Budget Van Lines

First of all, everything seemed just fine, a good price of around $800 for a move of about 600lbs of stuff, which is a very small load in relative. We chose to use these movers because of the price, and did not want to drive in dangerous wintery conditions. We were moving from OR to WI, and had some very expensive things to be moved, including electronics, sound equipment, and over $2500 worth of radio controlled aircraft including a large scale aerobatic plane, packed in a crate sturdy enough for a 150-200lb person to sit on.
The first truck was very well packed, with the crate in a safe place, nothing heavy on top of it, and all appeared well. We were then contacted and told the first truck broke down, and our items were placed on a second truck. The first truck was relatively small whereas the second one was as big as they get, and packed with stuff.
Marius's (the dispatcher) communication was OK, however somewhat rude and prompt. They arrived in WI when they said they would, however as soon as the doors of the truck opened, we knew it was trouble. It was packed TERRIBLY, items thrown on top of each other carelessly, and everything imaginable including SOFAS and heavy furniture was thrown (not packed, THROWN) on top of the crate, which, of course, was smashed in on the top, causing massive damage to the $400 wings of the large airplane, destroying the smaller competition airplanes, and damaging several of the surrounding electronic goods. The movers were carelessly throwing boxes out of the truck, letting them smash against the ground, full of expensive and fragile items.

DO NOT use this company. The wings were not insured well, $400 value, however it was 60 cents a pound of insurance, and since they're built light, that's absolutely no good at all. When we tried to explain the damages, the company was rude and arrogant, providing no human-like characteristics and no help. TERRIBLE company.

Service cost: $800

They subcontracted me to a horrible company Schneider who then appeared to subcontract to Armstrong Moving who hired day laborers at the last minute for $15 an hour. Not the professional movers I expected. They damaged much of my furniture and ignored the extras I paid for such as sofa and glass wrapping. They asked for more money, held my furniture hostage while I went to get it and hired the cheapest day labors from the streets. Neither the Budget nor the Companys Schneider Vanlines or Armstrong made any real attempt to settle with me. I got nothing not even a refund for extras I never received. Basically they refused to talk to me.

I had been clear that I had nice old furniture (1930&1940s solid oak and mahogany) that I wanted properly cared for and was assured that it would be. Furniture was treated roughly with broken and crushed wood. The driver told me that it was insured and that the company paid the first $5000 deductible which was a lie. The estimate of repair was so low that it did not meet the deductible so I got nothing and then they expected me to get it done myself at that price. They must have planned glue and a crayon. Nothing but total refurbishing would get it back close to the condition when it left my original home. I had belongings from someone else which they had no interest in determining whose they were and returning them. I also have no idea if I got my stuff since it was inventoried at loading but not when unloading. They piled everything in the garage during the time I was sent to get more money so I was not there to direct. Frankly I think it is a scam! They left stuff in the driveway I have photos! No one cared to talk to me. The driver did not want to look at damage. They refused to take my dressers upstairs unless I tore down the stair railing (pretty standard type) so I did. The driver left my furniture in the rain and took a uhaul back. I was left with 3 unvetted, not bonded, uninsured day laborers alone in my new home with everything I owned. I felt I had to change the locks due to keys being around A total disaster! I have not yet found some items such as my WII which was in a box marked WII and so I can only assume it was stolen along with who knows what else since I am still trying to sort out the mess. They did not put beds together and lost parts.

Unpacking was not included but I cannot seem to get that to go away. They were suppose to put everything in its new room and assemble furniture but they did not. As I said parts are lost including bed spindles broken and lost. Leather sofas and chairs torn and scratched. Yet the entire estimate of repair was $1,500 none of it covered by insurance. Budget told BBB they would encourage a settlement but so far no communication from either. I have witnesses, pictures and still damaged furniture.

Service cost: $7000

Student move from Boston to California. Budget contract was a binding agreement and I had to specify details on every piece of furniture being moved. My contract included a premium package service that was supposed to include any/all packing material. I talked to the budget rep on more than one location regarding additional charges for a "long carry" and was very specific on distance of pickup to truck and delivery from truck to new location. I even provided pictures for delivery. Rep told me that if the distance was longer than what was in contract, cost would be no more than $50-$75 and not a "deal breaker".

