March 16, 2009 I was contacted by ‘Tony’ of Cross America Relocation (CAR.) We were planning a move from Sachse, TX (75048 zip code) to Littleton, CO (80125 zip code.) We were given several other in home estimates by other movers (also attached.) However CAR was priced slightly higher, including free packing, and a higher estimated weight at only a slightly higher cost. At the time in which we were given the estimate, Tony 100% guaranteed me that the price would not be above the binding estimate. Even though no one was sent to the house, we figured that since we had at several different in-home estimates that since they were factoring a much higher weight that we would be ok at the estimate that he provided.
On the date of our move, we were told that the movers would be at the house between 10-11am. I met the driver at the weigh station to get the initial weigh ticket. I wasn’t allowed to see the fuel gauge or inspect the back of the truck to ensure that it was indeed full of gas and empty. They did not arrive at our residence until close to 4pm that day. In addition to this, they arrived in a 26’ Penske truck that was clearly rented by them for the move. Only after they arrived did we discover that they would be driving this truck back to Houston and then up to Littleton. This should have been the initial red flag for us. We paid them 50% of the binding estimate ($1300) in the form of a money order from my bank. They did not finish packing and moving our items until after 2am. I followed the drivers to the weigh station to get the final weigh ticket – again, I was not able to verify the gas or any additional items in the truck.
The following day, I call in to check the status of the move and to verify the date in which they would be in Denver. I was then told that I needed to pay them an additional $4, 800 or they would not deliver my goods. Yaakov (aka Jaycob) was very threatening against me and my wife. He would curse at us and tell us that we would have to come to Houston to get our stuff our self. This was our first ever move post-college, so this was very scary to us. Imagine someone loading up all of your possessions and then essentially holding them ransom until you pay them an exorbitant amount of money. The day ended with me saying that I would get him the money when they get to Denver. He did not agree with this initially, stating that we needed to deposit the money into his Chase / WaMu bank account (provided in an attachment) otherwise he would not deliver the goods. I asked numerous times (over the phone and through email – also provided) for a final contract price. Again, this was never provided.
Monday, June 15th the saga continued. I called again, this time from Amarillo, TX to find out the status of our goods. And again Yaakov was threatening, and demanded that we deposit money into his bank account or to overnight the money via FedEx (email provided.) I again asked for a final contract but this was never sent. Later that day, I called from Capulin, NM again to determine the status. This time I spoke with a man by the name of Devon. Devon was the only person willing to assist me in any way. He assured me that my goods were on the way and that I should have nothing to worry about.
Fast forward to Wednesday, June 17th, Yaakov calls and speaks with my wife in the same threatening manner as he did with me. She felt threatened enough to get the full $4, 800 in postal money orders to hand over fearing that they would ship our items back to Houston, TX.
In the meantime, I had spoken with the driver and he said that he was in Pueblo and would be at our house by 2pm. This was completely opposite as to what Yaakov had told us via email and telephone. The driver did in fact arrive at the house around 2:30pm. He claimed to be from United, however the picture that I will provide via email should show that he was not from United Vanlines. It turns out that he is working for Enterprise Vanlines out of New Jersey (DOT 1202529.) It is interesting to know that their FMCSA license was revoked and they have no insurance.
Once everything was unloaded from the truck, the driver then refused to pay the labor that was contracted to unload. I stepped in and essentially forced the driver to pay the guys (contracted from Mayflower – Larry McKee – 303-336-9411 office.) In addition to this, the items in which were damaged he has refused to reimburse us for these items. In fact, we were never told or offered any sort of insurance. We were given the standard insurance of .60/lb fee.
Overall this experience was horrendous. I have read countless other stories on various websites (ripoffreport.com, movingscam.com, etc.) stating very similar events with this company.