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Report: #173984

Complaint Review: Universal Van Lines-Global Van Lines - Hollywood Florida

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  • Reported By: Fountain Valley California
  • Author Confirmed What's this?
  • Why?
  • Universal Van Lines-Global Van Lines 5900 Stirling Rd, Bay #10, Hollywood, Florida U.S.A.

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The following was a letter sent to the owners of Universal Van Lines aka Global Vanlines we have yet not been contacted back from them. They are threatening to hold our valuable items if we refuse to wire them the last payment that is due.

our quote was for $3200
we paid 1/2 upon pick up $1600
they are now asking us to give them the last payment which had gone from $1600 to $3600 a total of $5200 is what this will cost us. The last payment is more than the quote itself.....!

Hayim (Mike) Bennamer
Sharon Bennamer,

I wish I could say that it was a pleasure to speak with you yesterday, however, the attitude that I have experienced from your company from the time you picked up my home items has been appalling to say the least. I have been lied to then threatened and hung up on and had no phone calls returned (all of these accusations will be outlined in these few examples of phone recorded calls)

You are on recording threatening me about not holding to your contracted delivery demands, as well as the (1) excerpt from your own website concerning our estimate. You have tried to tell me that not only will be responsible to tt (bank wire or telegraphic transfer) the funds to you prior to you delivering those items to me. Then after telling me that you would have the items to me on the date that we requested delivery you all of the sudden are now making sure that it takes the full 21 days to deliver them to us. All because I was lied to by your employees and misled as to your professionalism throughout.

I have attempted to discuss the problem with your company to no avail and at this point feel that the crooked nature that you and Sharon have put out there for yourselves speaks volumes on its own. I have never received a phone call back from you or anyone in your company no matter how many times I was told and promised that I would (2). And as for the latest excuse from you
I have been told by yourself as well as Sharon that if I call in upset and angry that I will be dealt with in the same matter. As business owners you might look that instead of trying to out yell someone on the phone as we pay you to be on that call I was not paid to call you, a little understanding and compassion could go a long way. Again, check your position, the customer has a right to be angry, you have no right unless I curse at you to hang up and be as rude as is apparently your custom. ( as for you saying that I cursed anyone out the recorded calls will show this to be a false statement)

My wife asked for a quote from your Company, we received a quote of $3,220.00 the truck driver told Bobby (the only person to be responsible to sign off) that if any the quote was off $3-400 we told your rep (Neve) that the TVs and Garbage Bags were not packed he said that was fine we were led to believe that all of these things were included in our price, I called prior to mauricio (the Driver) finishing to make sure that we were not going over the estimate and he told me with 20 min. of loading left we were at 1000 cubic feet that is 115 cubic feet more than the estimate equating to an additional $460 at your price of $4 per cubic feet (this is how your estimate was derived) I told Mauricio that I needed to be called prior to any documentation being signed, he did not do that . Instead intimidated Karen (who was not authorized to sign) into signing off. I then find out that your estimate was off by over $2,000.00 amazing in 20 minutes that the price changed that much. Once again a little suspect don't you think. In my opinion this amounts to nothing less than Extortion, being that your driver threatened that if these documents were not signed our goods would be taken.

Some interesting facts
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move - Estimating Charges (Subpart D)
Before loading your household goods, and upon mutual agreement between you and your mover, your mover may amend an estimate of charges. Your mover may not amend the estimate after loading the shipment.

A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with your mover. It guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on your mover's estimate.

A non-binding estimate is what your mover believes the total cost will be for the move, based upon the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on your mover. Your mover will base the final charges upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and its tariff provisions in effect. You must be prepared to pay 10 percent more than the estimated amount at delivery.

What payment arrangements must my mover have in place to secure delivery of my household goods shipment?
If your total bill is 110 percent or less of the non-binding estimate, the mover can require payment in full upon delivery. If the bill exceeds 110 percent of the non-binding estimate, your mover must relinquish possession of the shipment at the time of delivery upon payment of 110 percent of the estimated amount. Your mover should have specified its acceptable form of payment on the estimate, order for service, and bill of lading. Your mover's failure to relinquish possession of a shipment after you offer to pay 110 percent of the estimated charges constitutes its failure to transport the shipment with "reasonable dispatch" and subjects your mover to your cargo delay claims under 49 CFR Part 370.

Your mover must bill for the payment of the balance of any remaining charges after 30 days from delivery.

Being the fact that you have threatened to revoke my rights as stated in the federal act and refused to acknowledge my rights under this act, this is all on recording, I believe it would be in both of our interest to resolve this as quickly as possible.

