- Report: #47127
Complaint Review: Sterling Van Lines - Moving Conpany - Nationwide, Florida
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Sterling Van Lines - Moving Conpany
Sterlingvanline.com Nationwide, Florida, U.S.A.
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Sterling Van Lines moving company ripoff Nationwide, Florida
North Miami Beach Or Hollywood Florida .....
Needless to say, no reply has ever been recieved. Have also written to the BBB without response. The Florida Department of Agriculture states Sterling has refused to answer their two letters.
It shoudl be noted tha David Garland told me he was the owner of the company on seveal occasions.
Date: 16 November 2002
David Garland
Sterling Van Lines
3741 NE 163rd St. Suite 134
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Mr. Garland,
I recently used your company for a move from Fort Pierce, Florida to Casa Grande, Arizona.
The experience was anything but pleasant.
I spoke with Ron of your company in early October to set up my move. Ron stated the move would cost $0.55 per pound. He went on to state that since the approximate weight was given over the Internet by filling out a form, the weight would more than likely be off somewhat; either under or over. I specifically asked him about this and he stated the price would be $0.55 per pound no matter how much over or under the estimate.
I would not be penalized if the weight came under the quoted price nor would I be charged more than $0.55 per pound for any poundage over. Ron further stated there was free storage for 30 days at the destination, all furniture would be dissembled and reassembled when the goods were delivered and there would be a charge for any packing materials used. Payment was arranged as follows: due at pickup and I would pay this portion with a VISA card. The rest was due at delivery by cash, money order or cashiers check.
We arranged for an early morning pickup on the 19th of October; the truck did not arrive until 10:30 p.m. Since it was so late and dark, moving was impossible. The driver, Eric, stated they would be back at 6:00 a.m. after it was decided it was unsafe to move that late at night. They did not arrive until almost 9:00 a.m.
After the truck was partially loaded, Eric stated to me that I would have to pay the advance money in cash or money order to have my things moved. The company's method of authorizing credit cards was down. As I explained to him, Leah (not sure of the spelling of her name) and you later on, I did not have the money for the in advance. The company I am going to work for is reimbursing me for the move, but not until after I started work and submitted invoices. That is one of the main reasons I went with a company that accepted VISA. After much debate and Eric speaking with the office a few times, I spoke with Leah, the supervisor that evening. It was decided Eric would use an addressograph machine and stamp the VISA card using the old method prior to when computer authorization came into use.
When the truck was loaded, Eric figured out how much I owed using cubic feet as a reference. I informed him I did not know what constituted a cubic foot. Eric stated the truck was about 4/5th full and therefore so many cubic feet. He stated it was not unusual to pay by the cubic foot and, at times, to have to pay more per pound after the initial poundage quote. He went on to state the poundage quote was always low as to what a person really had. Eric stated Ron worked on a commission and would tell people anything to get their business. I told him I was quoted $0.55 per pound and I was not going to pay per cubic foot. He stated to me we could work out a deal between us for a cheaper price and the company would never know. I absolutely refused to accept his offer of an unofficial discount or pricing by the cubic foot. Again, he claimed to have called the office a few times out of my earshot. He only agreed to have the truck weighed when I told him if I couldn't pay by the pound to unload my belongings I did not want his company to move them. When the truck was weighed it was determined the total weight was 6760 pounds at a total cost of $4,594. This was over $2,000 less than what Eric quoted me as the cubic foot price. When I asked him about the big difference, he told me my stuff must not weight as much as the typical cubic foot. He got my VISA card, stamped it and filled out the information. He then asked me how much I wanted to put on the card. I replied to him that to avoid any confusion in Casa Grande, could I put the whole amount on the card. He made a telephone call and said that would be fine. He made the bill out for $4,594 and marked paid in full. He also made out the Addendum to Shipping Documents and Bill of Lading out in the amount of $4,594. This is the amount I agreed to pay.
