American Roadway Vanlines Inc.

Over $3,000 worth of damages and I'll be lucky if I get $300 in claims covered. My mattress and wooden furniture are completely destroyed because of water damage and mold. I filed an insurance claim, but this is one of those situations where I needed to read the "fine print" and their default insurance coverage reimburses only $0.60 per pound. So even if they damage my $1500 mattress, because that mattress weighs 100lbs, at best (if the claim is approved) I'll get just $60. Their insurance portal has all these hurdles that put so much burden on a customer you can tell they don't want to approve any claims: you cannot throw the item away (but in my case I had things covered in MOLD.....I'm not going to keep them in my home while I await a claim to be approved which can take 120 days), upload every single document (even though the company should have a copy), upload sets of pictures of the entire item and the then parts of the item (this would be impossible to do if you trashed the damage item), list the link to a website to validate price and weight of each item (again hard to do), etc. etc.

Again, I understand the insurance claim part is a separate issue and may be inapplicable to many potential customers, BUT just the sheer lack of care for my things should be enough warning to have you stay away. There is a basic level of good faith customers put in businesses to fulfill service in good quality, but sadly this was not my experience at all.

I wish you could see pictures of how the moving truck stored all the materials. Even if I don't consider my main issue with complete mold and water damage of my things.....it took over 1 month after moving into my new home to get my things. I had to call and email several times to simply ask "Are my things on the way to my new home?"

I STRONGLY advise everyone to AVOID this company at all costs. It was tempting because they had the best prices, but you get what you pay for.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $1875

This move was my worst nightmares. When I was talking to John Conver, he told me everything I was worried about would not happen with them. I was concerned they would not send someone out to survey what we were moving. And when I made the HUGE mistake of believing his promise he was an expert at pricing from an online survey of inventory I fell for it. I was given a price quote less than half of the other movers I talked with. Then he told me that they would be moving my stuff all the way to our new destination themselves, when I asked if they changed movers and stored our things in some warehouse. He said they have moving trucks weekly that go from Va. to Wyoming and that is how they can keep the cost way down.
The day they came to pack and load our stuff we found out very quickly these people were subcontracted by Roadway. Then anytime I called for John Conver, I would receive a call from Deana. I never could get a hold of him again. Anyway, my husband ended up in the hospital the week before we were supposed to leave and we were not sure if we could be there on the designated day for delivery however I told them someone would be there. But the contractor said they would leave a couple days later to give us time. I did not know our stuff would be loaded I a warehouse until they could actually get someone to move it, which ended up being 2 weeks later.
When the truck finally came it was a completely different company. And the driver had to call for "day hire" movers to come and unload the truck. It took about an hour for them to show up. A couple of them left early cuz they did not want to unload everything. A couple stayed till the end. None of them were skilled movers in anyway. Boxes were smashed, many dishes were broke in pieces, a few were inherited antique pieces. They broke a pedal off of my Kawai piano. The piano should have been moved by professional piano movers, and they were not when they moved it into the truck or off the truck. It was almost tipped over on the way out of the house in Va. We have a floor antique radio with tubes in it. They had it in the truck upside down with another plastic box pushed inside of it with tape around it. It has ruined the radio which did actually work. The knobs were all broken off of it.
And by the way, the original price quote was under $4000, we ended up with a grand total of over $8000! Scam movers, stay away from them.
What really got me is not that John Conver lied, it was what he did not tell me. He knew what I was worried about, and I asked about all these things but he was an artist salesman who knows how to talk out of both sides of his mouth, to gain your trust, and be so nice and concerned that your move is the most pain free, or worriesome venture for you. They were the worst of all.
Also be sure that if you do use them, if you have smashed boxes and broken things, get the ticket number on the box and take a picture of the item in the box before you take it out. And you will need sales receipts for most things to prove what you paid for them. Then they wanted me to mail all my original movers lists to prove all. It was up to me to make copies for myself.
And the movers who came to pack our stuff from VA., I realiized to late they did not have their name on the list of things and their numbers. But I did get the name and they are VISTA van lines.
I will say though when I expressed my surprise that they were subcontractors the lead guy said they get that complaint a lot from people.
STAY AWAY FROM THESE PEOPLE FROM AMERICAN ROADWAY! SCAM ARTISTS.
I would have been better off going with one of the higher bids, which by the way they are the only ones who came to our house to go over the inventory we had to pack. And had I chose them it would have been cheaper than Roadways price.
I am amazed at how many stories here are like mine.
WE also had a vehicle moved by them. The first one they had lined up had truck trouble and so it took them a week to find someone else to transport the car and it was $200 more, which we had no choice but to pay cuz new owners had taken possession of our house so we had to get it moved. And it was a subcontractor as well.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $9000