The next email will include a few of the recorder calls that I have in my possession. This email will be forwarded and/or faxed to the following list of people:
Charlie Crist- Attorney General State of Florida
Better Business Bureau West Palm Beach Office
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Charles H Bronson and JR Kelly- Division of Consumer Services
US Dept. of Transportation
Bill MacLeod- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration


(1) NON-BINDING ESTIMATES OF APPROXIMATE COST

The mover is not permitted to charge for giving a non-binding estimate.

A non-binding estimate is not a bid or contract. It is provided by the mover to give you a general idea of the cost of the move, but it does not bind the mover to the estimated cost. Furthermore, it is not a guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate. The actual cost will be in accordance with the mover's published tariffs. All movers are legally obligated to collect no more and no less than the charges shown in their tariffs regardless of prior rate quotations contained in non-binding estimates. The charges contained in the tariffs are essentially the same for the same weight shipment moving the same distance. If you obtain differing (non-binding) estimates from different movers, you will be obligated to pay only the amount specified in the tariff. Therefore, a non-binding estimate may have no effect on the amount you will have to pay.

Non-binding estimates must be in writing and clearly describe the shipment and all services provided. Any time a mover provides such an estimate the amount of the charges estimated must be on the order for service and bill of lading relating to your shipment. If you are given a non-binding estimate, do not sign or accept the order for service or bill of lading unless the amount estimated is entered on each form when prepared by the mover.

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.



(2)All interstate moving companies are required to maintain a complaint and inquiry procedure to assist their customers.

Here is our quote that was signed by both parties

5900 Stirling Rd, Bay #10, Hollywood, FL 33021

Tel:(877) 341-6683 Fax:(954) 894-0922

DOT# 1362344 MC# 521855

Order for service (Job number: 90763)

Customer Information:
Full Name: Dennis HEyburn
Address:
Address:
Phone Number: (714) 531-5441
Second Telephone: Sales Person:
Name: Neve
Position: Relocation Specialist
Phone Number: (877) 341-6683
Pickup Date: Jan-17-2006

Origin Address:
Address: 996 OAKLAND AVE
Address: Akron, OH 44301

Second Pickup:
Destination Address:
Address: WILL ADVISE
Address: Mission Viejo, CA 92690

Second Delivery:

United States United States
Based on:
Total CF: 885
Total Mileage: 2404.40


Inventory to be shipped:
Washing Machine - 1; Vacuum Cleaner - 1; Microwave Small - 1; Bed - Queen - 1; Bed Headbd Large - 1; Bed Footboard - 1; Chest Medium - 1; Chest 5 Drawers - 1; Night Stand - 2; Box Medium (3.0 Cu. Ft.) - 20; Crib - 1; Bookcase Child - 1; Chest Toy - 1; Child Toy - 8; Dresser Child - 5; Baby Swing - 1; Table Changing - 1; Bed - Toddler - 1; Stroller - 1; Tool Box Small - 1; Chair Kitchen - 4; Table Kitchen Small - 1; Table End - 2; Table Coffee - 1; Entertainment Medium - 1; Lamp Table Sm. or Med. - 1; Sofa - 2 Loveseat - 1; Sofa - 3 Seat - 1; T.V. 30-36 - 1; VCR - 2; T.V. 40-50 - 1; Golf Bag - 1; Rug Small Roll or Pad - 1; Mirror Large - 1; Mirror Regular - 2; Picture Medium - 10; Speaker Small - 5; Stereo System - 1; Bicycle - 2


Pricing:
Tariff price: $9,052.00+
Tariff discount: $5,512.00-
Additional discount: $320.00 (9.040%)-
Extra charges: +
Packing charges: $0.00
Price per cf : $4

Totals:
Total Estimate: $3,220.00
Deposit:

Understanding Your Quote

This estimate is based on the list of items you have provided and a flexible delivery schedule. PACKING MATERIALS USED BY THE CARRIER ARE NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR ESTIMATED PRICE. All boxes are to be packed by the customer prior to the pick up. Should you require packing services, an additional labor fee will be added to your contract.

The Transportation Price Includes

Door-to-Door Pick up & Delivery
Fully equipped air-ride truck
Disassembling & Reassembling of all furniture as needed
Wrapping and protecting of all non-fragile items
Loading and Unloading
Placing of all furniture into your home at your direction
All road expenses (Fuel, mileage, tolls, etc.)
NO taxes on moving service
GUARANTEED FLAT RATE PER CUBIC FOOT
Extra pickup or dropp off within 20 mile radius is free
First flight of stairs is FREE
1 Month FREE atorage with no redelivery charges or handling fees (there is no access to the storage facility due to insurance purposes).


