US Express Van Lines Lied to by employees for additional money, items held hostage, and large estimate difference. Brooklyn New York

US EXPRESS VAN LINES INC provided me with an estimate of $1200 for my move of a studio apartment. When they first arrived at my apartment I asked to confirm the estimate. The man said it would be about the same, maybe a little over but not by much. One man in particular told me he was the general manager of the business and it was a small family run business so I should trust them.

After moving all my stuff he gave me a price of twice the original estimate. I couldn't believe it and when I voiced my discontent they said they could leave my stuff on the sidewalk! Finally the guy said that he wouldn't charge me tax and drop it down to $1900 if I gave him at least 15% gratuity (around $270).

Considering I didn't really have a choice since he said he was the general manager I sucked it up and paid him. As I signed the papers he told me not to worry the balance was only $1200 and there wouldn't be any additional fees (long haul charges, flight charges, etc.).

Once in California, the movers who were driving my stuff across the country called me and told me that I had to be at the apartment on August 19th a day earlier than our contract stated August 20th. When I said I don't move in and I don't even fly into California from NYC until the 19th he said I had to be there when he said and I should give him a call when I landed.

After I landed I managed to move-in a day early (thankfully to building management). However, when the mover arrived he wouldn't move my stuff until I paid him the balance and paid him a long haul charge of $120! I couldn't believe it since the "general manager" told me there would be no additional charges. So the mover called the general manager and had me speak to him. It turns out that the man who picked up my stuff was just a foreman and had lied. The general manager was someone else.The general manager would not take responsibility for his workers and said I had to pay the long haul charge.

The real general manager, Sean, said that he would reimburse me $120. The movers would not move my stuff until I paid the entire balance in cash. Which I do not believe is legal. Once I paid the movers they complained the entire time about putting together my bedframe and my desk. They also broke items which are valued at $330. It's been almost three weeks of messages left for Sean and phone calls on my end without any positive response. For anyone looking for a mover STAY AWAY from US EXPRESS VAN LINES INC.

Erica
Santa Monica, California
U.S.A.