John at American Roadway totally saved me, I only wish I found him sooner! I was such a stressful mess before I got hold of John. I originally had a different mover scheduled back in August and they just never showed up. No call, nothing. I called John and he managed to be able to get a truck out to me that afternoon! I lived in the boonies in upstate New York so I was expecting I’d have to wait at least a few days for a truck to come but John saved the day! The guys he sent were in and out in no time and they were really polite. They delivered my things a few days later, giving me time to unpack before starting my new job the following Monday.

I was so relieved when I found American Roadway and I recommend them to anyone looking for a mover. And make sure you ask for John! He was so attentive and has very calming demeanor – which is EXACTLY what everyone needs when they have to move LOL. I’ve recommended American Roadway to people and 2 of them booked and been delivered already. I wrote this review because both of those people thanked me for the recommendation, telling me they had the same great experience I did. American Roadway is clearly not just a one-time winner, they offer the same great experience for every move!

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2200

Don't believe anything they say. Roadway Van Lines is a BROKER and any commitment they make in terms of service pick-up or delivery is made to induce you to sign contract. When you get contract it will say they have 21 days to deliver. They will say that's only to cover mechanical breakdown and weather. Don't believe them. They did not meet their commitment. I had to pay a 30% premium to the trucking firm in order to get them to deliver within three days of the agreed to delivery date. Don't think this matters? Try living out of suitcase in a hotel while waiting for your stuff.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $1800

Wish I found this website prior to moving since I don't have enough unsatisfactory things to say about American Roadway Van Lines. I moved from Boston to LA and the entire process was a nightmare due to this company. As other reviews point out, they are a Broker Company and are the most disorganized, confused bunch! Everyone I dealt with from dispatch to the moving truck company to the movers were incompetent, disrespectful, and unapologetic for their actions. Let's start with dispatch: wouldn't return my calls verify details such as the day movers were coming, what time movers were coming, payment types, etc. The sales person who signs the deal for you literally will disappear once the contract is signed. Now the moving company: appeared to have zero communication with the dispatch since they didn't come for the day and time dispatch confirmed. Rather than come to my apartment on Monday, 7/10 between 3pm and 7pm, they came on Tuesday, 7/11 at 6:30pm. Neither dispatch nor the moving company contacted me on 7/10 to inform me they weren't coming, and then on 7/11 I was promised they would be at my place by 3pm and they came at 6:30pm. Now the movers: the movers who delivered my items in LA never: 1. notified me they were even in transit from NY to LA 2. didn't call me 24 hours prior to coming, or even an hour before arriving (which is laid out in the contract) but called FIVE MINUTES before arriving at my place..and this was five days before my belongings were even suppose to arrive in LA. To make things worst, on my way to my apartment (luckily I was able to leave work early) they continually threaten to leave for San Diego if I didn't show up for the time that suited them. To make matters even worst, they broke my mirror, refused to move my furniture even though I paid extra for packing and unpacking services, charged me $500 more than the non-binding price, and loss a couple of my items. Not shockingly, although I filled out all the necessary paperwork and sent the needed documents to receive a refund for my mirror and lost items, dispatch never responded. DO NOT GO WITH THIS SERVICE.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $2200