Payment Terms

No deposit required to reserve! 50% payment of the total price is due on the pick up and the remaining contract balance is due and to be paid in full by or on the delivery. Acceptable payment methods are: Cash, Cashier's Check or Postal Money Order Only payable to "Universal Van Lines, Inc." the interstate carrier.

Valuation Coverage:
Provided in your quote is the Basic Liability of $0.60 per lb. per article. If you wish to purchase additional or full coverage insurance you may do so by contacting MovingInsurance.com or 1-888-660-6683 or check with your homeowners / renters insurance.

Cancellations: Your credit card will be charged a fee of $300.00 penalty for cancellation if you do not notify us within 72 hours prior to your pick up date

CONSUMER NOTICE:
Additional Transportation Cost: There are three possible charges for transportation that depend on your physical building location. A "Long Carry" is when there is more then 75 feet in distance from your doorway to the location of the parked truck and the charge is $150.00 per every 75 feet. A "Shuttle" is when a tractor-trailer cannot fit into your location and a rental truck is hired to transfer the goods in and out of your home, a charge applies. A "stairs" charge will apply if a flight of stairs is present and used during pickup or delivery. First flight is free, each additional flight is $50.00.
Please advise us if any of the above applies so we may quote the additional cost of labor specific to your additional service needed.
Standard delivery ranges between 1 to 21 business days (Delivery may vary by state)

Please sign here if you fully understand and agree to the above rates and services. Customer

Customer signature: ________________________ Date:_______________

Please sign and fax back all pages within 48 hours to complete reservation process and ensure pickup on time. Fax # (954) 894-0922

Job number: 90763

Elicia
Fountain Valley, California
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/30/2006 07:30 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/universal-van-lines-global-van-lines/hollywood-florida-33021/universal-van-lines-global-van-lines-ripoff-rude-unprofessional-liars-extortionist-hollywo-173984. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
7Consumer
0Employee/Owner

#7 Consumer Comment

Charging in Cubic Ft is illegal & these companies need to be stopped!

AUTHOR: Rick - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, December 05, 2008

This was done to my wife and I a few years back. I am shocked that this company is still allowed to have several DOT's and so many different companies going and still haven 't been punished!
What can be done? We contacted several attorneys and not one of them would help us or even show any interest especially considering that AS OF AUGUST 2005, IT IS AGAINST FEDERAL LAW FOR ANY MOVING COMPANY TO QUOTE ESTIMATES OR CHARGE CONSUMERS BASED ON CUBIC FT UNLESS THE CONSUMER IS SPECIFICALLY RENTING A DEFINED SPACE IN A TRUCK.

Sorry this is still happening to innocent people

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#6 Author of original report

No one is enforcing the law!!!! No Govement agency is doing anything!!!!!

AUTHOR: Elicia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, February 14, 2006

This is now going on 28 days without my stuff. I have contacted
The DOT and this is what they had to say: "We will call them and inform them about the law" NEWS FLASH!!! They dont care about the law, Sharon Bennimer told me in her exact words that the law does not apply to them.... I called the CPUC which tranferred me to the DOT again, and the Attorney General and the only one who was actually sympethetic was the assistant I spoke with, her question was " If the DOT is saying that they cant get your stuff back, and they dont enforce the law, then who does?" I am a confused on why this law was even passed??? No one enforces it, and if they did, who would enforce it. I now found out that Universal Van Lines is operating without a liscence... I gave the DOT the DOT # and they informed me that it was revoked, then the woman on the ohone had the nerve to say to me " Why didnt you do research to see if thier liscence # was fake." I said well they told me they were liscenced and they gave me the #. Where am I supposed call to find out if a liscence is valid???? Why dont you put that on your web site????!!!!!
Is there any other suggestions on what I should do, the problem is that I dont have $4000+storage fees. I have 2 kids and moved across the country, most of my money has been spent on my move, deposit on house, bills,plane tickets.

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#5 Consumer Suggestion

Call the CPUC

AUTHOR: Sharon - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, February 13, 2006

I'm so sorry this is happening to you! When this is over, you HAVE to take them to small claims court. That phony second contract will get them into big trouble. It still amazes me that these movers have the guts to argue with the police, but at the same time, they are completely right, it is a civil matter. The laws are on the side of the movers.

Try calling the California Public Utilities Commission, as well as the DOT as suggested earlier. The CPUC may have more bite, but I'm not sure of the exact outcome, as the company is based in FL, but the move ended in CA. Also, call the CA Attorney General.

They have violated several federal laws by now. A few of these stem from those new laws I mentioned previously.

First, all interstate moves MUST be based on weight, and accompanied by a Certified Weight Ticket. Cubic Foot-based moves are illegal.

