- Report: #33440
Complaint Review: National Moving Network (FL) & A-1 USA Movers (TX) - Miami Florida
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Author Not Confirmed
Why?
National Moving Network (FL) & A-1 USA Movers (TX)
P.O. Box 630850 Miami, 33163 Florida, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-945-7702
Web:
N/A
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National Moving Network (FL) & A-1 USA Movers (TX) *$#&% ..They don't do what they say & are rude! Evil ripoff dirt bags Miami Florida Houston Texas *UPDATE ..still stink!
On October 11, 2002, I entered into a contract with National Moving Network, Inc. ("NMN") whereby NMN would act as a broker and contract with a moving company to transport my belongings from New Orleans, LA to Charlotte, NC. NMA didn't ask me much about how much stuff I had to move, but they did say I had to assent immediately or else lose my spot on the moving truck.
On October 11, 2002, NMN charged $560.00 to my Visa card as a deposit. The total estimated cost for the entire move was $1260.00. This was to move 2000 pounds of things. I was informed by Carol Haeussler, who prepared the contract, that there would be a 300 pound "cushion," or that NMN would transport 2300 pounds for $1260, and that I would not be charged for an additional 300 pounds. Neither the contract nor NMN gave me any information about costs for moving goods beyond 2300 pounds. Ms. Haeussler also told me that NMA would beat any competitor's price.
Carol Haeussler and I confirmed the pick-up of my belongings on October 18, 2002, and the contract stated that my belongings would be picked up on October 18, 2002.
Ms. Haeussler told me that I did not need to pack large items such as large pictures, the television, etc., as the movers would use "special blankets" to ensure safe transit.
That week, I received a call from A-1 USA Movers ("A-1"), a moving company out of Houston, TX. NMN had contracted with A-1 to move my things. I was told by A-1 that they would arrive on September 18, 2002, between 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. I was also informed that there would be an EXTRA $20.00 CHARGE because my belongings would have to be carried down an elevator. No one had previously asked if there was an elevator or stairs. I was disappointed that there was already a "hidden charge." Little did I know that this would be the first of many hidden charges.
A-1 did not arrive on September 18, 2002. I left numerous messages with NMA, but no one could tell me why the moving truck had not yet arrived.
I called NMA on Saturday, September 19, 2002, and spoke with Heather Suthard. She told me that she just spoke with A-1 and that the A-1 movers were still six hours away from New Orleans, LA. This meant that they would arrive around 3:00 p.m., as it was 9:00 a.m. in New Orleans at the time of my call. Ms. Suthard gave me A-1's telephone number.
I called A-1 and spoke with Tim. Tim told me that A-1 would arrive by 5:00 p.m., which was later than what A-1 told Ms. Suthard. Tim told me that he would try to contact the movers who were in transit to New Orleans, LA and would call me back by noon. Tim stated that A-1 could be up to "a day" late pursuant to the contract. I told him that no one at NMA told me this and that it was not written into the contract.
Tim did not call me back by noon, so I called Tim back. He said that he was still unable to reach the drivers. He also said that he would call me later. He did not call me later.
I left three messages for NMA and A-1 until their offices closed for the day. At the end of the day on Saturday, I still had not heard from A-1 or NMA.
At 9:00 p.m., Frank Mendoza of A-1 called me and said that he would be at my apartment in 2-3 hours. At 11:00 p.m., I called Frank Mendoza's cell phone. He told me that he was right outside of New Orleans in a town called "Ridge." I finally learned from Mr. Mendoza that he was in fact in Baton Rouge, LA, which is approximately an hour and a half away from New Orleans, LA. I told him that I still wanted A-1 to pick up my belongings that night. Mr. Mendoza said that he would call me around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2002, which is when he anticipated arriving in New Orleans, LA. The night passed and I did not hear from Mr. Mendoza.
