Pony Express Van Lines Lies, extortion, theft Ripoff Chicago Illinois

I became puzzled when someone called my office asking where their shipment to Springfield Illinois was, and apparently this company used our company's number as a contact, though we have nothing to do with them. Scam artists. I called the broker (an internet moving site), and gave them a piece of my mind, called the "pony express" office and didn't get through to them, but left a nice message for them as well.

Pony Express Moving Services in Boston is a primarily local company in Metro Boston with an excellent reputation, and it annoys me to see some shyster company co-opting our name and giving our number out for a contact (fraud!). I indicated the possibility of a lawsuit for fraud on my message to them and contacted the ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) with a complaint. I haven't had any more calls about shipments that I know nothing about in faraway states since. Hopefully these sleazebags got smart and changed their name, but bad movers like this are everywhere.

Having been in this industry for 18 years, and a company owner for 12, my best advice is to thoroughly check out your prospective mover with the BBB, your state DOT, the ICC, and any other reviews you can find online. Never deal with overseas-owned moving companies, at least in the northeast, and always ask about hidden charges, such as paying extra for pad "rental" and for the tape they use to put them on your furniture. There are a lot of ripoff artists in this industry, so try to go on a recommendation that a friend or colleague will give you. (Of course, if you're in the Boston area, go with us. . .).
Also if you have any doubts, get a written estimate. The variance from a written price and actual price is 25%, and no more. Beware the "flat rate" and companies that give you a low rate. This is almost never a bargain, and is loaded with hidden charges.

Good luck with your move, we understand that moving is a very stressful time in one's life, and I built my own company to try and alleviate that with honesty and good service.

Josh
Pony Express Moving Services (BOSTON)
617-983-8700

We finally got our stuff, 11 days late, mildly damaged, after being forced to pay the inflated rate (OVER the 110% rule which is federally mandated and apparently means nothing to Pony Xpress). So frustrating, when the truck was on its way the dispatcher told us our FINAL balance (I asked multiple times) was one figure, the driver then tells me he has another additional charge. It was Sunday when they arrived, I HAD TO GO GET CASH FROM AN ATM before they would open the truck and unload anything at all.

The two guys who unloaded the truck only worked for the company for 1.5 wks and the one who spoke some English told me he wanted to leave the company because EVERY customer is upset. They lost the hardware for our most coveted piece of furniture-so that was not assembled. Also, they delivered someone else's belongins to our home. I sorted it out and told them it did not belong to us. Sorry to any other victims out there--there wasn't a name on the box. Anyway, it's over and we finally have our stuff. We really got screwed (LIED TO, IGNORED, FORCED TO PAY over 110% of the original price) but, man, did I learn a valuable lesson.