When furniture arrived, my additional costs amounted to $478 - which was 33% more than I was quoted. My contract also stated that the balance could be paid at delivery by a cashier's check. However, the driver would only accept cash or a money order so the delivery was delayed by 2 hours until I could go back to the bank and return the cashier's check and get cash.

I was billed $150 extra for a "long carry", $225 for a fuel charge (which I had already paid a 13% fuel supplement in my original contract) and $105 for shipping crates (even though I had paid for the "premium package" that was supposed to include all shipping materials).

When it came time to work through these issues, Budget told me I had to talk to the actual mover who did my job as Budget is just a broker.

I have since settled my overage with the actual mover (arrow van lines) but feel both the mover and Budget were less than truthful with what I was ultimatley going to be charged.

Service cost: $1645

When I decided to look for at trusting moving company I turned to the internet. I saw plenty and decided to to choose budget van lines. I called and spoke to one of the reps. I told them what I had in my one bedroom apartment they gave me a quote of 1179.00. I thought it was resonable. So I agreed to hire this company. I gave my first deposit of $500.00 to lock in the date then when the movers came I gave them additional payment of $375.00 I was told when my stuff is delivered I would just have a balance of 390.00. To my surprise they brought my things and gave me a bill of 1500.00 additional! I was shocked! and very upset! I called numerous times to speak to the rep that handled my contract and he never returned any of my calls.

This is the worst company to work with! I don't recommend this company at all! they told me one price on the phone and when my stuff arrived I received a billed that was doubled! I feel I was mislead from the beginning.

Service cost: $1179

While I knew that Buget Van Lines did not do the moves themselves, they stated they worked with major mover such as Mayflower. However, in my case I got a minor carrier with a total of 5 people. Problems started from the outset when a call was recieved saying a pick was to occur in 4 hours..well it wasn't for me, it was at a different location for a different person, in a different state. After calling and determining the carrier calls placed and it was determined that the move was for someone else. I was told I could pay by credit card, well the carrier they booked me with only accepts cash, money order, or cashier checks. Avoid these service group.

Service cost: $1196

I scheduled a move from Alamogordo, NM to Las Vegas NV. The estimated price was $1,300 for a one bedroom residence, which included one month of FREE STORAGE and 195.00/month for every additional month of storage. After I signed and faxed the contract two guys showed up at my house with "no uniform" driving an "unmarked" moving truck.
The truck was already more than halfway full with items from another mover, so my things pretty much got smashed in there.
As soon as the truck drove away I received a phone call from 67th AV movers, from Colorado, demanding an additional $450.00 for STORAGE or I would never see my household goods again. YEAP, JUST LIKE THAT..
Apparently Budget Van Lines conveniently forgot to mention that the storage was supposed to be included. Well they said that even though it was mentioned and agreed to, they would not provide storage because it was not on the written contract.
So.. I had to take time off work, spend hundreds on a plane ticket, rental vehicle and hotel because now I had to go to Las Vegas to receive my items.
Well the truck arrived about 45mins late, ironically, the movers bragged about how much they had partied and drank the night before. My items were all over, and as soon as they started downloading I realized the damages. Ohh man, I was speechless.
When it came time for them to leave I was hit with a bill of $2,670. Yeap, $1,300 more than the original estimate.
Some of the charges included: $98.00 to wrap the mattress with a $4.00 plastic cover. $45.00/box for 15 boxes, which was untrue because I had already boxed all my belongings..etc..
Well, when I called the main office of 67th AV movers and I was rudely told that I would be charged an extra $150.00/hour until the movers received their payment.
DO NOT USE THEM.. Sales person MICHELLE GREEN is a LIAR and SCAMMER.