At 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2002, I called Mr. Mendoza's cell phone and left a message. At 7:00 a.m., Mr. Mendoza called and said that he was still in Baton Rouge and that his MOVING TRUCK WAS BROKEN. He said that he would be unable to drive to New Orleans until he got the brake lights to work.
Later that morning, Mr. Mendoza called me and said that the truck was fixed and that he was on the way to New Orleans.
Mr. Mendoza could not find the apartment where I lived. In an effort to help him, I told him that he could meet me at any major landmark and that he could follow me in my car. He finally arrived at my apartment at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Mendoza proceeded to tell me that he COULD NOT MOVE my belongings because he could not get his "eighteen-wheeler" truck close enough to my apartment building without hitting trees or power lines. Neither NMA nor A-1 ever asked me if a large truck would be able to maneuver the streets near my apartment. Consequently, Mr. Mendoza had parked his truck three blocks away from my apartment building. He made an attempt to drive closer to the building but failed.
He suggested that I rent a U-Haul, at my expense, and that he load my things into the U-Haul. He said that he could then drive U-Haul to his moving truck and unload my things. I was unhappy with the idea of paying extra over something that was not my fault, but I called several truck rental places. Because it was Sunday morning, few were open. I was able to reach one U-Haul facility that was open, but it did not have any trucks available at that time.
Mr. Mendoza stated that he might be willing to carry my things from the apartment building to the truck for extra money. I offered him this option, again very unhappy with the idea of paying extra for something that was not my fault, but his co-worker refused to do this. Thus, around 10:00 noon, Mr. Mendoza concluded that there was nothing he could do and that he would have to send for a smaller truck. He said that the truck would have to come from Houton, TX, and would arrive in a few days.
Because of NMA and A-1's breach, my mother lost a day of work and missed an important meeting and doctor's appointment. For Friday night and Saturday night, my mother and I slept without clean clothes, sheets, or towels, as everything was packed.
On October 24, 2002, my mother called Tim at A-1 long distance and was put on hold. After being on hold for several minutes, she hung up and called back. Tim said that he was not sure whether my things had been picked up or not.
On October 25, 2002, at 9:00 a.m., I called NMA and left a message for Ms. Suthard. I asked her to return my call as soon as possible and told her that I was extremely dissatisfied.
On October 25, 2002, at noon, I again called Ms. Suthard, but got her voice mail.
On October 25, 2002, I called A-1 and spoke with Huey. Or perhaps his name was Chewy. I couldn't understand him because, like Frank Mendoza, he did not speak much English and had a really thick accent. Huey told me that my belongings were picked up "two days ago" (Wednesday, October 24, 2002, five days late) and that they would arrive tomorrow.
Later on October 25, 2002, Huey called and said that my balance came to $1568 because my belongings weighed 680 pounds over the 2000 pound weight given in the contract price and because they had to pack "21 boxes." He wanted to know how I was going to pay, and I asked if A-1 took credit cards. Huey said that a credit card would be fine.
Later on October 25, 2002, I received a message on my answering machine. It sounded like Huey. I could not understand the message clearly, but it said that cash, check, or money order only would be acceptable.
Later on October 25, 2002, Huey called back. He claimed not to have left the previous message. He wanted to know how I intended to pay and reiterated the extra charge. I told Huey that I had personally packed all the boxes in brand new moving boxes I had purchased at a moving supply company and that there was no way A-1 had packed 21 boxes. I stated that he must have had my order mixed up with someone else's. He put me on hold and later said that A-1 only packed eight boxes. He said that the boxes contained things such as a stereo and small pictures.
I told him that I had packed all small pictures in boxes and that NMA had told me not to pack larger pictures. I explained that I would have packed the pictures had I known there would be a charge, but that I was instructed not to do so. He stated that the charge for the eight boxes would be $160.00. He then said that the charge for the extra poundage would be 65 cents per pound. NMA never told me the extra cost per pound. Huey also told me that I would not receive the 300 pound grace as NMA promised.
