 |
| Above, my stuff was delivered on February 11. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
When people move from one place to another, they either rent a truck and have friends and family come over to pack things up or hire a moving company.
For the most part, local moves (across town) are wrapped up within a day. Where it gets complicated is when people move from one state to another.
Although local movers advertise local and out-of-state moves, quite often they hold onto the client's property until they find a mover in the other state to hand off the goods to. If they are lucky, this can happen in a couple of days. Sometimes, it takes longer.
Such was the case with Ben Hur Moving and Storage. They handed off my stuff to an Arizona moving company to deliver it to me in New Mexico. It took 12 days from the time they picked up everything to when they delivered. I guess I came out lucky.
I have a friend who was a co-worker who just moved from L.A. to Phoenix, Arizona. At present, the moving company, Unified Van Lines, has had her property for 22 days! She had to buy clothing and other items in order for her to start a new job. That was $400 she really shouldn't have had to spend.
At present, she is contemplating filing a police report and filing a lawsuit. Supposedly, they were to have her property loaded by Thursday or Friday. Those days have passed and still nothing.
So, if you are planning to move across state lines, remember not to use Unified Van Lines! After this, I wouldn't even trust them with a local move.
***************
UPDATE:
Thanks to a reader who left a comment below, Unified Van Lines has been tied in with a moving company fraud racket.
Links to a news story and where to file a complaint were provided.
69 comments:
Unified Van Lines is one of many names for the huge scam moving operation run by Andrey Shuklin out of a tiny office in Hollywood, FL.
See:
https://www.abc2news.com/longform/complaint-ridden-moving-company-tied-to-other-businesses_
Please file a complaint right away at:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/file-a-complaint
Thank you for the information! I have passed this on to my friend. - A.
Any updates on your friend's situation? Unfortunately, I was also a victim of Unified Van Lines and still waiting for my stuff. It's been nearly two weeks but I guess they have up to 20 days from day of pickup based on mileage (1000-1500 miles). We moved from central valley CA to ABQ, NM. Nearly everytime we called it goes to voicemail, which we have left a ton of. When they call back or pick up (once in a blue moon) they claim they're not sure, don't know, don't want to get our hopes up or the truck broke down. Can't even give us an estimated ETA. I'm seriously worried and more so as each day goes.
After 23 days, she finally got herstuff. Some items damaged and a rude driver.
My mom's items were picked up on the 1st of february, 2018, and we still have not received the items!! Today's date is March 27th!!!
The DOT/FMCSA has put Unified OUT-OF-SERVICE, although they might still be operating illegally by renting Enterprise trucks.
See:
https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&original_query_param=NAME&query_string=2956586&original_query_string=UNIFIED%20VAN%20LINES
Another terrible experience with UVL...spend over $20K to have a huge household moved for LA to Lexington. Everything my wife packed was not damaged. Everything UVL packed was damaged. Inexperience packers/movers, careless handling and so one. At least we received everything with a small delay. We purchased insurance through https://www.bakerintl.com/
We'll see if that's another scam based upon how claims are handled.
STAY AWAY FROM UVL
I used a different mover. She eventually did after 20 days. Some damaged.
I am also going through this....didneither of you get your things??
I just used them yesterday to move from Memphis, TN to Branson, MO! I guess I got lucky (if you want to call it that). They beat me here to unload! Of course it was two grand more that what was quoted! A few things damaged but all in all okay, I guess... the actual movers were two really nice Russian guys but the company itself is a mess! I bought money orders to pay them after they got here and told me that I had to have cash or a money order. Only to be told that they couldn’t accept the ones I bought (Western Union)... they had to have USPS Money orders!!! What!!! What a crazy mess! But I got everything moved! No horror stories like you all are going through! But I’d say these reviews are spot on!
They picked up my things on March 26th and still no sign of it. Every time I call they either hang up on me or tell me it's not scheduled yet.
They picked ours up the very same day and are telling us all the same things! Please let me know if you hear anything!
New CBS DFW news story on Unified and Presidential (same crooks, multiple company names).
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2018/05/04/consumer-justice-investigates-hostage-movers/
Take photos of the trucks and the movers. Get DOT numbers and license plate numbers. Please post DOT numbers and license plate numbers.