After I had been on the road for a couple of hours, I received a telephone call from Leah (on my cell phone). She stated Eric had made a mistake. The charge for the 1560 pounds not quoted over the Internet would cost me $0.85 cents per pound. She could charge me over $1.25 per pound, but because of all of the problems I have had (arriving late to pick up belongings, company not being able to process credit card, cubic foot fiasco, etc.) she would only charge me $0.85 per pound. I tried to explain to her that is not what I was told or what I had signed for. In a nutshell, she told me if I wanted my furniture, I would pay the extra $668.00.
The next conversations I had with you and Leah were concerning the fact your company still could not process credit cards. You wanted cash for a total of $5,262. I again explain that I do not have cash. The company is paying for the move and I will not get my money until I submit the invoices.
I informed you about what happened: the unauthorized increase in price, Eric initially refusing to weigh the truck, etc. You stated you would speak with Ron about my quote and get back to me. Even though I have spoken with you many times since this conversation, not once have you addressed these situations.
About the 28th of October your company still could not process credit cards. We agreed that I would call my credit card company and have the money deposited into your account. When you gave me the price of $3,796 to transfer and $1,466 due at delivery, I again mentioned about the jacked up price. You pretty much stated if I wanted my belongings, I would pay. As I informed you, you are holding my possessions hostage and I have no choice but to pay if I want them. The credit card company charged me $50.00 for the processing fee. You stated you would deduct this money from the money due at delivery since your company could not process my credit card. This money was not refunded to me. Also, I inquired about the original VISA receipt I signed and you stated it would be destroyed.
You called me on Tuesday, the 5th of November stating the money had still not hit your bank account. I called the credit card company. They stated they had tried to call me to verify the transfer for security reasons. Since they could not get me at the Florida telephone number, they had not transferred the money. I spoke with the credit card security division and authorized the transfer. They stated it would take 3 to 5 business days for the transfer to take place. I informed you of this. According to you, the transfer had not taken place by Friday the 8th when the furniture was delivered. However, we did get on the telephone together with the credit card company and verify the transfer and it was irreversible.
When Ram (driver of the deliver truck) showed up to deliver my belongings on the 8th of November he wanted another $350 because he claimed he couldn't get the truck into the parking lot and it would be a long haul. I let him know I didn't have any money to give him. He then stated he would unload my stuff on the side of the road and I could get a U-haul to take it across the street. I told him to do what he needed to do. Funny thing is, at this point he could get the truck into the parking lot and had no problem getting it out when everything was unloaded. (By the way, a Mayflower truck was in the parking lot just two days earlier.) Ram told me that I had to help get the things off of the truck since there were only two of them and it was impossible for only two people to unload the truck.
When the items were being unloaded the individual that came with Ram started to get the packing blankets. I informed him I paid $14.00/each for 11 blankets. He stated I did not pay for any blankets and they were going with him. I did not argue but let him take the blankets. I would like either my $154.00 back or the 11 new blankets back.
Also, the agreement called for my furniture to be reassembled. None of my furniture was put together. I spoke to you about this on the night of the 8th of November. You stated your company does put the furniture back together but this is a different driver than who picked my stuff up and he didn't have any tools with him.
When Ram was leaving and wanted me to sign the paperwork there was a big hassle. I started to sign the paperwork but scratched our my partial signature on the Bill of Lading when I noticed the additional price was added. That is when you were called.
You have called me twice at work (13th and 14th of November) to discuss my previous address for some reason, not to discuss this situation. As I informed you on both occasions, I could not talk at the present time. Additionally, I do not discuss personal matters at work. I have called you twice (on the 14th and 15th of November) to discuss this situation. I called at approximately 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7:00 a.m. Arizona). Both times I asked to leave a message for you because you were not in the office. I was given a voice mailbox of Elizabeth. I left messages for you stating my home phone number is 520-421-1897. Please call me at your convenience. I go to work at 7:30 a.m. and am home by 5:45 p.m. Arizona time. As of yet, you have not called me at home to discuss this situation.
I request a refund of $668.00 for the unauthorized price increase, $50.00 credit card processing fee as you agreed to do, either my 11 new blankets back or a refund of $154.00 and compensation for putting together my furniture/helping unload the truck (things your company was supposed to do but did not).