I told Huey that the packing misunderstanding was not my fault and that he was in breach by picking my belongings up late. He denied that A-1 was late. I asked Huey for the name and phone number of A-1's attorney. I was obviously not getting anywhere speaking with Huey I could not understand him well, and he was not listening to me. At this, Huey became very hostile and belligerent and would not listen to me at all. He stated at least twice, "WE WILL JUST TURN THE TRUCK AROUND and put your stuff in storage."
I told him that he would not do that, that he was in breach, and that he needed to deliver my things pursuant to the contract. I also asked to speak with his supervisor and also A-1's legal counsel. He stated, "You are just trying not to pay." I told him that this was not the case. He refused to transfer me to his supervisor or manager and told me to "work it out with National [Moving Network, Inc.]." He then told me to call A-1 "when you figure it out," and hung up.
On October 23, 2002, I received a price quote from a competitor for $900.00. Ms. Suthard said that she was not sure if she could honor Carol Hauessler's price match promise.
On October 25, 2002, my mother spoke with Ms. Suthard. She stated that I was responsible for negotiating this problem with A-1. My mother stated that NMA was hired to do the negotiating for me and that neither she nor I could understand Huey of A-1. Ms. Suthard stated that he spoke "perfect English." She then stated that she would negotiate with A-1 to lower what we owed because 1) there were not 21 boxes and 2) A-1 was so late. She then came back and said that she had lowered the cost substantially. In fact, all she did was deduct the charge for the 21 boxes that weren't mine to begin with!
I am now waiting for my things to arrive tomorrow morning. I am not holding my breath, though, given that A-1 has been so late before and that Huey said he would "turn the truck around."
If this cannot be resolved when my things arrive, I will plan to sue A-1 and NMN. I feel so stupid for having contracted with these people -- I am an attorney and should have known better. However, NMN has a nice web site that makes them seem legitimate, and NMN was also extremely professional until after I made the deposit.
Under NO circumstances would I recommend doing business with A-1 or NMN. They may give you a good price quote, but they will not do as they promised and will try to charge you hundreds of dollars extra -- not to mention lost work, the expense of staying in a hotel because all of your stuff is packed up, etc.
This is a scam that must be stopped!
Leigha
Charlotte, North Carolina
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer
Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving Companies
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer
Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving Companies
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on A1 USA Movers
On October 11, 2002, NMN charged $560.00 to my Visa card as a deposit. The total estimated cost for the entire move was $1260.00. This was to move 2000 pounds of things. I was informed by Carol Haeussler, who prepared the contract, that there would be a 300 pound "cushion," or that NMN would transport 2300 pounds for $1260, and that I would not be charged for an additional 300 pounds. Neither the contract nor NMN gave me any information about costs for moving goods beyond 2300 pounds. Ms. Haeussler also told me that NMA would beat any competitor's price.
Carol Haeussler and I confirmed the pick-up of my belongings on October 18, 2002, and the contract stated that my belongings would be picked up on October 18, 2002.
Ms. Haeussler told me that I did not need to pack large items such as large pictures, the television, etc., as the movers would use "special blankets" to ensure safe transit.
That week, I received a call from A-1 USA Movers ("A-1"), a moving company out of Houston, TX. NMN had contracted with A-1 to move my things. I was told by A-1 that they would arrive on September 18, 2002, between 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. I was also informed that there would be an EXTRA $20.00 CHARGE because my belongings would have to be carried down an elevator. No one had previously asked if there was an elevator or stairs. I was disappointed that there was already a "hidden charge." Little did I know that this would be the first of many hidden charges.
A-1 did not arrive on September 18, 2002. I left numerous messages with NMA, but no one could tell me why the moving truck had not yet arrived.
I called NMA on Saturday, September 19, 2002, and spoke with Heather Suthard. She told me that she just spoke with A-1 and that the A-1 movers were still six hours away from New Orleans, LA. This meant that they would arrive around 3:00 p.m., as it was 9:00 a.m. in New Orleans at the time of my call. Ms. Suthard gave me A-1's telephone number.