Not sure about anyone else but our things have yet to be delivered!
If you are having any issues at all with Unified Van Lines, submit a complaint on the FMCSA web site at:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/file-a-complaint
If you are in Texas or if your move originated or terminated in Texas, also contact TX DMV investigator Amber Ott at:
amber.ott@txdmv.gov
Unified Van Lines picked up our belongings, on April 21 and we could not get through to any one to find out why it wasn't delivered as promised. We moved from Raleigh North Carolina to Florida. IT was supposed to be a two or three day move, Our salesperson was a guy named MAx Silverman, (I doubt if that was his real name, he lied about everything. We late spoke to a Jade and Tony. Tonight. May 7 at 11:00 pm they delivered someone else's furniture. I was mortified that they made this mistake, because our house was a three bedroom house, and they brought nothing that belonged to us, and then they wanted us to let them leave it....I said absolutely not that nothing in the truck was mine.... I managed to pick up my money orders, which they over charged me, but when the guy a Russian speaking guy called someone to tell them they had the wrong stuff, I took back my money orders. I took pictures of the plates the drivers, everything and even taped some of the conversation. I also filed my DOT FMSCA complaint two weeks ago, but I feel the Dept of Justice should get involved. They are stealing from state to state, across state lines, and they are over charging. I wonder if we can file a class action against them? I am soo frustrated with these people, I just can't get my mind around this type of deception.
What were the license plate numbers? Also, what were the DOT numbers on the trucks?
I showed my friend, who also had a bad experience with Allied, the comments here and she said, "Omg this is horrible. I have a cell phone number for one of the people let me know if these people would like it."
TONIGHT ON WMAR TV2 BALTIMORE:
https://www.facebook.com/mallorysofastaii/videos/2056057237999704/
I am having the same issue!! Chicago to Savannah. Picked up 3 weeks ago with the promise of a 2-3 day move. I researched them fully at the time of contract with the assurance they weren’t a broker. They had put up a false website and positive reviews everywhere. I filed my complaint with the DOT and am filing a police report. I’m scared to death now with all of your experiences if/when my things do arrive. Let’s do all we can to get the word out so no one else goes through this! Also spoke with Tony and Jade. They have no information always!!! And never call you back!
My belongings were picked up on March 28th and I still have not received them. For almost a month I was told by Tony that they didn't know when my belongings were to be picked up from a warehouse in California. On April 25th, Tony told me that my things were going to be loaded on April 26th, to expect my delivery in 3 - 7 days, and the driver was going to call me 24 hours prior. May 1st arrived and I never received that phone call. I called UVL and Tony said he didn't have anything. Later that day Jade answered and said she would follow-up. On May 3rd, I had to call UVL because I knew neither of them would follow up. Tony answered and said he had nothing yet and that it looked like it wasn't loaded. I asked him why no one didn't call to notify me and all he could say was I don't know. On May 7th at 10AM, Tony said for me to expect delivery between the middle and the end of the week and that he will confirm that there's a driver's number. At 2:54PM, Tony said it's on track to be loaded this week to be sent out for delivery and he would tell me the day tomorrow. On May 8th, Jade answered and said that my things will be loaded over the weekend and the delivery will take place in the middle of next week. I mentioned that I was told this before and nothing was loaded and asked if it's really going to happen this time. Jade said I could call on Monday to get the exact delivery date. I have been so stressed out about this, especially last month. I just want my belongings and for this ordeal to be over! I'm so tired of calling them and dealing with their attitudes as I try to remain calm.
Fmcsa said there is nothing they can do because unified van lines has been shut down. Tried calling unified today and nobody answers.
You should still submit an official complaint on the FMCSA web site.
You presumably spoke with an FMCSA call taker. Those folks don't really know what action the FMCSA will be taking.
Newest TV news about Unified Van Lines:
https://www.wmar2news.com/longform/unlicensed-moving-company-mimics-name-of-reputable-maryland-business
More stories to come, probably next week.