Service cost: $2700

I contacted Budget Van lines to schedule our move from North Dakota to Texas on September 20 and booked our move for October 31st. I was NEVER contacted back by Budget to confirm the move, I made repeated phone calls up until 3 days before my scheduled move date before they actually and finally charged me a deposit, of $248, which I later found out was a "booking fee". and the initial down payment $635. My original and comprehensive estimate was 2791.19. This was conveyed to me by Alan Katz as a BINDING estimate. The carrier, R&S Moving 23985 W 115TH TERRACE OLATHE KS 66061 (913) 461-1129 showed up in an unmarked white truck at 3pm in the afternoon on October 29th. Fair enough!! They proceeded to wrap my furniture and load it on to their truck with another families household move. Halfway thru the move I was told by Anthony that TWO PAGES of my inventory had already vanished in the wind? But to rest assured because every box had a sticker that was attributed and counted for in my move. We fed them dinner gave them sodas and had an overall pleasant experience. They never left my home until 12:30 am that evening. They however, removed the other families mattresses from their truck and drove away from my home with their mattresses strapped to the back of their truck. Our first available delivery date was Nov 3.. 5 days after pickup. We left North Dakota in a hurry, hoping not to miss them once we arrived at our new home in TX. Forward to 2 weeks ago..14 calendar days after they picked up our belongings. NO CONTACT from budget or the mover R&S. After MANY phone calls and messages to our sales person, Alan Katz with budget, I finally decided to surf around the phone directory roulette and ended up with Darrell. Darrell tells me that he can't believe I don't have my things yet, but hang on and let me speak with the carrier. I was then informed that "per my contract He has a window of 2-14 BUSINESS DAYS".. and that the company is working to schedule in my move.. they do it on a first come first serve basis.? ok so following week.. no follow up as promised by both budget and the carrier R&S I call again.. Darrell: "I can't believe you still don't have your things.. let me call the carrier" Ok it will be on tuesday or wednesday. tuesday and wednesday come and go.. meanwhile my family and I are SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR.. LIVING IN THE SAME WEEKS WORTH OF CLOTHING WE BROUGHT WITH US AND EATING OUT EVERY MEAL.. since every worldly possession is on the truck. Here is where I begin my research. I find to my horror all these reviews, complaints with the BBB, DOT, and Atty General, also You Tube video posts of the unscrupulous moving practices such as dropping couches from truck height, slamming furniture back and forth between trucks,damage, loss and despair of others that have TRUSTED everything they have with Budget Van Lines. Thursday I call again.. Darrell: let me call this guy and see what is up. Ok ms Copeland.. Please calm down..(as if I could by this point.. im sobbing, shaking and utterly frustrated) I have him narrowed down to Sunday or Monday trust me! so Sunday comes.. no truck another call to budget.. they can't get the carrier to answer the phone. Monday.. another call to budget 8:30 am.. Darrell.. still can't get the carrier to answer his cell. I promise I will call you back. 4:30 pm Monday I finally give in and call Darrell.. oh yea.. I was going to check on that for you wasn't I. Ok.. the carrier will be there Weds or Friday. (Thursday is Thanksgiving.. and instead of enjoying the Holiday with my family in our new home, we will be sitting at a local restaurant.. Today, Tuesday 11/22/11 is the end of their "14 business day window". I get a call today, Darrell.. listen Ms Copeland.. I just got of the phone with the Carrier, he is putting a "RUSH" on your deliver and should be there Friday or Saturday." I am beyond angry at this point. 30 mins later the carrier calls me to tell me that he can't understand why I am so upset, that he is only a couple of days late, and that I should BE GRATEFUL!! That he came to North Dakota to pick up my move!! In my opinion, Budget Van lines and R & S Moving have STOLEN my property. I have NOT received my belongings. I have no solid answer, no have I ever about when they will arrive, and the carrier now tells me that my move will be $1600 MORE than the original BINDING estimate. I will be video taping and posting the unloading of my move when and if it arrives on You Tube. I have also created a Facebook page for anyone to post stories, pictures or videos of their experiences. I would also love to hear from ANYONE that may be interested in initiating a class action lawsuit against these FRAUDS. Please feel free to email me your information at budgetripoff@gmail.com. I would LOVE to have a group of people to show this company that we as consumers will NOT STAND FOR these type of business practices!! Thanks for reading. I will also update this post with information about my final deliver when and if it arrives.