Quoted $1800. Showed up 26 hours late. Cost us two days additional rent. Didn’t have dishpack that was included in estimate. Showed up in a uhaul. Customer service sucked and would not return any calls. At the apt well past midnight. Now it’s going to cost $3000, we were promised a discount bc of all of our troubles but nobody would tell us how much. 40$ was our discount. Furniture showed up stained and broken. Boxes smashed. Ex navy. Done a lot of moves. Worst ever. Thieves. Do not trust this company.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3000

Worst scam ever. Do not use this company. I have read the previous reviews on this site and had the exact same issues. More money, more money. They actually held our belongings hostage in Illinois for 4 weeks. They wanted us to wire them an additional $2,000.00 to deliver our furniture. We said absolutely not. They had our furniture from June 23rd until August 15th. Most of our belongings were broken. Boxes were completely smashed. Furniture scratched, bent and dented. American Roadway subcontracted our move to ABC Moving out of Illinois. They were the worst to deal with. NEVER use either of these companies.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5000

Not sure he exists but I have emails and they are all lies. My stuff still isn't here and is being held hostage as I have in writing that they took credit cards. It is finally in town on a Saturday (can't reach anyone) and I am told only cash. I have had to scramble to get cash then to be asked can they get an 18 wheeler in near me. How would I know I'm not a truck driver. I asked them early on "you are not a freight carrier" and was assured they were movers. NOT Now the price has gone up by $600. I don't know if my stuff will ever get here and if it does will it all be damaged. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER~---Buyer Beware if you use them or maybe they just deal well with men. I notice all the good reviews are from men..never played the woman card but this is not a company to deal with unless you just don't care about your stuff. Praise be to old John Conover the slick talking snake oil salesman.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $2500

We canceled our move 8 months ago due to my mother in-law being hospitalized and still have not got our deposit back.
I was moving her to our home as she was ill and needed us to take care of her.
Just after making the reservation to have her stuff moved she went into the hospital and my wife had to stay with her.
So we canceled the move and was told we would get our money back.
Shortly there after she passed.
John likes to make promises and then laugh at you for believing him.
He tells you that the check is in the mail but when you ask for a tracking # you get no response
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY.
--- John if you want to contact us to make this right here's my canceled contract job no. M2524578.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $600

This is an update on my move from early January, 2019 post. My things finally arrived very late during a snow storm with one guy to unload me stuff. I am not old but I am 70 and I was unloading and moving boxes just to get the stuff in my house. Of course there was damage but why report it as it would go nowhere so I glued and fixed as best I could. Next time I move it will be very little and I will drive a uhaul before I go through this again. Deplorable and I did feel sorry for the one person unloading moving stuff alone. First time in my life I did not tip as I kept moving along..do not recommend ever.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $2500

I moved from Cincinnati, OH to Tampa, FL on short notice due to a new job. Found American Roadway Van Lines and their salesman John promised me the world. I knew it was too good to be true but I needed to move fast an on a budget.

John promised 3-5 business days and that it would be white glove service with updates every step of the way. No such luck. The company the move was contracted out to (Unique Van Lines - getting their own review) has been awful to deal with. Still don’t have my stuff and it’s 20 days later. Don’t go with American! They subcontract out to companies that will then hire a THIRD contractor.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $1425

