Complaint Review: Universal Van Lines - Pompano Beach Florida

Universal Van Lines had scheduled Mr. Stokker's move on 11/13/02 for a pick-up on 12/02/02-12/03/02. Mr. Stokker's belongings were being picked up from Professional Moving & Storage located in Kennesaw Georgia. Mr. Stokker's belongings had been in storage (delivered by a different moving company) for several years. TransContinental was Mr. Stokker's carrier. One of the manager's at the storage facility stated Mr. Stokker's had been gone through awhile before transcontinental had arrived to load his belongings. Universal Van Lines has dealt with TransContinental for several years and has "never" had a problem with them. They are a very reputable carrier. TransContinental has provided a full inventory of what was labeled and loaded on the truck for transit (see attached paperwork). Two of the boxes Mr. Stokker is claiming were never on the inventory list at pick-up to begin with (see attached inventory from TransContinental that Mr. Stokker signed). Those two boxes were never there! All of these documents were given to Mr. Stokker. Universal Van Lines does not physically handle any household shipments. Universal Van Lines is a broker. We work with several (both major and large independent) carriers throughout the United States. These carriers are very reputable. They are all bonded, licensed and insured. Universal Van Lines provided Mr. Stokker with information regarding full replacement insurance through Baker International but he chose not to take it. I, myself know if I had $12,000.00 in artwork I would definitely want full replacement insurance and would notleave the artwork in a storage facility unattended for several years. Mr. Stokker had sent me an email regarding his claim and the list of items missing. Here is what he said: "I appreciate all that you have done. If only you could find the missing boxes. Model boat marked "fragile" etc, and two kitchen boxes with small appliances, and utensils, counter top nic nacs. And bath towels for padding". At no time at all in this email did Mr. Stokker mention anything about artwork or liquor! (see attached email). At no time at all did Universal Van Lines ignore Mr. Stokker's calls/emails (see attached paperwork). Universal Van Lines' dispatch always contacted TranContinental and Mr. Stokker to update him on the progress of his claim. Universal Van Lines would "never" promise Mr. Stokker or any other shipper any restitution on a claim without going through proper procedures first. It clearly states that in Universal Van Line's paperwork the actual carrier is responsible for any claims the shipper may have. A shipper must fill out proper paperwork and file in order to receive any compensation due to them. TransContinental does have original weight tickets (see attached paperwork) for Mr. Stokker's household goods. TransContinental would not risk losing their license or contract with Universal Van Lines over any illegal transactions. TransContinental arrived at Mr. Stokker's house 3 1/2 hours after clearing customs because they had to off-load a shipment in order to deliver Mr. Stokker's household goods. Furthermore, both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental have been in contact with several police departments (Ontario Police Department/you may contact: Cos Gonio Bennetti (905)764-1300 ex 7541/Georgia Police Departmnet/contact: Lt. Bishop at (770)429-4533) regarding these claims. This claim has been investigated and closed by both Police Departments. You may contact them directly if you have any other questions or concerns. In closing, Mr. Stokker has wrongly accused both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental. I take great offense to Mr. Stokker's false accusations and "slander" against our company. Universal Van Lines runs and operates a very honest and legal company. Universal Van Lines is now persuing a claim against Mr. Stokker for "Defamation of Character". Thank you for your attention with this matter. This letter was sent to: Rip Off Report, Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, Georgia Police Department & Ontario Police Department.