Two, they did not unload following the 110% law, but you knew about this one.

Three, they took off and are demanding more money, thus holding your load hostage. Duh.

Four, they forged your signature on a legal document in order to extort money. Whoo, boy, the AG may want to focus on this one.

At this point, I would say it's best to just get your stuff back befor e they do anything vindictive. Pay what theya re asking, deliver your things, and then hit them full force afterwards. You have a very strong case to take them to Small Claims Court in CA. You can show the original contract that you signed, and compare that price to what you were forced to pay. Outline what has happened, and the phone calls. And incidentally, once you do, these are the people and addresses involved, so you can personally name them in the suit.

Address from BBB:
UNIVERSAL VAN LINES, INC
5900 Stirling Rd. Bay #10
Hollywood, FL 33021

Address from Incorporation papers:
UNIVERSAL VAN LINES, INC.
2445 SW 18TH TERRACE #918
FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315

BENNAMER, SHARON (President and Registered Agent)
710 S. PARK RD.,#14216
HOLLYWOOD FL 33021

BENNAMER, HAYIM (Vice President)
710 S. PARK RD., #14216
HOLLYWOOD FL 33021

HOROWITZ, SHAY (Vice President)
419 NW 94 LANE
CORAL SPRINGS FL 33017

YOSEF, PORAN (Officer)
2445 SW 18TH TERRACE
FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315

Before October 10, they were known as Global Van Lines.

I truly wish you luck with this. I will try to call you to talk.

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#4 Consumer Suggestion

Call the CPUC

AUTHOR: Sharon - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, February 13, 2006

I'm so sorry this is happening to you! When this is over, you HAVE to take them to small claims court. That phony second contract will get them into big trouble. It still amazes me that these movers have the guts to argue with the police, but at the same time, they are completely right, it is a civil matter. The laws are on the side of the movers.

Try calling the California Public Utilities Commission, as well as the DOT as suggested earlier. The CPUC may have more bite, but I'm not sure of the exact outcome, as the company is based in FL, but the move ended in CA. Also, call the CA Attorney General.

They have violated several federal laws by now. A few of these stem from those new laws I mentioned previously.

First, all interstate moves MUST be based on weight, and accompanied by a Certified Weight Ticket. Cubic Foot-based moves are illegal.

Two, they did not unload following the 110% law, but you knew about this one.

Three, they took off and are demanding more money, thus holding your load hostage. Duh.

Four, they forged your signature on a legal document in order to extort money. Whoo, boy, the AG may want to focus on this one.

At this point, I would say it's best to just get your stuff back befor e they do anything vindictive. Pay what theya re asking, deliver your things, and then hit them full force afterwards. You have a very strong case to take them to Small Claims Court in CA. You can show the original contract that you signed, and compare that price to what you were forced to pay. Outline what has happened, and the phone calls. And incidentally, once you do, these are the people and addresses involved, so you can personally name them in the suit.

Address from BBB:
UNIVERSAL VAN LINES, INC
5900 Stirling Rd. Bay #10
Hollywood, FL 33021

Address from Incorporation papers:
UNIVERSAL VAN LINES, INC.
2445 SW 18TH TERRACE #918
FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315

BENNAMER, SHARON (President and Registered Agent)
710 S. PARK RD.,#14216
HOLLYWOOD FL 33021

BENNAMER, HAYIM (Vice President)
710 S. PARK RD., #14216
HOLLYWOOD FL 33021

HOROWITZ, SHAY (Vice President)
419 NW 94 LANE
CORAL SPRINGS FL 33017

YOSEF, PORAN (Officer)
2445 SW 18TH TERRACE
FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315

Before October 10, they were known as Global Van Lines.

I truly wish you luck with this. I will try to call you to talk.

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#3 Consumer Suggestion

Call the CPUC

AUTHOR: Sharon - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, February 13, 2006

I'm so sorry this is happening to you! When this is over, you HAVE to take them to small claims court. That phony second contract will get them into big trouble. It still amazes me that these movers have the guts to argue with the police, but at the same time, they are completely right, it is a civil matter. The laws are on the side of the movers.

Try calling the California Public Utilities Commission, as well as the DOT as suggested earlier. The CPUC may have more bite, but I'm not sure of the exact outcome, as the company is based in FL, but the move ended in CA. Also, call the CA Attorney General.

They have violated several federal laws by now. A few of these stem from those new laws I mentioned previously.

First, all interstate moves MUST be based on weight, and accompanied by a Certified Weight Ticket. Cubic Foot-based moves are illegal.

Two, they did not unload following the 110% law, but you knew about this one.