John at American Roadway kept me sane – literally. He had movers come in at the very last minute to pickup my belongings, saving me from the first company that came AND saving me from having to pay another month of rent at my old apartment.
I just recently landed a new job that required me to move about 1,000 miles from everything that is familiar to me. When it hit me that I had to pack up my home and entrust my entire life of belongings to movers I didn’t know, I started getting stressed. Within the first ten minutes of researching moving companies, my phone rang and John Conover was the first person to call me. He was thorough and reviewed every single detail with me. He made me feel comfortable speaking with him and he gave me a good price. Because I was new at the moving thing, I wanted to keep shopping around for other quotes so I told him I would let him know. He didn’t push me, simply said that he was available if I needed him.
Over the next week or so I made some more calls and got other moving quotes. These people were relentless! If I didn’t book right away they would call over and over and over again. Some of them called me 2 or 3 times a day! There were a couple of prices I got that were lower than American Roadway so I went with another company at first. The movers came and jacked up my price to almost double what they had originally quoted me the moment they walked through the front door. I don’t have that kind of money and they were pushy, stating that I HAD to move with them because I signed a contract with them and I couldn’t afford to wait and get stuck paying another month of rent if I didn’t get my things out in time. When the movers went out to their truck to get their supplies, I called American Roadway for John. He said he had a truck not too far from me and he could get there that same day later on in the afternoon. He said not to worry, that he would take care of everything. I made the other company leave my apartment and waited for John’s guys. They were great. They told me that the charges the other company was trying to tack on were ridiculous. I was off by a few boxes when I originally told them what was moving but they loaded them anyway along with packing up 3 paintings and 2 statues for free for me. I was charged a few extra bucks for stairs which I had absolutely no problem with - there were 4 flights in my building and no elevator. I also had no problem because these guys made me feel comfortable. They were really friendly and professional, they explained that the TV needed to be wrapped properly so either I could wrap it OR they could wrap it and I would just have to pay for the materials…they didn’t just add all of this extra money onto my bill. American Roadway’s movers treated me like a human being, not like a paycheck.
For anyone worried about finding the right mover, worry no more! American Roadway got me packed and out of my old apartment the same day I called back AND had my things delivered and set up at my new place almost a week before I started my new job. They gave me a REAL price to move, not a too-good-to-be-true price so that I’d book right away. John also didn’t blow up my phone like everyone else. He gave me the quote and then told me he was available if I thought he was the right choice. I wish that fact had rang some bells for me earlier so that I called back to book with him first.
All you have to do is call and asked for John Conover. A few minutes of speaking with him and you will immediately feel more comfortable about moving; he talks to you like you’re an old friend.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $5425

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I would not have been able to deal with this, had it not been for you guys. This was the first time I have ever had to move out of state so it was safe to assume that it would be very overwhelming. My husband was offered a promotion at work which required him to relocate. The only catch was that he needed to be in Baltimore by the end of the week, leaving me to plan this entire move myself. We have four children and way too much stuff so I was immediately stressed out; the only thing keeping my head from spinning off was finding American Roadway.

The second I put my phone number online my phone rang off the hook. I received call after call after call from so many pushy movers. The first thing I noted about American Roadway is that they’re NOT pushy. John called me one time, left a voice mail and then sent me a text. That was it. The fact that he did not hassle me was what made me call him back. Every other company seemed desperate for my business, which made me nervous. John had a very “I would love to help so I’m here if you need me and if not, then I wish you the best of luck” kind of attitude. THAT was exactly what I wanted. He was like talking to an old friend; we were probably on the phone for an hour (he was very, very patient with me). He gave me a quote and told me that if American Roadway is the right choice for me to let him know. I needed to speak with my husband before committing so I told John I would call him back. American Roadway was not the cheapest, but, they were not the most expensive either. Honestly, the cheapest price doesn’t really do it for me – there are some cases in which the cheapest price is not the right one. In my opinion, moving your family and your life to another state is one of those cases. I didn’t really care about the cost as long as the move went smoothly. The days between our initial conversation and when I made my reservation, John didn’t call, email or text me even once. Other companies that I spoke with before American Roadway called me AT LEAST twice every day. “Do you want to book with us? Did you make a decision yet?”. John, and American Roadway, was my saving grace.

So, I made my reservation with American Roadway. Pickup day came and 4 guys showed up around 9am to start packing up the house. They were very nice and took great care in handling our things. There were a few things that I chose to pack myself but the movers did the bulk of it. They packed up all my kids’ stuff (which takes up nearly ¾ of everything we have), our kitchen, TVs and the china in our dining room. All of our things took up nearly their entire truck. I was almost worried it wouldn’t fit but the guys did an amazing job.

It was a few days drive to Baltimore for the truck so we arrived a day ahead of it, which was perfect for me. It gave me a chance to figure out where I wanted everything to go. As soon as the truck arrived, the guys started unloading. Everything arrived to our new home in the condition that it had left in. They were very patient with me, dictating where every piece of furniture needed to go (I didn’t ask them to unpack any of my boxes; they would’ve been there for days!).