I called A-1 and spoke with Tim. Tim told me that A-1 would arrive by 5:00 p.m., which was later than what A-1 told Ms. Suthard. Tim told me that he would try to contact the movers who were in transit to New Orleans, LA and would call me back by noon. Tim stated that A-1 could be up to "a day" late pursuant to the contract. I told him that no one at NMA told me this and that it was not written into the contract.
Tim did not call me back by noon, so I called Tim back. He said that he was still unable to reach the drivers. He also said that he would call me later. He did not call me later.
I left three messages for NMA and A-1 until their offices closed for the day. At the end of the day on Saturday, I still had not heard from A-1 or NMA.
At 9:00 p.m., Frank Mendoza of A-1 called me and said that he would be at my apartment in 2-3 hours. At 11:00 p.m., I called Frank Mendoza's cell phone. He told me that he was right outside of New Orleans in a town called "Ridge." I finally learned from Mr. Mendoza that he was in fact in Baton Rouge, LA, which is approximately an hour and a half away from New Orleans, LA. I told him that I still wanted A-1 to pick up my belongings that night. Mr. Mendoza said that he would call me around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2002, which is when he anticipated arriving in New Orleans, LA. The night passed and I did not hear from Mr. Mendoza.
At 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2002, I called Mr. Mendoza's cell phone and left a message. At 7:00 a.m., Mr. Mendoza called and said that he was still in Baton Rouge and that his MOVING TRUCK WAS BROKEN. He said that he would be unable to drive to New Orleans until he got the brake lights to work.
Later that morning, Mr. Mendoza called me and said that the truck was fixed and that he was on the way to New Orleans.
Mr. Mendoza could not find the apartment where I lived. In an effort to help him, I told him that he could meet me at any major landmark and that he could follow me in my car. He finally arrived at my apartment at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Mendoza proceeded to tell me that he COULD NOT MOVE my belongings because he could not get his "eighteen-wheeler" truck close enough to my apartment building without hitting trees or power lines. Neither NMA nor A-1 ever asked me if a large truck would be able to maneuver the streets near my apartment. Consequently, Mr. Mendoza had parked his truck three blocks away from my apartment building. He made an attempt to drive closer to the building but failed.
He suggested that I rent a U-Haul, at my expense, and that he load my things into the U-Haul. He said that he could then drive U-Haul to his moving truck and unload my things. I was unhappy with the idea of paying extra over something that was not my fault, but I called several truck rental places. Because it was Sunday morning, few were open. I was able to reach one U-Haul facility that was open, but it did not have any trucks available at that time.
Mr. Mendoza stated that he might be willing to carry my things from the apartment building to the truck for extra money. I offered him this option, again very unhappy with the idea of paying extra for something that was not my fault, but his co-worker refused to do this. Thus, around 10:00 noon, Mr. Mendoza concluded that there was nothing he could do and that he would have to send for a smaller truck. He said that the truck would have to come from Houton, TX, and would arrive in a few days.
Because of NMA and A-1's breach, my mother lost a day of work and missed an important meeting and doctor's appointment. For Friday night and Saturday night, my mother and I slept without clean clothes, sheets, or towels, as everything was packed.
On October 24, 2002, my mother called Tim at A-1 long distance and was put on hold. After being on hold for several minutes, she hung up and called back. Tim said that he was not sure whether my things had been picked up or not.
On October 25, 2002, at 9:00 a.m., I called NMA and left a message for Ms. Suthard. I asked her to return my call as soon as possible and told her that I was extremely dissatisfied.
On October 25, 2002, at noon, I again called Ms. Suthard, but got her voice mail.