Universal Van Lines had scheduled Mr. Stokker's move on 11/13/02 for a pick-up on 12/02/02-12/03/02. Mr. Stokker's belongings were being picked up from Professional Moving & Storage located in Kennesaw Georgia. Mr. Stokker's belongings had been in storage (delivered by a different moving company) for several years. TransContinental was Mr. Stokker's carrier. One of the manager's at the storage facility stated Mr. Stokker's had been gone through awhile before transcontinental had arrived to load his belongings. Universal Van Lines has dealt with TransContinental for several years and has "never" had a problem with them. They are a very reputable carrier. TransContinental has provided a full inventory of what was labeled and loaded on the truck for transit (see attached paperwork). Two of the boxes Mr. Stokker is claiming were never on the inventory list at pick-up to begin with (see attached inventory from TransContinental that Mr. Stokker signed). Those two boxes were never there! All of these documents were given to Mr. Stokker. Universal Van Lines does not physically handle any household shipments. Universal Van Lines is a broker. We work with several (both major and large independent) carriers throughout the United States. These carriers are very reputable. They are all bonded, licensed and insured. Universal Van Lines provided Mr. Stokker with information regarding full replacement insurance through Baker International but he chose not to take it. I, myself know if I had $12,000.00 in artwork I would definitely want full replacement insurance and would notleave the artwork in a storage facility unattended for several years. Mr. Stokker had sent me an email regarding his claim and the list of items missing. Here is what he said: "I appreciate all that you have done. If only you could find the missing boxes. Model boat marked "fragile" etc, and two kitchen boxes with small appliances, and utensils, counter top nic nacs. And bath towels for padding". At no time at all in this email did Mr. Stokker mention anything about artwork or liquor! (see attached email). At no time at all did Universal Van Lines ignore Mr. Stokker's calls/emails (see attached paperwork). Universal Van Lines' dispatch always contacted TranContinental and Mr. Stokker to update him on the progress of his claim. Universal Van Lines would "never" promise Mr. Stokker or any other shipper any restitution on a claim without going through proper procedures first. It clearly states that in Universal Van Line's paperwork the actual carrier is responsible for any claims the shipper may have. A shipper must fill out proper paperwork and file in order to receive any compensation due to them. TransContinental does have original weight tickets (see attached paperwork) for Mr. Stokker's household goods. TransContinental would not risk losing their license or contract with Universal Van Lines over any illegal transactions. TransContinental arrived at Mr. Stokker's house 3 1/2 hours after clearing customs because they had to off-load a shipment in order to deliver Mr. Stokker's household goods. Furthermore, both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental have been in contact with several police departments (Ontario Police Department/you may contact: Cos Gonio Bennetti (905)764-1300 ex 7541/Georgia Police Departmnet/contact: Lt. Bishop at (770)429-4533) regarding these claims. This claim has been investigated and closed by both Police Departments. You may contact them directly if you have any other questions or concerns. In closing, Mr. Stokker has wrongly accused both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental. I take great offense to Mr. Stokker's false accusations and "slander" against our company. Universal Van Lines runs and operates a very honest and legal company. Universal Van Lines is now persuing a claim against Mr. Stokker for "Defamation of Character". Thank you for your attention with this matter. This letter was sent to: Rip Off Report, Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, Georgia Police Department & Ontario Police Department.

Universal Van Lines had scheduled Mr. Stokker's move on 11/13/02 for a pick-up on 12/02/02-12/03/02. Mr. Stokker's belongings were being picked up from Professional Moving & Storage located in Kennesaw Georgia. Mr. Stokker's belongings had been in storage (delivered by a different moving company) for several years. TransContinental was Mr. Stokker's carrier. One of the manager's at the storage facility stated Mr. Stokker's had been gone through awhile before transcontinental had arrived to load his belongings. Universal Van Lines has dealt with TransContinental for several years and has "never" had a problem with them. They are a very reputable carrier. TransContinental has provided a full inventory of what was labeled and loaded on the truck for transit (see attached paperwork). Two of the boxes Mr. Stokker is claiming were never on the inventory list at pick-up to begin with (see attached inventory from TransContinental that Mr. Stokker signed). Those two boxes were never there! All of these documents were given to Mr. Stokker. Universal Van Lines does not physically handle any household shipments. Universal Van Lines is a broker. We work with several (both major and large independent) carriers throughout the United States. These carriers are very reputable. They are all bonded, licensed and insured. Universal Van Lines provided Mr. Stokker with information regarding full replacement insurance through Baker International but he chose not to take it. I, myself know if I had $12,000.00 in artwork I would definitely want full replacement insurance and would notleave the artwork in a storage facility unattended for several years. Mr. Stokker had sent me an email regarding his claim and the list of items missing. Here is what he said: "I appreciate all that you have done. If only you could find the missing boxes. Model boat marked "fragile" etc, and two kitchen boxes with small appliances, and utensils, counter top nic nacs. And bath towels for padding". At no time at all in this email did Mr. Stokker mention anything about artwork or liquor! (see attached email). At no time at all did Universal Van Lines ignore Mr. Stokker's calls/emails (see attached paperwork). Universal Van Lines' dispatch always contacted TranContinental and Mr. Stokker to update him on the progress of his claim. Universal Van Lines would "never" promise Mr. Stokker or any other shipper any restitution on a claim without going through proper procedures first. It clearly states that in Universal Van Line's paperwork the actual carrier is responsible for any claims the shipper may have. A shipper must fill out proper paperwork and file in order to receive any compensation due to them. TransContinental does have original weight tickets (see attached paperwork) for Mr. Stokker's household goods. TransContinental would not risk losing their license or contract with Universal Van Lines over any illegal transactions. TransContinental arrived at Mr. Stokker's house 3 1/2 hours after clearing customs because they had to off-load a shipment in order to deliver Mr. Stokker's household goods. Furthermore, both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental have been in contact with several police departments (Ontario Police Department/you may contact: Cos Gonio Bennetti (905)764-1300 ex 7541/Georgia Police Departmnet/contact: Lt. Bishop at (770)429-4533) regarding these claims. This claim has been investigated and closed by both Police Departments. You may contact them directly if you have any other questions or concerns. In closing, Mr. Stokker has wrongly accused both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental. I take great offense to Mr. Stokker's false accusations and "slander" against our company. Universal Van Lines runs and operates a very honest and legal company. Universal Van Lines is now persuing a claim against Mr. Stokker for "Defamation of Character". Thank you for your attention with this matter. This letter was sent to: Rip Off Report, Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, Georgia Police Department & Ontario Police Department.