All in all, American Roadway saved me a humongous headache. They arrived and packed, then drove and delivered – easy as 1,2,3. I never would have thought that any move - let alone one going 1,000 miles – would have been this painless and simple. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t found American Roadway.

John – I hope I don’t have to move again anytime soon but if I do, I have your number! Thanks, again!

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $5685

Worst. Move. Ever. Our torture began when John promised our pickup for a Friday, with Saturday "as a back-up in case of snow." Well, in spite of the fact that the skies were clear, Deana (the so-called customer service person) called and postponed to Saturday. Then, the real nightmare began. My husband and I were sitting in the house -- no food, no services -- waiting and waiting all day Saturday. Nobody showed up. Nobody called. My calls to customer service and dispatch all went into voicemail; no response. We didn't hear from the movers until Sunday morning, and then the movers arrived an hour after they said they would. My husband and I incurred extra travel charges due to this inexcusable delay.

On the delivery end, the same torture. Again, the delivery window was delayed and delayed. We were dealing with Sadie from so-called dispatch, who was completely clueless. Deana hadn't passed along critical delivery details, and Sadie clearly couldn't care less. The delivery window was 3-8pm; movers didn't show up until 10:30pm!

What American Roadway don't tell you is that they take your job and bid it out to small movers. You have no idea of whom you're dealing with. In our case, believe it or not, the mover who showed up for the delayed Sunday pickup didn't even get the assignment until Saturday, the very day Deana assured us the pickup would happen.

Don't hire this mover. You will regret it. I did. I'm sorry I didn't check reviews before engaging this company. What a big mistake.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $1700

This company contacted me regarding a move from NJ to Indiana, They gave me what was a reasonable price and within the industry standard of $1468 for 317 cubic feet. We went item by item of what I had in my storage unit. The day the movers were to arrive they pushed back the time 3 times. They eventually came at 7:30 pm which was 5 1/2 hours late. I had to be out of the storage unit or pay another month. I opened the unit and without missing a beat the person they sent from Mosley Van Lines said it would be $2600. I told him he was not loading the truck. They then went to $2050. They knew I could not find a mover by Monday and they knew I had no choice. What they don’t know is that I am filing complaints with the US Department of Transportation, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the American Moving and Storage Association. When I contacted American Roadway they said they were going to check into it and called daily to tell me they were still trying to get in touch with the movers. The movers contacted me 4 days before I was supposed to arrive home and said they were delivering my things that day and they wanted cash only. I contacted American Roadway back and they called them. I asked again about the issue with price and they gave me their daily standard answer. I then told them I wanted an answer today. I received an email from them telling me that I should contact the company that they hired and work it out myself since the company was unwilling to work with them since they couldn’t get them to do anything.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2050

Never, never never use this company. They call and make promises and quote prices that seem reasonable. The move is then sub-contracted to another company. The quote is not honored as the subcontractor states it was not accurate and then charge your more and MUST be in cash. The subcontractor also states they are giving you this great discount - BUT it does not show on any paperwork. The storage fee quoted is also incorrect - mine was $35 a month higher and must be paid in full before belongings are delivered and for a full month, even if you request delivery during the month. Subcontractor was in a hurry to pack belongings and did an unsatisfactory job. PLEASE contact a local company for your move, do not make the same mistake I did and live to regret it.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2983

I originally spoke with John. Suppose to be easy move with decent price and take 2 to 10 days. When movers arrived, I didn’t realize my items were going to be transferred to a different moving company. They wanted more money. They held my items for a month. When finally delivered they only gave me an hours notice. Items damaged and missing. Trying to file claim and I’m getting no response. I have yet to hear from John. I’ve left numerous phone calls and he’s never available and as yet never called me back. Dena has been very helpful. She also has been trying to help me contact the moving company but, as yet, neither of us are getting a response. These items are sentimental items which can never be replaced but I would like, at least, some monetary compensation.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $1300

