Elite Moving & Storage Inc.

I saved money by not using Elite (but not headaches).  I am not sure if Elite is a scam company that takes advantage of people, or if they (manager Roy) is just ignorant, or both; you can decide by reading below.
 
Elite charges by the volume (cubic feet) of your materials.  One would figure that would be fairly easy to calculate out, and that it would be close to the internet estimate (which is based on national moving averages of each type of box, furniture, etc.).  The first thing the driver did is take me into the back of the empty truck and show me where he calculated my space to be.  I don't deal with this on a regular basis, so I assumed he was correct (DO NOT MAKE THIS ASSUMPTION!).  The amount of space looked small to me.  The driver explained I had roughly 2.5 "lines" and placed a piece of tape there. Here, the definition of a "line" is the distance between vertical supports, so counting out from the front of the truck, I had 2.5 supports of space to use from top of trailer to bottom. When the driver looked at our apartment, he felt that there was a substantial amount of material present than was on the estimate.  We began measuring things out, such as a desk with a hutch (that was on the estimate).  
 
Due to the discrepancy, the manager Roy had to call us.  Roy informed us that the driver was estimating 3X the estimate. Roy used the desk w/hutch as an example, even though it was on the estimate. Based on my calculations (I perform area/volume calculations as part of my normal job on a routine basis), the desk and hutch did take up substantial space, yet not out of the realm of the estimate, especially considering the desk base only took up 1/3 of the volume, meaning the other 2/3 could be packed under/around.  In explaining the desk/hutch to Roy, he argured that most of this space would be lost in wrapping the desk in protective wrap.  The driver had also told me our queen size matress and box springs would alone take up about 90-100 cubic feet each.  He later retracted that after we measured and they were found to be 35 cubic feet each.
 
After a lot of arguing with Roy, we still agreed that if we could monitor the packing, we would proceed, as long as everyone could agree on the amount of space we needed. Again, the term "line" was in play.  Both the driver and Roy continued to use this term, but how can I tell if it is accurate or not?  I decide to measure the trailer..how else can I account for the cubic feet being correct!!  Based on the width and height of the truck, we came up with approximately 70 square feet per lineal foot of floor.  Based on these measurements, the driver was short 11" (or just over 60 cubic feet) in where he was trying to tell my my space was!!  At around $4/cubic foot, that equates to $250 extra for them right there!!
 
And, in measuring the "lines", "Line 1" was 9" in length, "Line 2" was 22" in length, and the remaining "lines" were approximately 24" each.  So, if I went by the drivers estimate, I would have been short on the first two lines and charged excessively for space that simply was not there!!
 
Here's your chance to make a decision:  Roy began pressuring us that he had to call his crew off back during the hutch measuring.  Once we all agreed that we would still use the service once we agreed on where my volume was at, it seemed everything was a go and even the driver wanted to know.  However, once Roy heard that I was measuring the "lines", he immediately pressured us to sign or his crew had to leave.  Roy kept arguing that we could not come into agreement and would not give us the paperwork to sign..he actually had the driver keep it from my wife who was begging to read and sign it while I took measurements so as not to hold anything up any longer.  Roy told his crew not to load us, and cancelled the contract..he was unwilling to reschedule.  They wanted me off the truck right away.
 
It is true that the truck showed up about 6:30 P.M. (during scheduled window of 5-7) and that the crew probably needed to get some rest for the following day, so I can understand a bit of the pressure from Roy, and that we had been arguing for probably an hour, trying to come to a conclusion (Roy was unwilling to bend on price, or anything else for that matter). However, only 5-10 minutes after we all agreed we would verify my space on the truck and watch them pack it, Roy pulled the plug and could not be persuaded to have his crew stay and do the job, nor could he be persuaded that the "lines" on the truck actually are not the same measurement.  Does he know better or not?  For that matter, does Elite know better or not?      .

Service cost: $1100

When I called to inquire about my move, I had informed the sales rep that I was also getting quotes from other movers. He immediately told me to stay away from moving companies in Florida because "they are brokerage firms, not actual employees" He also stated their ( the brokers)strategy is to low ball the quote then charge you heavy on the back end before they unload my contents. We went over the items to be moved and I was given a quote. I asked about hidden charges or what "extra" expenses I could receive and I was told there would not be any. I then had to provide my credit card info to receive the contract. I was told the credit card info was only on hold and would not be charged until I returned the contract. WRONG! The same day, Elite charged my credit card. When I did receive the contract the "hidden" charges were made exactly that hidden. Things like "packaging" , "A flight of stairs is only 7 stairs high", "repacking if customer packed wrong" these were all at the discrepency of the movers. I have yet to receive my refund, which I immediately demanded when I cancelled the order. Beware, you are at the movers mercy, don't fall for the "you pay half up front and balance at the drop off site" because you have no way of knowing what that price will be and if you don't pay, they don't unload.