On October 25, 2002, I called A-1 and spoke with Huey. Or perhaps his name was Chewy. I couldn't understand him because, like Frank Mendoza, he did not speak much English and had a really thick accent. Huey told me that my belongings were picked up "two days ago" (Wednesday, October 24, 2002, five days late) and that they would arrive tomorrow.
Later on October 25, 2002, Huey called and said that my balance came to $1568 because my belongings weighed 680 pounds over the 2000 pound weight given in the contract price and because they had to pack "21 boxes." He wanted to know how I was going to pay, and I asked if A-1 took credit cards. Huey said that a credit card would be fine.
Later on October 25, 2002, I received a message on my answering machine. It sounded like Huey. I could not understand the message clearly, but it said that cash, check, or money order only would be acceptable.
Later on October 25, 2002, Huey called back. He claimed not to have left the previous message. He wanted to know how I intended to pay and reiterated the extra charge. I told Huey that I had personally packed all the boxes in brand new moving boxes I had purchased at a moving supply company and that there was no way A-1 had packed 21 boxes. I stated that he must have had my order mixed up with someone else's. He put me on hold and later said that A-1 only packed eight boxes. He said that the boxes contained things such as a stereo and small pictures.
I told him that I had packed all small pictures in boxes and that NMA had told me not to pack larger pictures. I explained that I would have packed the pictures had I known there would be a charge, but that I was instructed not to do so. He stated that the charge for the eight boxes would be $160.00. He then said that the charge for the extra poundage would be 65 cents per pound. NMA never told me the extra cost per pound. Huey also told me that I would not receive the 300 pound grace as NMA promised.
I told Huey that the packing misunderstanding was not my fault and that he was in breach by picking my belongings up late. He denied that A-1 was late. I asked Huey for the name and phone number of A-1's attorney. I was obviously not getting anywhere speaking with Huey I could not understand him well, and he was not listening to me. At this, Huey became very hostile and belligerent and would not listen to me at all. He stated at least twice, "WE WILL JUST TURN THE TRUCK AROUND and put your stuff in storage."
I told him that he would not do that, that he was in breach, and that he needed to deliver my things pursuant to the contract. I also asked to speak with his supervisor and also A-1's legal counsel. He stated, "You are just trying not to pay." I told him that this was not the case. He refused to transfer me to his supervisor or manager and told me to "work it out with National [Moving Network, Inc.]." He then told me to call A-1 "when you figure it out," and hung up.
On October 23, 2002, I received a price quote from a competitor for $900.00. Ms. Suthard said that she was not sure if she could honor Carol Hauessler's price match promise.
On October 25, 2002, my mother spoke with Ms. Suthard. She stated that I was responsible for negotiating this problem with A-1. My mother stated that NMA was hired to do the negotiating for me and that neither she nor I could understand Huey of A-1. Ms. Suthard stated that he spoke "perfect English." She then stated that she would negotiate with A-1 to lower what we owed because 1) there were not 21 boxes and 2) A-1 was so late. She then came back and said that she had lowered the cost substantially. In fact, all she did was deduct the charge for the 21 boxes that weren't mine to begin with!
I am now waiting for my things to arrive tomorrow morning. I am not holding my breath, though, given that A-1 has been so late before and that Huey said he would "turn the truck around."
If this cannot be resolved when my things arrive, I will plan to sue A-1 and NMN. I feel so stupid for having contracted with these people -- I am an attorney and should have known better. However, NMN has a nice web site that makes them seem legitimate, and NMN was also extremely professional until after I made the deposit.
Under NO circumstances would I recommend doing business with A-1 or NMN. They may give you a good price quote, but they will not do as they promised and will try to charge you hundreds of dollars extra -- not to mention lost work, the expense of staying in a hotel because all of your stuff is packed up, etc.
This is a scam that must be stopped!
Leigha
Charlotte, North Carolina
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer
Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving Companies
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on National Moving Network and other various transport companies ripping off the consumer
Click here to read other Rip Off Report list of other Moving Companies
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on A1 USA Movers
1 Updates & Rebuttals
NMN and A-1 still stink!
