Northern Van Lines Robert Michaels Theft of property, overcharges, poor customer support Apison, Tennessee

 I was contacted by Robert Michaels after looking up different moving companies.  I was moving from Colorado to Alabama.  He contacted me several times.  In the beginning he was very resourceful.  I got estimates from to other reputable companies, but because of the ease of access, I chose Northern Van Lines.  Their estimate on weight was within a few lbs. of the other two companies.  On the day of pick-up the movers were 6 hrs. late.(origin appt time was 3 pm)  They showed up at 8:20 pm and was there till 10:10 pm. 

I had done all of the small packing.  After he loaded the goods, the mover stated there was a $132 packing fee.  I told him I would discuss this with Robert because he had a list of my items and we had discussed packing.  Robert had told me there would be a packing charge for the mirror.  The mover also told me I would be over on weight.

The other two companies that had actually come to my apt. and looked at the furniture told me they were estimating high and my weight would not be over their estimate.  Their estimate was in line with his.  Pick- up date was May 21.

My delivery date was May 30 until June 13.  Three days after pick-up I get a call that my furniture will be delivered the next day.  I inform the driver I can not take delivery until May 30.  He states he has a signed paper that I can take delivery May 25 until the 30.  I inform him it is not my signature.  I am on the road and have not arrived in Alabama. 

I get a call the next day stated they are ready to deliver my furniture.  I try calling Robert who does not answer.  I get in touch with John in his office who states it is a dispatch error and it will be handled.  On Monday May 28, I get another call from the driver and he asked if I am ready for delivery.  I inform him I am on vacation and want be in town until Wed.  the day of delivery.  He tells me he may have to take my furniture back to Denver.

I try calling Robert several times and emailing.  I never speak with him again.  He does email me on May 31 stating he is working on my fees.  I told him in the email there is no way I am 600 lbs overweight.  I did not pack all the items I had originally planned to pack.

I received a call from a man named Daniel Bergman, (later found out he works for Flat Rate Movers) at 8:20 pm Friday June 8 stating he has my furniture and will deliver it between 10 am and 2 pm Sat.  He states I owe a redelivery fee of $600.  I told him I had talked with John and I had received an email on May 31 from Robert that this would be taken care of since it was their error.  I asked him if he worked for Northern Van Lines and he stated yes.  I asked him where he was and he said Atlanta.   He stated he would be up at 7 am and load my furniture.  He asked me to email him a text I was ready for delivery.  I did.

I did text him I would not pay the $600 redelivery fee.  He never showed up or called.  I was able to get in contact with the previous driver who stated he had left my furniture in Atlanta in a storage unit. (His name was Eugene) This has been the biggest scam job ever. 

I have spoken with Maria Reyes, who works for Phoenix Transportation, who states her company will be the one delivering my furniture.  The original driver worked for them, but she did not know who Daniel was or did not have his phone number listed with their company.

I have spoken with Amy and Shelley in Northern Van Lines customer service office in TN.  So far no help.  Amy said that my furniture had tried to be delivered on June 1 or 2 but I was on vacation.  That is a lie.  I signed papers on my apt. May 31 and did various other things with receipts the next several days.  There are no numbers on my cell phone from any of these people to deliver my furniture.  She said Chuck? had changed the amount to $350.  Would I just pay this amount?

 I stated I would not, you have added $132 packing fee, a fee for 615 lb over weight, (no weight bill), increasing my original fees $500.  Amy, at this point, May 13 5:20 pm, stated she would get me delivered. Still no furniture.  I have made numerous phone calls and emails.  I need help.  I have an apartment with no furniture or clothes except what I was able to pack in my car.