Three, they took off and are demanding more money, thus holding your load hostage. Duh.

Four, they forged your signature on a legal document in order to extort money. Whoo, boy, the AG may want to focus on this one.

At this point, I would say it's best to just get your stuff back befor e they do anything vindictive. Pay what theya re asking, deliver your things, and then hit them full force afterwards. You have a very strong case to take them to Small Claims Court in CA. You can show the original contract that you signed, and compare that price to what you were forced to pay. Outline what has happened, and the phone calls. And incidentally, once you do, these are the people and addresses involved, so you can personally name them in the suit.

Address from BBB:
UNIVERSAL VAN LINES, INC
5900 Stirling Rd. Bay #10
Hollywood, FL 33021

Address from Incorporation papers:
UNIVERSAL VAN LINES, INC.
2445 SW 18TH TERRACE #918
FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315

BENNAMER, SHARON (President and Registered Agent)
710 S. PARK RD.,#14216
HOLLYWOOD FL 33021

BENNAMER, HAYIM (Vice President)
710 S. PARK RD., #14216
HOLLYWOOD FL 33021

HOROWITZ, SHAY (Vice President)
419 NW 94 LANE
CORAL SPRINGS FL 33017

YOSEF, PORAN (Officer)
2445 SW 18TH TERRACE
FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315

Before October 10, they were known as Global Van Lines.

I truly wish you luck with this. I will try to call you to talk.

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#2 Author of original report

Universal Van Lines are holding our items hostage unless we pay them $2400 more + storage fees then the non-binding estimate!

AUTHOR: Elicia - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, February 12, 2006

We finally received a phone call at 9:45 pm (23 days later) advising us that the movers were finally ready to deliver our items. They arrived at our house at 8:00 am. We then informed them that we are only paying 110% of our contract (Which we were told by the DOT). Of course they refused to unload our items. We then called the Mission Viejo Police Dept. the dispatcher (of the Mission Viejo Police Dept.) had informed them that they are not to leave and needed to stay. The driver then hung up on the MV Police dipatcher and said that they are allowed to leave, jumped into the truck and took off. We then called the MV police again and they put an APB out on the truck and ordered them to return to our house.
This is where it gets horrible. The Police officer asked them why they would'nt unload the truck, they stated that there are 2 contracts and that makes it 2 separate jobs, therfore we needed to pay a total of $3600. The officer looked at the 2nd contract and everyone could clearly see that the signature had bee forged. One sign. said Robert Stevic the other said Bob Stevic, the officer got on the phone with the owner of Universal Van Lines (Sharon Badammer) and said that "the 2nd contract looked HOAKIE." Sharon argued with the officer saying that it was a Civil Matter and that they could do nothing about it. The officer then turned to me and said she is really sorry, but there is nothing that they could do. TO OUR AMAZMENT THE OFFICERS LET THE MOVERS LEAVE WITH OUR STUFF.
We then spoke with Sharon and she advised us that in order to recieve our items back, Not only did we need to pay the full amount ,notthe 110% of the non binding estimate as stated in the law,but now we are going to be charged and additional $400 re-delivery charge as well as storage fees. Here is what it says in our contract:
This price includes the following services:

Door-to-Door Service
Fully equipped air ride truck
Disassembling & Reassembling of all furniture as needed
Pad protection for all non-fragile items
Loading and Unloading
Placing of all furniture into your home at your direction
Basic Valuation Coverage (Insurance) $0.60 per lb. per article (additional insurance is available)
All road expenses - Fuel (subject to fuel prices increase), mileage, tolls, etc.
NO taxes on moving service
GUARANTEED RATE PER CUBIC FOOT
Extra pickup or drop off within 20 mile radius is FREE
First flight of stairs is FREE
1 Month FREE Storage with NO redelivery charges or handling fees

Also the free 30 day storage, what a joke, we now found out that they start this 30 day free storage upon pick up, so because they made it take the maximum of 26 days, we have 4 days left of free storage.

Then we are looking at paying for them to store our items! Is there someone who can please help us, i have a 5 year old on an air mattress and a 9 month old in a port a crib, we have no furniture and are now having to deal with wondering if we are ever going to see the sentimental things that are not replacable, Pics, albums,wedding videos..... Can someone please contact us!

Elicia
949-707-1667

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#1 Consumer Suggestion

new laws subject to a $10,000 a DAY fine if they are caught by the DOT.

AUTHOR: Sharon - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 31, 2006

You are way ahead on this, but thought you'd like to know that as of new laws signed last August, movers holding goods hostage for payment (as is happening to you) are subject to a $10,000 a DAY fine if they are caught by the DOT. I would suggest you contact them first.

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