AY Transport - Progressive Van Lines Moved from the Bay Area in CA to suburb of Boston MA. Lots broken! San Jose Web Address: progressivevanlines.com California

I moved from the Bay Area in CA out to a suburb of Boston, MA. I had to leave a $300 deposit with Progressive Van Lines in order to secure the move. Initially, they underbid their quote to me by about $2000 and 2000lbs--that should have been a red flag, but as this was my first big move, I didn't know what to expect.

My wife & I had packed most of our possessions, but they packed the kitchen stuff. They charged about $30 PER BOX that they packed ($18 per box, then $12 for labor). Filled each box only halfway, thereby ultimately charging us for twice the packing materials and labor that would have normally been charged. Our "materials" and "labor" cost for this was over $1000!! They made us sign before the move was started, so we had no recourse after the packing was done.

After we received our shipment, nearly every major piece of furniture we had was broken. Glass table tops were chipped, table legs broken, dressers had deep scratches in them. This was because they didn't use furniture pads for ANYTHING except the TV's and computer monitors. Even the glass table tops were just set into a box (not even secured), with a thin piece of bubble wrap separating the glass. What a joke!

I submitted my claim for damages with this company and it took them 6 weeks to get back to me--they offered me $90 for the thousands of dollars worth of damage that they did! When I called their customer service department and spoke with Rachel, she was downright rude, swore at me several times, and hung up on me several times. I called back demanding to speak with the owner, Asas Nass, but was told that he doesn't speak to customers.

I was told that because I signed the waiver form when the items were delivered yet did not indicate on the form there were damage, I have no recourse. However, I explained that the movers arrived at 7pm to unload, and there were only 2 of them. They were unloading until past midnight, and when they were finished they just wanted me to sign the form so they could leave. I asked them, "What about the damaged items?" They said, "Just take pictures of the damage, and send it in to claims." So I listened to their lead mover, a guy named David.

They are in the process of re-reviewing my claim, but I don't expect any recourse. Am I left with having to file a lawsuit in small claims court in order to try and get some money back?

Mike
Canton, Massachusetts
U.S.A.