NATIONAL MOVING INC

Overall experience was disappointing and poor. The contract called for pick up in Austin in with no later than 24 hours notice after the estimated earliest pickup date. The moving van driver called about 4-5 hours before arrival. Fortunately we planned to be ready early and we were. The driver and his helper were courteous and careful in loading the truck. We were assured by National and the carrier Best Movers that the delivery would tak about 14 days no earlier than 7. Our only caveats at pick up were that an object of art receive special care and handling and because we would have a 4 1/2 hour drive from Northern NJ to Geneva the delivery call must not be made after 3PM the day preceding arrival. We were assured all would be right, I don't have to tell you the outcome - repairs may not be possible. After the pick up on June 20, the real adventure began. The contractual delivery date was July 1. After the 14th day "on the road" we discovered that the furnishings had not yet left Texas. After about 2 dozen phone calls to National and Best Movers it was apparent that no one knew where the furnishings were. We later were informed that the goods were off loaded to a warehouse in Houston after pickup, then transferred to another truck and shipped to New York and off loaded into another warehouse were it apparently sat for awhile waiting for the arrival of another co-terminus load to Geneva. During this time management could not tell us where the goods were and when they might be delivered. We were given the name and cell number of the driver whoi rarely answered his phone and when he finally. My contacts during this time were Ashley and the two "Franks" (one of whom I was told had taken a heart attack before the delivery was made). Ashley tried her best and generally returned calls or made follow up calls when promised. The Franks expressed at various times, outrage, anger and frustration at Best about the apparent delays and confusion and promised action. He never followed up with promised return calls. I asked for compensation for our inconvenience and the companies lack of performance. I was told they would have to "check the contract with Best" I was told that 31 days after expected delivery would occasion a violation of the contract. At 10 pm on June 24 the driver called to say he was delivering the next morning. I went ballistic and demanded that the delivery be delayed - with no charge until the morning of June 26 we we would have time to drive up to Geneva. The delivery was finally completed in the late morning on Saturday 7/26, 25 days after contracted delivery date. So, no compensation! I can't say other movers would be any better but this frustrating and most aggravating experience should be a red flag for all who consider a long haul in the future. aa