It was move from Orlando, FL to the Fredericksburg, VA area. Sales consultant was very reassuring, attentive and personable during the estimate process. After confirming BBB ratings and other sources, committed as the 'price was right.' Seven years prior had used 'full-pack' movers to move me down to FL from VA with a wonderful experience (unfortunately, couldn't remember the folks); hoped for a similar experience in reverse. Was very wrong....
Original arrival date for the move was scheduled for 6/29 AM (moving from a place with expiring lease on 6/30). Knew we were in trouble when received a call around midday that they were delayed by someone who grossly underestimated their belongings. Trying to be understanding in the midst of stress that move always entails and assured that they would be there in the afternoon, I commiserated and appreciated the info. Big dummy.. By 5:30p, still no sign and no word - finally managed to reach their dispatch (believe me - a feat of miraculous proportions) and was informed that they would not be making it, but would be priority for the next day (6/30). Had to cancel hotel reservation that I had for the evening and, luckily, was not charged for it.
6/30 went much the same way after numerous conversations w/dispatch - always some excuse from the continuing prior customer to driver out of hours to needing to have a new truck due to prior customer's load taking all the room. Was pretty vocal that was now breaking the lease and now required to break a reservation that was guaranteed in Hilton Head Island, SC resulting in an additional rent charge on the apartment AND one night's stay for shifting the SC reservation back. Was assured that they would deduct those costs from the $2,500 estimated costs.
7/1 did not bode well - suffice to say that they finally were 'able' to arrive around 3:30p (while still having the SC reservation and having to drive there w/my 2 cats). Only 1 was able to speak and understand reasonable English - and contrary to what one might think coming from FL, native language seemed to be Russian not Spanish. The packing process was a matter of simply throwing things in boxes, unmarked as to even what room they came from, and a steady stream of incomprehensible Russian. Given already in violation of the lease and needing to drive another 6 hours, I didn't throw a fit, but should have.
After everything was on the truck and packed, then came the real flimflam.....oh, well, our estimates are based on standard laminated furniture (????? - excuse me, why?) and you have a large amount of solid wood items (well, duh - had explained that to the consultant doing the estimate). 'Oh, but we're going to knock off a bunch for the delays' - like so many others, you're over a barrel at that point as they will charge you per piece to take everything off (and still have to pay for the packing and material charges). Then it was, 'we're doing this by cubic feet - we can weigh it, but with the solid wood will probably be worse.' At this point, just wanted done and on the road in the inevitable t'storms of FL.
To make this very long story shorter, the other end was not much better. Although a house (not a rental), had explained that a small country road in Central VA. Driver called on 7/3 when was told by him would be there, that was going to deliver on 7/4 - oops, maybe not. Finally showed up late morning on the 5th with no less than a full-size, over-the-road tractor (Volvo for anyone that knows trucks) with a full-size 53' trailer.
To make the process shorter in 90+ degree temps and high humidity, asked to peek in boxes to try to figure out where they should go. Was obvious that the driver (again, Russian speaking along w/single helper) was irritated - mentioned that wanted to be out to be off up to the DC or Baltimore area. Brought out my own scissors to try and cut through the tape - he finally after struggled through 3/4 of boxes that way, allowed me to use his Exacto); Needless to say there was no unpacking effort as promised, and managed to feel like was a gift that they reconstructed an Ashley coffee table and put the feet on the couch.
In the end, was $700+ more than the estimate even with the 'supposed' discounts - destroyed couple of old country kitchen pieces. Not even going to comment on the lack of attention to even common courtesy in notifying when something goes awry in scheduling - 2 days later than promised on pickup and wasting a holiday waiting for no good reason.
DO NOT EVER CONSIDER these folks - unless you have 4-5 days to spare on each end and belongings that aren't that important to you.