Advanced Moving Systems victimized yet another consumers Sunrise Florida

After having read dozens of consumer complaints on Rip-Off's website, I can tell you that I too experienced the same con-artist rip-offs from Advanced Moving Systems. My nightmare experience with Advanced Moving Systems started in September 2001 to present. I have an extensive file on the company that is almost 3-inches thick and includes documentation of detailed phone conversations, e-mail messages and fax messages. Additionally, I have other folder files of letters of appeal for action to the USDOT (FMCSA), FTC, my U.S senator and congressman representatives and the Florida Assistant Attorney General. I couldn't begin to summarize all of the above in this complaint- much too lengthy; however, bullet summary of the above includes the following:

Note: at initial e-mail quote from Advanced Moving on September 8, 2001, their estimator, Odelia Vale, was given exact weight and number of crates of my HHGDs (goods were in boxes in wooden crates packed by another carrier). Advanced Moving Company's initial quote of $8995.00 included $300 for additional insurance that Odelia said was full replacement insurance. The quote included basic $50k insurance, blanket protection of furniture, and movement of HHGDs up to 20,000 lbs from Springfield, Virginia to Dallas, Texas. My actual weight in the warehouse was 19,900 pounds (official documented weight from moving company to Virginia). Of course, like you others, I was apprised of an 11th hour increase (from $8995 to $13,000) after the driver, Issac Luzon, partially loaded my HHGDs. The driver, in a phone call to me at pickup date on September 11, 2001, said my volume exceeded their estimate, even though their original quote was for volume or weight (my weight was under their ceiling). What could I do? I was forced to accept their extorted price increase or chance losing my goods.

At initial pickup of goods on September 11, 2001, lead driver Issac, divided my HHGDs on three separate trucks (also each was partially loaded with other customers goods to Florida and elsewhere), even though I was told that they would make delivery on one truck and one delivery.

On initial delivery on September 13, 2001, (2 trucks, each with partial load of another customer's) of HHGDs (approx 75% of goods) I was told that remaining goods were held in one of their Atlanta, Ga. storage houses (wouldn't say specifically where) and part of the overflow was left at the Virginia warehouse! Before the driver would unload my goods, I had to give him, which I did, a cashier's check for $9,750 (already paid them $250 via credit card for deposit on their truck). Thus, at time of delivery, they were paid $10,000, which equated to 110% of their original quote. By DOT regulations, that was all I was obligated to pay up front until final delivery was made and then I had 30 days to make final payment of the remaining $3000 (total cost of $13,000). Driver couldn't, wouldn't tell me when overflow pickup would be made or when I could expect final delivery.

Driver Issac, on initial delivery, wouldn't provide me copy of his bill of lading or inventory list. Driver wanted me to sign his bill of lading; however, I was reluctant to because it was very incomplete. I did add my comments to his copy of bill of lading, i.e., circled I had full replacement insurance, comments on missing HHGDs and damaged items in general. Driver was upset that I added my comments on his copy. After I added my comments I signed the document; however, I felt very uneasy about signing, because they wouldn't provide me a copy.

Driver demanded that I tip him and his three-man crew. Reluctantly I did ($20 each) - out of fear that the rest of my HHGDs would not be delivered.

After experiencing the above problems with Advanced Moving, I contacted the BBB in southeast Florida and discovered Advanced Moving Company's unsatisfactory rating and numerous unresolved complaints on file with the BBB. I then made formal complaints to the USDOT, FTC and my senator and congressman. Additionally, I sent letters to Advanced Moving apprising them of their numerous DOT and FTC violations (they never responded to any of my requests for information).

On November 8, 2001, Advanced Moving tried to extort more money ($3,100 claim for packing services/materials). Advanced Moving dropped their claim for packing materials after I provided proof, via certified letter, (from storage warehouse company in Virginia; not affiliated with Advanced Moving) that all of my goods were packed by another carrier (had inventory list provided by storage company, with box number stickers from original inventory).

On November 20, 2001, Advanced Moving sent another demand/threat letter to me to send them the rest of their money before they would make final delivery. I followed up with a certified letter to Advanced Moving on December 2, 2001, reminding them of the DOT reg (copy sent to them in previous letters) which stated that if 110% of initial quote was paid that they had to deliver remaining goods and that I had 30 days from final delivery date to make final payment. The company owner, in their return letter dated December 7, 2001, agreed to a final delivery date in early January 2002.

Final delivery of HHGDs was made on January 8, 2002. Delivery was made by 2-man crew in the early evening (Israeli driver named Dave wouldn't give last name and principal of the company named Ron wouldn't give me his last name). Driver tried to add another $250.00 to my bill. I refused and showed him where I had paid the $250 (initial truck deposit fee) via credit card in September 2001). After I showed them proof, Ron lined through the $250 charge on their bill of lading and initialed above the change ( I suspected he was a principal). Again, driver wanted me to sign a bill of lading that was very incomplete. I told the driver that the document he presented to me was not same as bill of lading I signed on first delivery on September 13, 2001. I told him that the bill of lading I signed on the first delivery included my comments.

The sheet he showed me looked like white-outs were made. Also, I made a comment on Dave's sheet circling where I had additional full replacement insurance and I added a statement about damaged and missing items. He was very upset that I added my comments to his bill of lading sheet. I tried to present him with a copy of final and missing HHGDS which my wife completed as they unloaded my remaining goods. Neither he nor Ron would accept my list. Nor would they sign off on the list, even though they verbally acknowledged that some items were missing and that some furniture was damaged. I had a photo picture of Ron as he dropped my sofa (broken legs as it hit driveway pavement). Driver Dave said I should send my final claims to their office within 2-weeks of his delivery.

Filed final claim (certified letter) with Advanced Moving Company on January 14, 2001 for $13, 144. 98 (extensive furniture damage). In my claim letter, I paid Advanced Moving $3,000 via cashiers check. This last payment satisfied my total obligation to them for $13,000 (included their unilateral $4,000 flat rate increase in price). Most of dollar value of claim was furniture damage and was provided via a written estimate from a reputable furniture repair company). To date, I have not received a response from Advanced Moving with regard to the claim.

As a final note, I am not optimistic that I will receive compensation; however, I strongly urge each of you to engage your senator and/or congressman to press the DOT and FTC to take action against Advanced Moving. The DOT has prosecuted such moving companies as Advanced Moving where there is widespread consumer fraud. Take a look at (click on) the following DOT website; the moving company prosecuted is only about 15 miles from Advanced Moving's office :

http://www.oig.dot.gov/item_details.php?item=526

Also, I would further encourage each of you to write to or call the Florida Assistant Attorney General Julian at: 954-712-4600 (voice); 954-712-4658 (fax). I faxed an update message to their office yesterday. Make sure you file your ripoff Report first.

Good luck all. Let's stay in touch.

Robert
Dallas, Texas

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