HELP – They are Holding Our Stuff Hostage!
481 words | 3.5 Minutes
Each year I receive about 3-4 calls with the same message. Bruce, can you help? I should have called you, but we didn’t… and now our items are on a moving truck holding our items hostage. When we get further into the conversation, they all have a common thread – they have engaged with a broker (controlling the moving truck), and they are being told to pay more money for delivery.
In one case, the customer agreed to pay $5,000 for the move, then was told it would be $7,000 due to more packing. Once shipment was loaded and in-route to destination, the customer was advised they now owe over $17,000 because there was more items than expected. If they don’t pay, the goods will go to storage in Somewhere, America and will start incurring storage costs until payment is made. The customer is in a tough spot, and it breaks my heart.
Recently, another customer called telling me the mover locked their items in a storage unit up in the northwest several states away from where they picked up and wouldn’t make available without more money. Once payment was made, the customer had to engage another mover to go pick up. Ugh!!! I am sure there are some other extreme cases out there as well!
Here is a letter a lady shared that decided not to use our company because she received a lump sum payment from her company for $5000 which was $700 less than the move estimate and she didn’t want to pay out of pocket… it cost her triple when finished. Such a bummer!
The purpose of this letter is to warn anyone to be careful of any mover that keeps dropping his price to get the job. I had a very, very bad experience with my recent move. I went against my "gut feeling" and used a "cheaper" mover to save money. My move was a complete nightmare with tremendous damage and loss to my belongings. When you think you are saving money it may end up costing you much more. (Private Transferee moving from Dallas, Tx to New York)
There are actions you can take during the process such as contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to file a complaint. They can investigate and potentially take-action against the broker. But this can takes time.
Here are 4 recommendations I always share with anyone relocating…
If you are responsible for moving candidates, don’t just give them money – include trusted resources to give them direction.
Find a referral that you or someone you know trusts… the wrong choice may seem cheaper, but can cost you more in long run.
Ask for a binding price when moving your items…
Confirm full replacement valuation coverage is included in the proposal.
Quote of the Day: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of Low price is forgotten!” -Benjamin Franklin
This is “Move To Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more resources, visit www.BruceWaller.com to learn more about relocation support, keynote speaking, Bruce’s books, and Life in the Leadership Lane podcast. Bruce can be reached at 972-389-5673 or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com.