Complaint Review: PODS - Clearwater Florida

Please find below some my e-mail communication with PODS moving company.

"Dear Sir or Madam:

On May 27, 2017 your company picked up a container at 10 Red Oak Dr., Williamsville, NY 14221.

The destination point was Pasadena, CA.

On that time, we didn’t have an address or an apartment to deliver our belongings.

Based on the information provided to us by PODS management, we didn’t have to worry because we already paid a month in advance for storage.

The experiation day was set at June 27^th, 2017.

We were very aggressively trying to find an apartment to avoid paying extra storage fees.

In addition, we were told to call, at least, 3-4 days in advance and provide the destination address in Pasadena.

On June 22^nd 2017, I called PODS customer service and gave them the address of our apartment in Pasadena, CA.

If I am not mistaken, the PODS rep name was Diana.

In the process of providing all necessary information, I was told that I have to pay for another month for storage because the container can be delivered by July 11^th, as the closest day.

This statement from PODS was a surprise to me and I tried to explain my point of view:

1. As I was advised, I called in advance before the expiration day.
2. The container will be removed from the storage facility and loaded on the trailer. Technically, when the container is loaded and moving, it’s not stored anymore.
3. I don’t think that I have to be financially responsible for your rules and regulations regarding schedule and moving time.

Unfortunately, my arguments were declined, even though the representative acknowledged the confusion regarding calling in advance and interpretation of the expiration day.

Based upon our strong believe that we shouldn’t pay additional storage fees, my wife called and asked to connect her with PODS customer service manager.

The manager, if I am not mistaken his was James, was extremely understandable and very professional and mentioned to us that it is very busy time for PODS and they cannot deliver my container on June 27th, which is definitely not our problem and we are absolutely not responsible.  In conclusion of the conversation, he assured us that an order will be given to conduct a thorough and detailed investigation of the matter and I will be called with an answer.

Unfortunately, instead of a call, I’ve got a message from my credit card company that the PODS is charging me for an additional month of storage.

I didn’t have a choice but to call credit card Company to put the payment on hold and dispute the amount until all issues will be resolved."

A day later, the second e-mail pertaining to Gypsy Moth report

"Adriana,

Originally, the signed file was sent to Adrian Archer on 05/26/2017, see attached file and snapshot of the e-mail

Adrian,

Please find attached file that I had problem sending.

This file was attached and sent to Ralph so, I have no idea what’s the problem.

I can see that that the file has the electronic signature on the bottom, see below.

Also, according to the note below, the signature will work with Adobe, what I used.   (I believe, this is the watermark)

Note: The electronic signature function on this form works only if the user opens the file in Internet

Explorer or Adobe Acrobat."

She sent me an e-mail back that an Adobe watermark was missed.

I’ve marked the sign in line 9 just below the letter “r” .

Since then, I didn’t get any messages.

Now, you are informing me that the information is missed?

And I can have problems with getting my belongings?

Are you guys kidding me?

What kind of company are running, Mickie Mouse?

A couple of days ago you tried to charge me more for storage even though I called the customer service 5 days before expiration day.

Now you trying to use a scary tactic?

Look, I am sick and tired working with such companies and this what I will do:

1.       I need the name of your manager

2.       I need the name and an e-mail of your president or CEO to inform about all matters

3.       I will place my thoughts and comments on the internet. Trust me, they wouldn’t be favorable.

4.       I will immediately contact my lawyer because this kind of conducting a business cannot be ignored and left unpunishable

Please reply ASAP.

Subject: Missing Gypsy Moth Form

Dear Customer,  

We’re writing to inform you that we require additional documentation to complete your move.  Currently, we show that we are missing your Gypsy Moth Form which is required by the state of California.

To learn more about California’s Gypsy Moth process and to complete the required checklist form, CLICK HERE.

Please note that if this document is not submitted, we will not be able to ship your container.

This documentation must be provided to us 5 days prior to your container’s scheduled transport. We highly recommend that you complete this paperwork as you load your container as it requires you to examine the items you are transporting across the California border.

The Agriculture Department of California requires that the Gypsy Moth form be filled out by you and presented at the state’s check point at the time your container crosses the California border. We’re happy to present this form to inspection officials on your behalf, but need you to provide us the completed checklist.

Please print the checklist and review all identified items; for each listed item that you are moving please visually inspect them and place a check in the box to signify that the item is moving and has been inspected. If you are not moving an item identified on the list simply leave it blank.

IMPORTANT:

Certain items on this checklist will mandate an inspection and since we do not possess the key to your container’s lock we will not be permitted to move your container across the California border. The transportation of any of the following items will make it impossible to complete your move:

• Motorized Boats
• Motorcycles
• Motor Homes
• Recreational Vehicles
• Snowmobiles
• Firewood
• House Plants
• Barbecue Grills
• Propane Tanks
• Lawnmowers
• Tractors and Trailers
• Trees, Shrubs, and Plants
• Cars or Trucks

When complete, please email the form to [email protected] Electronic signatures are accepted when applicable. To complete the electronic signature you may need to save the form onto your computer and follow the prompts to create the electronic signature. 

Please do not submit the form to the driver picking up your container as these forms must be provided to our corporate office to ensure proper documentation.

If you cannot return this form via e-mail, please contact us immediately to make other arrangements.

If you have already submitted the form, please disregard this email.

Thank you for your cooperation.