Bait and Switch
Jim
Submitted this review about
LIGHTNING VANLINES
Review made Live: 7/24/2011 9:32:00 PM
I received a quote from Lightning Van Lines along with several other companies to move my belongings from Los Angeles to Dallas. I chose Lightning even though their quote was not the lowest because their customer service rep seemed knowledgeable and professional. They sent me a quote after going through a detailed inventory of my belongings over the phone. I did mention it was difficult to estimate the actual number of boxes but what told that wouldn't be an issue. I also told the rep that I probably have some miscellaneous items that I am forgetting but all the large items were accounted for. I moved from Tucson to Dallas a year and half ago and then from Dallas to Los Angeles last year using 2 different companies and the final weight charged from both companies was within 5% of the estimated weight determined by Lightning in the quote. They crew arrived on-time and had enough manpower to load my belongings quickly. The foreman walked through my apartment to match what I had versus the inventory. After the inventory we determined that I had 10 more boxes and a few other items: a vacuum cleaner, kitchen trash can, smaller plastic trash can, and my golf clubs. I was expecting that with the extra items the prices would increase accordingly. After his discussion with his management, my extra items took the estimated weight from 3073lbs to an estimated weight of 4500lbs. The price went from ~$1900 to ~$2700. This was a total scam. I have documentation of the weight from the prior 2 moves and I actually decided to not bring a few things with me. As I was moving out of state and needed to start my job the next week, they probably thought I would be willing to pay. I declined there service and am going to rent a truck and drive it myself.