Additionally, please send me claim forms for the damaged furniture I spoke with you about on the night of the 8th of November.
Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Arthur
Casa Grande, Arizona
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Sterling Van Lines
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
Needless to say, no reply has ever been recieved. Have also written to the BBB without response. The Florida Department of Agriculture states Sterling has refused to answer their two letters.
It shoudl be noted tha David Garland told me he was the owner of the company on seveal occasions.
Date: 16 November 2002
David Garland
Sterling Van Lines
3741 NE 163rd St. Suite 134
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Mr. Garland,
I recently used your company for a move from Fort Pierce, Florida to Casa Grande, Arizona.
The experience was anything but pleasant.
I spoke with Ron of your company in early October to set up my move. Ron stated the move would cost $0.55 per pound. He went on to state that since the approximate weight was given over the Internet by filling out a form, the weight would more than likely be off somewhat; either under or over. I specifically asked him about this and he stated the price would be $0.55 per pound no matter how much over or under the estimate.
I would not be penalized if the weight came under the quoted price nor would I be charged more than $0.55 per pound for any poundage over. Ron further stated there was free storage for 30 days at the destination, all furniture would be dissembled and reassembled when the goods were delivered and there would be a charge for any packing materials used. Payment was arranged as follows: due at pickup and I would pay this portion with a VISA card. The rest was due at delivery by cash, money order or cashiers check.
We arranged for an early morning pickup on the 19th of October; the truck did not arrive until 10:30 p.m. Since it was so late and dark, moving was impossible. The driver, Eric, stated they would be back at 6:00 a.m. after it was decided it was unsafe to move that late at night. They did not arrive until almost 9:00 a.m.
After the truck was partially loaded, Eric stated to me that I would have to pay the advance money in cash or money order to have my things moved. The company's method of authorizing credit cards was down. As I explained to him, Leah (not sure of the spelling of her name) and you later on, I did not have the money for the in advance. The company I am going to work for is reimbursing me for the move, but not until after I started work and submitted invoices. That is one of the main reasons I went with a company that accepted VISA. After much debate and Eric speaking with the office a few times, I spoke with Leah, the supervisor that evening. It was decided Eric would use an addressograph machine and stamp the VISA card using the old method prior to when computer authorization came into use.
When the truck was loaded, Eric figured out how much I owed using cubic feet as a reference. I informed him I did not know what constituted a cubic foot. Eric stated the truck was about 4/5th full and therefore so many cubic feet. He stated it was not unusual to pay by the cubic foot and, at times, to have to pay more per pound after the initial poundage quote. He went on to state the poundage quote was always low as to what a person really had. Eric stated Ron worked on a commission and would tell people anything to get their business. I told him I was quoted $0.55 per pound and I was not going to pay per cubic foot. He stated to me we could work out a deal between us for a cheaper price and the company would never know. I absolutely refused to accept his offer of an unofficial discount or pricing by the cubic foot. Again, he claimed to have called the office a few times out of my earshot. He only agreed to have the truck weighed when I told him if I couldn't pay by the pound to unload my belongings I did not want his company to move them. When the truck was weighed it was determined the total weight was 6760 pounds at a total cost of $4,594. This was over $2,000 less than what Eric quoted me as the cubic foot price. When I asked him about the big difference, he told me my stuff must not weight as much as the typical cubic foot. He got my VISA card, stamped it and filled out the information. He then asked me how much I wanted to put on the card. I replied to him that to avoid any confusion in Casa Grande, could I put the whole amount on the card. He made a telephone call and said that would be fine. He made the bill out for $4,594 and marked paid in full. He also made out the Addendum to Shipping Documents and Bill of Lading out in the amount of $4,594. This is the amount I agreed to pay.
After I had been on the road for a couple of hours, I received a telephone call from Leah (on my cell phone). She stated Eric had made a mistake. The charge for the 1560 pounds not quoted over the Internet would cost me $0.85 cents per pound. She could charge me over $1.25 per pound, but because of all of the problems I have had (arriving late to pick up belongings, company not being able to process credit card, cubic foot fiasco, etc.) she would only charge me $0.85 per pound. I tried to explain to her that is not what I was told or what I had signed for. In a nutshell, she told me if I wanted my furniture, I would pay the extra $668.00.