My initial “issues” with American were my fault for not doing my due diligence when I began looking for a mover. I was settling my brother’s estate in NYC; I live in SC. At the last second, a person who was buying some expensive furniture backed out. It was Friday, I was returning home Sunday, co-op had to be empty for contractor who is doing the renovations by the first of the week. Under the gun for sure. Called several movers, American was reasonable and could pick up on the following Tuesday. Did not realize they were brokers, didn’t understand about balance having to be paid in cash, didn’t understand about the insurance and furniture possibly being stored. All of that is on me. Had never used movers before and didn’t know what questions to ask. When I saw the reviews on this site, my heart sank. So when everything worked out beautifully, I felt compelled to speak out. So sorry for those who had a bad experience. My furniture arrived approximately 2 weeks after it was picked up. I was called the Thursday before, and then again on Monday. Got two hour window and final balance. I was charged $230 more than quoted but we had left 4 paintings and a chair that were not originally on the manifest and required extra packing. The movers were a little late but stayed in touch. Professional, worked quickly, and cleaned up after theirselves. The company was Always Affordable Moving. All told, a pleasant experience with only a little stress which I brought on myself. Lesson learned although I hope to never be in a similar situation. All involved were personable and professional, providing excellent service at a reasonable price. I only wish everyone had a similar experience to mine.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $1711

I spoke to John initially and as all reviews seem to indicate, he was charming and full of promises. This made me think I had made a good decision. I discussed fully with John the speciality nursery items that were handmade going to Seattle. We discussed the use of "sucky bags" full of baby clothes as well as open top boxes and a rocker orca made by a family member. I was assured that the move could be done and I could sent all items on my list as discussed regarding packaging. Next step, schedule truck to come and pick up items. The day was Friday or Saturday. Saturday the truck came from Georgia with two shipments on board. My understanding was that my items would be loaded as discussed and then it was off to Seattle with the other two shipments.
The trucking company came needed me to fill out all paperwork again, on copies that were so small I couldn't read the text. They told me I couldn't use the "sucky bags" unless they were put into wardrobe boxes and could not pack the items that were in open top boxes. They also were not sure that they could guarantee me the specialty items would arrive in perfect condition. They had to stop in Kentucky and make deliveries then back to Georgia with my shipment. The dividers in truck consisted of a drop chain curtain. Once my shipment was in Georgia it was going to be removed from truck and await a truck to Seattle. I had various boxes and furniture all of which I was to itemize and hope nothing was lost or broken. I was not happy and tried to phone both John and Deana, however, they don't work on weekends so I asked the driver if he could contact them and he also could not. He did call his supervisor and I spoke with him regarding my issues and he flat out told me he couldn't guarantee a move without loss or damage and if I didn't feel comfortable not to have the items loaded. I immediately called both John and Deana and left voice messages saying the move did not happen and I tried to contact them several times as well as the driver.
Deana called Monday morning and we discussed the matter and she said she would find another mover. After reading all of the reviews and not feeling confident that these personal handmade items were going to make the trip safely or intact I chose to use a POD and spend more money but have peace of mind. Deana was nice and returned all calls, John on the other hand, never looks back once sale is made. The bottom line is they broker the move to anyone who wants the job and as the customer you have no recourse and are stuck with who ever and what ever happens to your items.
It's sad, they keep the $500 deposit based on cancellation and refer you to the "fine print". I was open and honest with John regarding the items I was shipping and he assured me it would be ok. Not so.
My recommendation would be to spend more money and deal with people who care.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $1694

I signed a binding estimate, and during the pick up, their list was matched to my belongings. Everything matched up. After the truck was loaded, they added $1200 to the bill and refused to cancel and unload unless I gave them $1500 cash right there during this argument. They delivered my items 2 weeks later and everything was destroyed. An elderly man and 2 women showed up for the drop off and said unloading was never planned. They were expecting to drive away and charge me a $1500 re-delivery charge. I had to hire additional help to unload and pay the extra money to avoid loosing my belongings. I am currently suing the company.

Be aware of this company they have multiple LLCs to get away with robbing people.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $3000