I made the mistake of contracting with Unified Van Lines for a household move from Georgia to Mississippi. I paid a hefty deposit and thereafter found it nearly impossible to make contact with anyone at UVL. As my move date approached, I became more and more concerned when emails to the company went unanswered. When I finally spoke to someone on the phone, I was given false information. Today I cancelled the move. I don't expect to recover my deposit, but I have reported the scam to my credit card company and they are working on it. I also contacted FMCSA, but I can't file a complaint because I stopped the process before they actually stole my belongings or jacked up the quoted price. It seems ridiculous to me that I can't file a complaint about their inaccessibility and their lying when I did finally speak to someone. I am most definitely a victim of their fraudulent practices, even though all they got out of me was my deposit. Shame on me for being too trusting and not researching more thoroughly before I gave them money. - Big Guppy
You are so lucky though!!! You dodged a huge bullet! It’s week 4 and still no answers and when I do get through it’s to tell me “beginning of the week, or midweek, or end of the week, depending on when I do get through. Which has been on average every 7-10 days. As I said WEEK FOUR! I’m getting ready to file a police report. I told them 2 weeks ago I wanted to pick my things up and asked where they were. They actually LAUGHED AND TOLD ME “yeah that’s not going to happen. When I contracted I was assured they were a direct mover and not a broker. LIES!!! I abhor these people. Over filed a formal complaint with Dept. of Transportation and BBB. Everyone do the same!
When someone does receive their belongings howcome we can't call the police and have them arrested right then and there?
What would be the crime? Police would have to have something to charge them with.
Someone please answer this!!!
I’m planning on calling the police if they pull the hostage thing on me!
Definitely call the police if they pull the hostage thing on you. But be ready to block in their truck while waiting for the police to arrive.
Fraud, working after being closed down.
They are still operating, because I used them this patt weekend, and they did show up in an Enterprise truck rental. I am very lucky I got my stuff hours later. Moved from mississippi to north Carolina. Sorry company crooks!
Received a phone call today at 1 PM from dispatch stating that our items will be arriving between five and six TODAY. They said they tried to call us numerous times a day before to let us know but we never received any calls. I advised that we would not be home today at that time and they said that there would be a $1500 redelivery fee. Unfortunately we cannot make accommodations to be home due to work, does anyone have any advice on what to do or how to proceed?
This company had their license revoked recently bit rhetorical are still operating. They tried to get an extra $3,509 out of me and when I refused they went silent for another 2 days. This is after weeks of not answering their phone. And all the lies lies lies. You HAVE to get off work. I started a new job and it was very inconvenient for me to take off. But look at the others comments. Many people don’t even get their things back. And with no license, they could just steal your stuff. Get home and get your things. And you can be sure they are going to try to charge you more anyway.
That's part of their typical scam. Best to somehow take off from work and be there.
Raid and arrests this past week:
http://www.kspr.com/content/news/Christian-Co-deputies-raid-a-Springfield-warehouse-uncover-nationwide-fraud-scheme-483543011.html
Soooo. This is currently happening to us. We are fairly sure we know where our stuff is and are going to go try to get it this week. We relocated CO to NC and have been waiting almost a month for our things. Thanks to a good samaritan, found out where our stuff was being housed (along with a bunch of other people's). We've had weeks of lies from the company. God willing, our stuff is still there and we can stop them from getting at it. Send good vibes. I will update regarding what happens . . .I'm very hopeful it's still in the storage unit, as attempting to track it cross country seems like a losing game.
I just sent the following to my UVL Representative, Jill Meadows (nice ring for a rip off artist to name herself )
I CC: The following people -
Jill - Unified Van Lines Cc: brenda@unifiedvanlines.com, Unified Vanline
Barrage their inboxes
Jill,
1. YOU Personally induced me to do business with a group of careless idiots.
2. I do not have a daughter so you MUST be confused with the myriad of other complainants that most likely barrage your inbox after they figure out they are, or have been been ripped off.
3. This is a result of the people you are involved with and the work YOU consciously contribute to
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3974067855063513969&postID=4932182907658055321
4. Dispatch never answers unless it to confirm that your delivery rip off artists need to collect $$
5. The claim form your people sent is worthless. Unified will never honor or pay up for the damage they created to our home and property.
6. There are several of us, that include Law enforcement officers, that will find YOU and your group and take things into our own hands.
7. Look over your shoulders every time you leave your offices. Nice professional life and existence you’ve created for yourself…
You realize, of course, that none of the UVL people use their real names, right?
