpone a day so that I could rent a UHAUL trailer for the remaining belongings.
The day my wife and I arrived in North Dakota so did Nationwide Movers at 9pm and they wanted the second half of their payment (cashiers check, cash, or money order.
I gave them a cashiers check the next morning, I still have the receipt).
I got them to start unloading as my wife and I traveled 40 miles North to Minot to sign the papers for the house.
When we got back we found Nationwide in the process of unloading without a ramp from the side of the truck. Our antique table lay in the living room with half its base broken off and this was only the start. Two chairs, broken beyond repair. Press wood desk with its hutch broken off, hole in side of mattress with sins of it being dragged, glass for top of coffee table (which they had insisted on packing themselves) broken in three pieces, two large dings in antique Victrola, numerous dings and scratches in new headboard, entertainment center, couch, and chair. Assorted dishes and ceramic pieces were also damaged or destroyed.
After all was unloaded I was given a bill of lading to sign, I reluctantly did. I asked for a copy and was told that they needed the only copy. After they left I called and complained and was given a New York address to send the complaint to.
I informed the Better Business Bureau in Las Vegas bout this company and found that they were not a member, nor had they ever been a member ever though they advertised they were. This was changed shortly thereafter, but I still retain a hard copy of their original website.I was faxed a copy of the Bill of Lading. Nationwide says they cannot do anything until they hear from claims, and I can never seem to get a hold of the agent in charge of my claim, Diane Parker, when I call and nobody else can seem to help.
Agencies I have contacted to no avail in this matter: Attorney General Offices in Ca., NV., NY(due to claims office), ND. (Judy A Austad made numerous phone calls to Nationwide on my behalf, but being from the States Attorney's office could take no legal action for a interstate move. I have also contacted DOT in Ca.,NV., and ND (North Dakota forwarded packet given to them in August 2005 to Nevada DOT December 2005), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,Surface Air Transportation Board and the FBI.
I have all the paperwork concerning this matter and all of the broken articles. It has been almost three years since this started I would like to see something done.
Thank you.
Ross
Garrison, North Dakota
U.S.A.
STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... CLICK HERE to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! It has been reported, when there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide. ..Remember. The BBB membership is not earned, it's paid for!Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving CompaniesClick here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer