Texas to Maryland
Kris
Submitted this review about
Priority 1 Moving
Review made Live: 7/24/2013 2:34:00 PM
My 2 YEAR saga with Priority One Moving (aka Moving Pros, aka American Movers) started in July 2011, with a quote from Lee over the phone. I was walking room to room explaining my furniture and household goods. He “tallied” up my Sqftage and emailed me a quote.
I felt the quote low- so I called him back explaining that I had some unique furniture that is not “standard size”. He stuck to his original quote. Letting me know that I qualified for a $250.00 discount because I was moving from Texas and since they were based in Texas- they offered discounts.
On Aug 22-23 a crew of 3 (one supervisor and two day-laborers off the street) came to my house to pack me up. I had a 3 bedroom home and this process took 2 days to pack and load.
While the “supervisor” was packing my kitchen he knocked over 2 blown glass figurines and shattered them. They did not make it on to the Bill of Lading. He continually asked me what needed to be packed. After explaining that EVERYTHING is to be packed about 6 times – he stopped asking on the first day.
On the second day with 70% of packing done- he started asking me again. EVERYTHING is to be packed and moved. That is when one of the Day-Laborers, while wrapping my antique sofa table- grabbed it by the legs to stand it on end and broke the legs off while I watched! The supervisor then stated to me—all legs must come off the tables. WHAT?? I do NOT have self assemble type furniture- legs DO NOT unscrew or come off.
I then asked for their policy on claims and was directed to the back of their contract (Bill of Lading). It states that any damaged item is to be circled on the Bill of Lading and noted as to the damage done.
When the crew was done loading my household goods onto the truck- I was informed by the supervisor that my sq ftage was 2000 sqft more than the quote and I needed to pay right then. He made the adjustments on their contract and charged my C/C (with the additional 4%- for using a C/C) and asked me to initial in two spots and sign. With all my items on the truck- I felt I had no option. This would come back to haunt me later.
Then I was told that the crew will accept tips as long as they were in cash. WHAT??? You smash my glass figures- break my antique table-I buy you lunch and beverages for 2 days- you charge me almost $2500.00 more---and now you are begging for and expect me to give you a tip?? Are you insane??? No tip was given.
My Household goods were delivered to a storage facility in Washington DC 45 days later. Every table I own has at least one broken leg- BBQ has torn off shelves-Computer desk demolished (came off the truck in 5 pieces)- antique Queen Anne chairs have the wooden backs broken and are ripped on the sides- on and on and on to the tune of 2686 lbs. worth of damage times .60 per lb. that should be about $1600.00 worth. HA HA….
I filed my claim as stated on the back of their contract I signed. Was contacted by the claim department that pictures need to accompany my claim. – NO MENTION of pictures was on their contract. I talked to Katie (manager) and continued to discuss what was needed to file a claim and what was not. I was offered $415 to settle. I would not accept-she then told me- to take this claim any further- I would need to contact NAM. National Arbitration & Mediators. I sent in my claim and the $250 to file. NAM stated that they needed pictures- since I did not have a contract with them, I provided them pictures of the numerous damages. I filed for the damages done- the extra $$ charged at time of move and for the $250 filing charges.
Here it is July 2013—Because I initialed a line on the contract stating the extra $$ charged were done so PRIOR to my items being put on the truck- I did not get that $ and I am not eligible for the filing fee because-since Priority One refused to abide by their contract- I chose to have NAM settle this dispute. It was determined that I should receive $675.00 for the damages and replacement cost (of my computer desk).
This company is NOT PROFESSIONAL. They hire people off the street to handle your precious items. Once damage has been done, they want you to jump through hoops to satisfy them. If pictures were needed and stated on their contract—pictures would have been provided initially. I followed their written rules, yet they cannot do the same. BEWARE If you value your items- DO NOT use Priority One- Moving Pros or American Movers!!!!