PLEASE -- If you haven't submitted a complaint on the FMCSA moving fraud web site, do so now. It is easy and quick. It really will make a difference. I am in direct contact with FMCSA investigators and chiefs. They need the complaints for their case. Even thought they have lots of complaints, every bit of new information is helpful.
Hi Local Tax Expert, Thank you for spearheading this effort. I filed my complaint with USDOT FMSCA and worked closely with my FMSCA investigator, I sent him pictures of the license plates, the people that moved us, and also of the supposed offices in Baltimore, and the supposed warehouse in NC. We paid in extra 1000.00, but we got our belongings after two months when it was supposed to arrive two days later. IT was all a sham. I believe we got out belongings because I mentioned that the FBI would go after them and hung up after leaving numerous phone calls for Unified....shortly after that I got a call that our furniture would be delivered. We were very fortunate
and I really thank our FMSCA Investigator Mr. Hawthorne. They did overcharge and they broke out tv and some other items, let me know if you hear anything about reimbursements.
I will definitely post anything that I hear about reimbursements and about court actions to recover payments.
I had my belongings picked up by Unified Van Lines on Feb 20, 2018 in Maryland. They were supposed to deliver 45 days later in Illinois. They haven't done. As many other folks pointed, within the last four weeks, they keep telling the shipment is being loaded in couple days, the driver will call you in 2 days, etc. All turned out just lies.
Last week I called them and told them I'll come over to pick up my items myself. Jade sent an email for a wire transfer of the deposit that I had disputed a month ago.
In her signature, I noted they have got a new US DOT number, i.e. they have obtained a license. You can check their numbers in US DOT website (their new number: 3113891), registered in California.
I received my things too after getting Agebt Hawthorne involved. They tried to extort more money out of me but I refused.
They actually have five DOT numbers. None are authorized for moving household goods. To move household goods, a DOT and an MC number are required. DOT 3113891 does not have an associated MC number.
I can't get into specifics here, but big things are happening now. More information should be available soon.
For sure, do not wire any money to them. Ever.
I just recently hired them as well from co to pa they kicked up my stuff april 29th and have had it in co since apparently if you have any information on the co storage unit I would really appreciate it. I just had a newborn baby and they have everything I had to buy another car seat just to get my baby home. Please let me know what happened in co. Jadi n3895@gmail.com
I just recently hired them as well from Denver they picked up my stuff april 29th and still storing it in co apparently if you have any information on the co storage unit I could really use it. I've offered to go pick up my stuff and move it myself they wont give me an address
I just recently hired them as well from Denver they picked up my stuff april 29th and still storing it in co apparently if you have any information on the co storage unit I could really use it. I've offered to go pick up my stuff and move it myself they wont give me an address
They won’t tell you. When I could get them on the phone. “Tony’s” ext is 1047. They refused to tell me.
I can't get into details at this time, but I have given the FMCSA a way to determine the names and addresses of victims whose belongings have been found in warehouses. The problem is that the FMCSA is very slow to act on information that has been provided to them. So don't give up hope if you are still waiting on your belongings. And definitely submit a compliant on the FMCSA moving fraud website if you haven't done so already.
More about the Springfield, MO raid, including a copy of the search warrant:
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2018/06/05/ozark-police-chief-moving-company-held-items-ransom-scam/673996002/
It is actually worth it to file a lawsuit against Unified Van Lines? I mean a lawyer told me that I would definitely win BUT do they have assets? Even if you win will you get your money?
I moved from San Francisco (CA) to Seattle (WA), I had my belonging in storage for 3 month (my new building apartment got delayed a little bit in being finished) and besides the struggle in communicating with them on delivery they overcharged me 100%, I couldn't pay cash because I didn't have that money so with a civil standby the driver took off (police couldn't do anything because the say it is a civil matter). I decided at the very end to pay cash... they over-charged me even more for a re-delivery and for the waiting time I was on the phone with them even though they admitted they overcharged.
I found out that all my valuables inside locked trunks were stolen (locks were missing of course), I filed with BBB, FMCSA, Police Theft Unit and Fraud Unit and FBI... NO RESPONSE!