Universal Van Lines had scheduled Mr. Stokker's move on 11/13/02 for a pick-up on 12/02/02-12/03/02. Mr. Stokker's belongings were being picked up from Professional Moving & Storage located in Kennesaw Georgia. Mr. Stokker's belongings had been in storage (delivered by a different moving company) for several years. TransContinental was Mr. Stokker's carrier. One of the manager's at the storage facility stated Mr. Stokker's had been gone through awhile before transcontinental had arrived to load his belongings. Universal Van Lines has dealt with TransContinental for several years and has "never" had a problem with them. They are a very reputable carrier. TransContinental has provided a full inventory of what was labeled and loaded on the truck for transit (see attached paperwork). Two of the boxes Mr. Stokker is claiming were never on the inventory list at pick-up to begin with (see attached inventory from TransContinental that Mr. Stokker signed). Those two boxes were never there! All of these documents were given to Mr. Stokker. Universal Van Lines does not physically handle any household shipments. Universal Van Lines is a broker. We work with several (both major and large independent) carriers throughout the United States. These carriers are very reputable. They are all bonded, licensed and insured. Universal Van Lines provided Mr. Stokker with information regarding full replacement insurance through Baker International but he chose not to take it. I, myself know if I had $12,000.00 in artwork I would definitely want full replacement insurance and would notleave the artwork in a storage facility unattended for several years. Mr. Stokker had sent me an email regarding his claim and the list of items missing. Here is what he said: "I appreciate all that you have done. If only you could find the missing boxes. Model boat marked "fragile" etc, and two kitchen boxes with small appliances, and utensils, counter top nic nacs. And bath towels for padding". At no time at all in this email did Mr. Stokker mention anything about artwork or liquor! (see attached email). At no time at all did Universal Van Lines ignore Mr. Stokker's calls/emails (see attached paperwork). Universal Van Lines' dispatch always contacted TranContinental and Mr. Stokker to update him on the progress of his claim. Universal Van Lines would "never" promise Mr. Stokker or any other shipper any restitution on a claim without going through proper procedures first. It clearly states that in Universal Van Line's paperwork the actual carrier is responsible for any claims the shipper may have. A shipper must fill out proper paperwork and file in order to receive any compensation due to them. TransContinental does have original weight tickets (see attached paperwork) for Mr. Stokker's household goods. TransContinental would not risk losing their license or contract with Universal Van Lines over any illegal transactions. TransContinental arrived at Mr. Stokker's house 3 1/2 hours after clearing customs because they had to off-load a shipment in order to deliver Mr. Stokker's household goods. Furthermore, both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental have been in contact with several police departments (Ontario Police Department/you may contact: Cos Gonio Bennetti (905)764-1300 ex 7541/Georgia Police Departmnet/contact: Lt. Bishop at (770)429-4533) regarding these claims. This claim has been investigated and closed by both Police Departments. You may contact them directly if you have any other questions or concerns. In closing, Mr. Stokker has wrongly accused both Universal Van Lines and TransContinental. I take great offense to Mr. Stokker's false accusations and "slander" against our company. Universal Van Lines runs and operates a very honest and legal company. Universal Van Lines is now persuing a claim against Mr. Stokker for "Defamation of Character". Thank you for your attention with this matter. This letter was sent to: Rip Off Report, Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, Georgia Police Department & Ontario Police Department.