#20
Thu, October 31, 2002
This is what happened since my last post:
On October 26, 2002, Cesar Perez from A-1 called my home in Charlotte, NC, to say that he was in Charlotte belongings. He arrived in a rented Budget truck. I met Mr. Perez and his co-worker at Carolina Climate Controlled Storage, where my belongings were to be stored. Mr. Perez was very polite but insisted on receiving cash or a money order. I had already written out a check in the amount of $1308 to A-1 and stated that I had written the check pursuant to the message from A-1 and Huey's instructions. Mr. Perez called Huey. Huey insisted on payment by credit card, which he had said was unacceptable the day before. Huey also said that there was no one named Tim at A-1, despite the fact that I had spoken with Tim on several occasions. Huey then proceeded to tell my me that he would have Mr. Perez drive off with my belongings and not tell me where they were unless we paid by credit card. Finally, feeling that I had absolutely no alternative, I charged $1308.00. At this point, I felt that she either had to pay this amount or lose all of my belongings collectibles I had taken years to amass, sentimental items, my bed, my clothes, and valuable original artwork to name a few things which valued much more than $1308.00. Huey insisted that I fax a copy of my credit card and driver's license to him. However, Carolina Climate Controlled Storage does not have a copy machine. Hence, I had to write out my credit card number and driver's license number. Mr. Perez, Mr. Perez's co-worker, and I went back to the rental moving truck to start unloading when Huey called Mr. Perez on his cell phone. Huey spoke with me again and insisted that, because I could not provide a copy of my driver's license and credit card, that he fax an invoice to me and that I sign it. I told Huey that this fiasco with A-1 and NMN was ridiculous, and Huey said that if I did not comply, he would instruct Mr. Perez to put all of my belongings in a storage unit in A-1's name and not give me the key until I paid in full. Thus, again feeling that I had no real choice in the matter and a complete lack of bargaining power, I signed the slip that Huey faxed and faxed it back to A-
However, I did tell Mr. Perez that if he did not immediately start unloading the truck, I would call the police. Mr. Perez stated that calling the police had occurred in his presence before and that it would not do any good.
Mr. Perez showed me receipts from the truck scales that allegedly demonstrate what my belongings weighed. I noticed that the scales were located in Houston, TX. This means that my belongings were taken from New Orleans, LA, west to Houston, TX, before they were taken east to Charlotte, NC. In other words, things were taken in the exact opposite direction of their destination. I was never told that my belongings would not go on a direct route.
After all of my belongings were unpacked, I found a glass table top missing. Also, two legs on a hand painted trompe l'il table, with a retail value of $500.00, were smashed and ruined. The table itself is one of a kind and cannot be replaced, as it was custom-made for me.
After delivery, Mr. Perez asked me to sign an agreement stating that disputes were to be arbitrated with AMSA and that I had received the rights & responsibilities book from A-1. I refused to sign this, as no one told us about an arbitration clause at any time before this point and I did not receive the rights and responsibilities book as required by law.
This agreement also stated that there would be a charge of $85.00 per hour that the drivers had to wait or a charge of $350.00 per day. I noted that, if this rate were to apply to the movers for being late, their total charge would have been at least $1750.00, for being five days late.
NMA's web site states, If you are given a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus 10 percent, at time of delivery. You will then have at least 30 days after delivery to pay any remaining charges. (http://www.nationalmoving.net/Moving_Tips/tips_2.asp) The total amount I paid A-1 was $382.00 over this amount, as Huey insisted on full payment. There was complete unfair bargaining power with NMN and A-1. Citing the law, their own policies, the terms of the contract, or the recording left by A-1 on my answering machine was utterly useless.
On October 23, 2002, I received a price quote from a competitor for $900.00. I spoke to Heather about this, and Heather said she would call me back. She has not done so as of this date.
