We are writing to complain about the $1427 in damages to our furniture which was caused by Wheaton Van Lines during our move from Moraga, CA to Nazareth PA and Wheaton's refusal to reimburse us for these damages. The damages were a direct result of poor handling of the furniture by Wheaton's inexperienced crew during loading and unloading, and the company's lack of planning to allow adequate time for the loading and unloading operations.

Wheaton's Indianapolis headquarters then invented an unsupportable reason as to why they refused our damage claim. Wheaton said that because the damaged furniture was put into an self storage unit the claim was nulified and a "brochure" had outlined their position. After filing out claim, we have asked for a copy of the brochure and it has not been provided.

Wheaton' sales agent knew of and approved of the plan to put the furniture in storage, provided no "brochure", and signed us up for the "Full (Replacement) Value Protection with no deductable.

All damages were inspected and verified by Wheaton's inspector so there is no dispute as to the physical damages which were clearly related to the move and not the result of storage conditions.

Delivery to a self storge unit should not be a reason to negate Wheaton's liability no more than delivery to a home, in fact the furniture is far safer in a storage unit than in a home where damage could occur after delivery. Wheaton's agent, and all invloved in the move, were fully aware of the planned delivery to a self storage unit. There was no notification that this delivery would affect the company's liability.

Damage occurred due to Wheaton's handling of the items in questions upon loading, transportation, and unloading. The unloading was seriously mishandled and unprofessional. The crew, with the exception of the lone driver was totally inexperienced and incompetent and brought in from a temporary job agency. The driver was on the verge of firing several of the employees several times during the day and night. Wheaton created a situation where damage was bound to occur and checking the condition of the items was highly impractical, if not impossible, as the loading and unloading dragged late into the dark night.

After spending nearly $14, 000 for our move with Wheaton and being treated so poorly, we strongly suggest that anyone planning a move not to consider Wheaton Van Lines.