The next conversations I had with you and Leah were concerning the fact your company still could not process credit cards. You wanted cash for a total of $5,262. I again explain that I do not have cash. The company is paying for the move and I will not get my money until I submit the invoices.
I informed you about what happened: the unauthorized increase in price, Eric initially refusing to weigh the truck, etc. You stated you would speak with Ron about my quote and get back to me. Even though I have spoken with you many times since this conversation, not once have you addressed these situations.
About the 28th of October your company still could not process credit cards. We agreed that I would call my credit card company and have the money deposited into your account. When you gave me the price of $3,796 to transfer and $1,466 due at delivery, I again mentioned about the jacked up price. You pretty much stated if I wanted my belongings, I would pay. As I informed you, you are holding my possessions hostage and I have no choice but to pay if I want them. The credit card company charged me $50.00 for the processing fee. You stated you would deduct this money from the money due at delivery since your company could not process my credit card. This money was not refunded to me. Also, I inquired about the original VISA receipt I signed and you stated it would be destroyed.
You called me on Tuesday, the 5th of November stating the money had still not hit your bank account. I called the credit card company. They stated they had tried to call me to verify the transfer for security reasons. Since they could not get me at the Florida telephone number, they had not transferred the money. I spoke with the credit card security division and authorized the transfer. They stated it would take 3 to 5 business days for the transfer to take place. I informed you of this. According to you, the transfer had not taken place by Friday the 8th when the furniture was delivered. However, we did get on the telephone together with the credit card company and verify the transfer and it was irreversible.
When Ram (driver of the deliver truck) showed up to deliver my belongings on the 8th of November he wanted another $350 because he claimed he couldn't get the truck into the parking lot and it would be a long haul. I let him know I didn't have any money to give him. He then stated he would unload my stuff on the side of the road and I could get a U-haul to take it across the street. I told him to do what he needed to do. Funny thing is, at this point he could get the truck into the parking lot and had no problem getting it out when everything was unloaded. (By the way, a Mayflower truck was in the parking lot just two days earlier.) Ram told me that I had to help get the things off of the truck since there were only two of them and it was impossible for only two people to unload the truck.
When the items were being unloaded the individual that came with Ram started to get the packing blankets. I informed him I paid $14.00/each for 11 blankets. He stated I did not pay for any blankets and they were going with him. I did not argue but let him take the blankets. I would like either my $154.00 back or the 11 new blankets back.
Also, the agreement called for my furniture to be reassembled. None of my furniture was put together. I spoke to you about this on the night of the 8th of November. You stated your company does put the furniture back together but this is a different driver than who picked my stuff up and he didn't have any tools with him.
When Ram was leaving and wanted me to sign the paperwork there was a big hassle. I started to sign the paperwork but scratched our my partial signature on the Bill of Lading when I noticed the additional price was added. That is when you were called.
You have called me twice at work (13th and 14th of November) to discuss my previous address for some reason, not to discuss this situation. As I informed you on both occasions, I could not talk at the present time. Additionally, I do not discuss personal matters at work. I have called you twice (on the 14th and 15th of November) to discuss this situation. I called at approximately 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7:00 a.m. Arizona). Both times I asked to leave a message for you because you were not in the office. I was given a voice mailbox of Elizabeth. I left messages for you stating my home phone number is 520-421-1897. Please call me at your convenience. I go to work at 7:30 a.m. and am home by 5:45 p.m. Arizona time. As of yet, you have not called me at home to discuss this situation.
I request a refund of $668.00 for the unauthorized price increase, $50.00 credit card processing fee as you agreed to do, either my 11 new blankets back or a refund of $154.00 and compensation for putting together my furniture/helping unload the truck (things your company was supposed to do but did not).
Additionally, please send me claim forms for the damaged furniture I spoke with you about on the night of the 8th of November.
Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Arthur
Casa Grande, Arizona
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Sterling Van Lines
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