BBB could just record things and try to contact Unified Van Lines on my behalf
FMCSA could just record things and try to contact Unified Van Lines on my behalf and haven't even assigned an investigator
Fraud Unit of Seattle even before delivery was made couldn't do anything (not a priority)
Theft Unit of Seattle de-activated my case because they couldn't say who or when the theft took place so it was a waste of resources (no leads).
FBI (no replies at all if not... "we can tell you when or if somebody will contact you"
So as for now I was thinking about a lawsuit... but that hugely costly, is it worth it? Do they have assets? Class-action lawsuit requires at least 100 people and thats impossible.
Do they have insurance? Nobody knows , at some point on the FMCSA (DOT base in California) it said they were linked to www.pmacompanies.com insurance company BUT... that company has never replied any of my inquiries and even so who's to said Unified Van Lines actually filed coverage?
I'm a bit desperate and do not know what to do at this point... any suggestions? dk.bjorn.us@gmail.com Any please!
Do you know where the stuff is ? Unified m0ved my Dad on June 8...
My items were picked up on May 10 with first delivery date of May 22. It is now June 29 and all they can say over the is, "I have no update". Do NOT USE Unified Van Lines.
Mr. Unknown of 11:45 a.m. -- What are the origin an destination cities for your move? Also, do you know the DOT and license number of the truck?
I hired Unified back in May 2018 to transport and deliver our belongings from Texas to Pennsylvania. Unified picked up our stuff on June 1, 2018, and to date, we have not received anything. We have been promised our belongings over and over again, but we still haven't received them. Does anyone know where this company stores the belongings? We tried to find out directly from Unified, but they said they can't tell us the locations. This move has been an absolute nightmare!
Unified Van Lines was officially shut down by the DOT several months ago. However, they continue to operate illegally.
For the area within about 300 miles of Baltimore, MD, they are storing the goods in a warehouse at 1117 Wilso Drive. The warehouse looks empty through the glass front door but there is a second section behind a solid door that is stacked to the ceiling with people's furniture and boxes. Your goods are probably at the Wilso Drive location.
Hello,
Does anyone have any information as to how to get belongings back from this company? They picked up my items 4/30/18 from CA to move to FL and I still don’t have my things and cannot get a hold of them. I have filed complaints but nothing has come from it thus far.
Any help is greatly appreciated!!
That would be great I am all for a class action law suite I was scammed with the same line sick mother and no sign of my stuff no answer NOTHING and it's heartbreaking I am still living out of a duffle bag with my children and had everything I owned and the people came to my home lived up my stuff and repacked and want to charge me more money me being s single mom relocated to another state for a new start Ia m still trying to come to terms with not getting my belongings especially pictures and birth videos that have zero value to anyone else THIS IS SO WRONG it really has put me with zero financially and emotionally
All,
They have been busted-by the FEDs- arrested- racketeering and more. Contact the Victims Hotline and let them know.
Here is the link - https://www.journal-news.com/news/crime--law/west-chester-warehouse-allegedly-connected-moving-company-scam/xwY6ksbehDO3ro9x6twXYL/
If you believe you are a victim of this fraudulent activity, please call the Victim Hotline at 800-424-9071 or email hotline@oig.dot.gov
For those who aren't aware:
Twelve Charged in Moving Company Scams
Law Enforcement Asks Potential Additional Victims to Call or Email Hotline
Entire story at:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/twelve-charged-moving-company-scams
Awesome Blog.
I would love to read many other blogs of your services.
And also want to take an advantage of your moving services.
relocation company fort myers florida
Nice post regarding moving companies Thanks for sharing such a valuable information
Moving companies in Maryland
I just recently hired them as well from co to pa they kicked up my stuff April 29th and have had it in co since apparently if you have any information on the co storage unit I would really appreciate it. I just had a newborn baby and they have everything I had to buy another car seat just to get my baby home. Please let me know what happened in co.
Visit: Margaret River Wedding Photographer
Do Not hire these people! The FBI raised them a few months ago and lots of them went to jail. Call the FBI. There is a very good chance they already sold your things.
I agreed with you Dear! Your posts is really helpful for me.Thanks for your wonderful post. I am very happy to read your post. It is really very helpful for us and I have gathered some important information from this blog.
Consumer Finance Company
Post a Comment