Service cost: $4402

Do yourself a favor and find someone else to do your moving. We scheduled a move on the 9th of October and were rescheduled 7 times. They finally arrived to pick up our things on November 30, only to have the truck break down 1 mile from the storage facility where it was picked up. Two days later they sent another truck, but the drivers decided to stop on the roadside before they got to the storage facility and smoke Marijuana. Well, a local Policeman happened by and arrested both employees. Turns out they had pounds of Pot in the truck, along with other drugs. They impounded the truck and had it towed to a police lot and were holding it for one month as evidence. Lucky for us they had not picked up our belongings yet. So they send out yet another truck and finally pick up our stuff, but tell us they know the load weighs 15,000 pounds (without ever going to a scale), when the original estimate was for 4300 pounds and that we will have to pay the difference IN CASH when they arrive at the destination. That amounts to over 10,000 pounds at 41 cents a pound. Right now there has been no further communication from them as to when our things will be delivered and we have no idea where our belongings are. So buyer beware..

Service cost: $2700

I wish I could put $20,000 worth of negative stars! I contracted with Budget Movers. Budget Movers had moved me to this pick up location 18 months before without any problems. The quote I got was based on my previous move. Budget Movers contracted with Moving Central. Both companies have changed in the past two years. Dishonest criminals with the intent to steal your money and your belongings; is the nicest way to say what being their customer is like. Budget Movers and Moving Central delayed the pick up by calling in the morning and saying they would arrive that afternoon for three days, each blamed the other for the "miscommunication". Moving Central then arrived at 6:30 pm three days late on a Sunday. Suki the dispatcher at MC acted like strong armed robber and suggested it was my fault that they were behind schedule. I should have told them to leave then. I thought that it would get better if I was nice and cooperated, I trusted the experience I had had with Budget Movers two years before. I was wrong, it got so much worse. Everything was "packed" and wrapped, but the driver and loader insisted on "repacking" everything for "insurance purposes". They charged $400.00. They did not finish loading until the following day at 4:30pm. The driver and the loader had been on the clock since 6:30 am that same day. They had both already completed a move in Chicago; then they were dispatched to drive 10 plus hours north to start my "pick up" In another state. They were visibly exhausted and overwhelmed when they arrived. I was forced to sign new papers about my move based on the drivers "visual estimate". I was told I would receive documentation about the additional charges to justify the new delivery charge of over $7,000.00. I called and emailed but did not receive any paperwork from Moving Central for more than 15 business days. After they picked up my entire life June 3rd 2012 (three days late), I did not get back the shattered remains until July 22, 2012. I am not overstating when I say that ALL of my items that were delivered were unpacked and broken. All of the wrappings including bubble wrap were removed so nothing had item numbers attached anymore. Thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics and furniture were destroyed. I am gathering up previous customers because I am going to file a class action lawsuit against Budget Movers & Moving Central. What’s amazing is everyone’s story is essentially the same. Neither company will answer phone calls, items broken /missing no recourse is available. The "Companies" have found a way to contract out of responsibility and still be a licensed business by sub-contracting between each other!!  Every review that is negative is countered with two made up reviews with five star ratings. My move was quoted at $1,800.00 and cost me over $5,000.00 just to get my own items. I was told about the final amount owed hours before the final delivery after more than a month of threatening police and court action. Moving Central demanded, “cash only”, the day of delivery.  Budget Movers hung up on me daily then ridiculed me, Moving Central would email nonsense and "take messages". People were "on vacation", they I was supposed to "understand that this is their busy season". Maria at Moving Central finally answered but, made light of the fact that we were left without any answers for over a month. Maria acts surprised like she is involved and that she cares about the situation, but does not answer when what she promises in service is a lie. Even "Shy" the highest person in the MC administration is dismissive and unconcerned about breaking the law. he said his lawyer can defend his contract no matter what Moving Central actually did. Everything I own is ruined, scratched, pieces lost, corners broken, brutally crushed or just stolen. Boxes that were delivered had been rummaged through. I am missing more than 15 boxes. Both companies gave me paperwork so that I can file a claim. Please contact me at LAMIZRAY@GMAIL.COM if you would like to participate with me in letting the country know what they do to innocent people every day. These companies should not be in business. They are using a business license to commit crimes.

Service cost: $5000