Great American Van Lines Brooke Miller , sales rep moving company quoted 2700.00 now will not release my property/clothing unless I pay 5300.00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 7/2/12      
 I would like to file a grievance against Great American Van Lines of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  3325 Griffin Rd. 33312.  Phone # 954-848-3110 or 800-234-7178.

I spent months planning a move from Florida to Wisconsin.  I received dozens of estimates. 
Several in home, several by phone and internet.  I went with GAVL because I had an excellent rapport with sales rep Brooke.  I gave her my inventory list.  It was the same inventory list that Id gotten with other companies that had come to my home to give an estimate, so I know it was pretty accurate.

I was quoted a moving price of $2699.22.  This was not the lowest price I was quoted, nor was it the highest.  I felt comfortable since it was on the high end of the middle and I had faith in the sales rep.  She seemed honest and
sincere.

The movers arrived as scheduled, and proceeded to highjack my apartment.  They started wrapping items that I told them I was planning to wrap, being assured its no problem.  They took items without clearing it with me.  I intended to leave several items behind for friends and for the dump. 
They wrapped items excessively, such as plastic totes.  I was completely overwhelmed since there were two of them and only one of me.  When the truck was loaded and my apartment empty, the head mover (Andre?), asked me for $6,000.00 in cash to settle the deal right there.  He said if I didnt pay him then and there, that it would cost me $10,000.00 later. 
Of course I refused and attempted to contact the company.

When I finally reached GAVL, I was given a total price of $5300.00.  Thats nearly double my original quote.  Of course by this time, the movers had left with virtually everything I own.  I followed up with quotes that I had received from other companies, including those that had done walk through of my apartment, and this quote is far higher than any other quote received by any other mover.  I cant help but feel that Ive been scammed, as they have my property and will not release it until the full payment amount is met.  (I have made a 50% deposit thus far, and am still waiting on my possessions.)

I was told by the sales rep and the movers that my property should be delivered within 4-7 days, which would have been July 2nd at the long end.  When I called to ask about delivery, I was told that they had up to 21 days, but my property could be delivered around the 6th to 8th of July.  I was told to read the terms and agreement from the internet, information I was not provided with prior to this inquiry.  Of course the fine print does give them up to 21 days, but yet this feels like another deception, as I wasnt provided with this information until after they took possession of my property. As my property has not yet been delivered, I dont know if it will arrive in good repair or in pieces, or if I will receive all of my possessions.  Each box was individually numbered, but not labeled with contents.   I have the only itemized inventory list.  I am afraid that my property will be damaged, as they know that I am unhappy with their services thus far.  I will add an addendum to this letter, if I ever receive my property.

I am willing to pay the originally quoted price, but dont feel that I should have to pay the $2600.00 excess.  I would also like to know that the driver that tried to steal from me and his employer has been terminated.

Thank You for your time,

Mary C. (F) H
DeForest, WI 53532     (305) xxx-xxxx or (608) xxx-xxxx (((REDACTED)))
Moving from:  Homestead, FL 33033

Job #K236686  Booked 3-3-2012  Moved 6-25-2012
USDOT:1356253  REG#:2001

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

7/8/12    Since typing this original message, I have contacted the delivery/service manager (Tony) to ask about my property.  I am now told that perhaps I will receive my property on the 14th or 15th.  I was told this on July 6th when I
called to follow up with the status of my delivery.  This just keeps getting more and more nightmarish.
 

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