Service cost: $3300

I was promised that the move would be 10 to 14 business days and it took them a month and a half. They even had to outsource another company to deliver my goods.. Would not work with me to deal with unsatisfied customer, and how would not return calls. I would never use them again, bc they only want the money. They even told me they don't have insurance and I have to purchase thru website. Total scam. If you want details of my horrible experience please is be happy to share bc this could be a book. I will never use moving company ever again.

Service cost: $3300

When I orginally called in the customer service received was great and the price quote receive was well so I paid the downpayment to secure the movers for 11/30/11. When they arrived it was on time. It was never discussed or stated in my contract they you are to pay for the service once they unload from the original destination. So I paid because I have not other choice. Then when I mad it to the final location and unwrapping my furniture I found scratches to my loveseat, table and couch. Now after unpacking fully some of my items are missing. Now that I've tried contacting them regarding this matter they are unavailable to speak with me and I am placed into a voicemail without receiving a return call. So no I would not and will not recommend anyone to use this company.

Service cost: $370

I contracted my move with The Moving Experts but Elite Moving & Storage showed up to pick up my belongings. Even though I was told by their sales rep, Mary, that the Moving Experts hire their own drivers and movers-this is not true or at least they call themselves by a different company name. After using them, it's probably so you when you do a background check, your not getting information the company that they are actually sending to pick up your belongings. After it was over and I tried to file for the lost property, my insurance company found bad reports on these guys on ripoff.com, but I had no idea since I thought I was getting The Moving Experts. I thought I was getting a big Semi heading straight to Arizona with my property but instead I got a box truck from a different company. Then they took it and unloaded it God knows where until they had enough stuff to fill a Semi. Which means your belongings get tossed around multiple times and stored wherever for the next week or two. Then when it was delivered the driver refused to go through and check off the inventory as it was unloaded-it will take too much time he said. So after unpacking all the boxes, it just so happens that the boxes containing all my DVD's, CD's and VHS tapes are missing. Gee I wonder why those boxes just happened to disappear? Lesson learned-never write what's in the boxes. Number your boxes and keep a list so you'll know but the movers don't! Because they rolled my furniture from end to end, all my wooden furniture has dents and dings. They especially did a number on my antique bedroom furniture. Even though it was documented on the inventory list, they are now refusing to pay for what it cost me to have it fixed. They bent the front forks and brake assembly on my 1977 vintage Schwinn bicycle, but claim they can't see any damage on the pictures I took, so their not going to pay for the repairs on that either. Doesn't matter, the bike shop told me it would never be the same anyway. So go with the big name boys-Mayflower, American Van Lines, you'll pay more, but then you get what you pay for!

Service cost: $3200

I have never written a negative review before, however, I was so grossly disappointed by Elite Moving and Storage that I feel the need to notify others. I know how stressful a move is-choosing the wrong moving company can make the move a nightmare.

I used Elite Moving and Storage when I moved from NH to Texas in May of 2009. I had a wonderful experience with them so when I decided to relocate back to New England, it only made sense to contact them for the move.

Unfortunately, this time around, I had an absolutely horrible experience and I was so disappointed and would never recommend them to anyone. Danielle was very difficult to get ahold of on the phone once they had my initial deposit. She told me the move would take 4-7 days..I didn't receive my belongings for 22 days!!

As I was awaiting the arrival of my things-they wouldn't return my calls and when I would get someone on the phone, they acted like I was putting them out when I wanted an update about my belongings-that I was paying them a lot of money to move. It was completely unacceptable and honestly the worst customer service I ever received. I understand they move people everyday..but I don't move everyday. It's a big deal to me and for them to act like it didn't matter was awful.
They ended up bringing my things from Texas to Chicago and placing them in storage even though I was assured that my belongings would not be taken off truck and placed in storage. I specifically didn't want this because I knew the more the boxes/furniture was moved-the more likely it would be damaged. Sure enough, most of my boxes arrived beat up, my new front loading washing machine was dented on 3 sides and broken as well as all my dishes arrived broken. I packed my dishes, they did not, but I packed them very well and marked fragile all over the boxes. This didn't matter because it was obvious they threw them around and stacked heavy objects on-top of them.

To be fair and credit Elite for something, I thought their actual movers were professional, respectful and friendly. I had different movers on each end of the move. I believe english was their second language so I did find it rather difficult to communicate or understand what they would say. They charge $4.00 per roll of tape (to wrap all furniture etc) and everything must be in a box-everything. If it's not, they will charge you to use a box of theirs and a box price ranges from $10.00-$50.00.

Overall, pllease listen to my advice and choose another moving company. I would pay double or triple what I paid elite for better service and to avoid what I went through. I literally went through hell waiting on them to deliver, it was honestly the most stressful move I've ever made. Never again would I even consider this company and you shouldn't either.

Service cost: $2400

The seller was very adamant is showing me how great they were and how no complains have been posted to the BBB. She failed to mention they have NUMEROUS complains with the US Department of Transportation.

The pick-up was uneventful, eventhough I should have been a little suspicious when they showed up in a truck with a paper wign taped to the side!!

The foreman told me to contact them 2 weeks prior to my delivery date to make sure everything was in order and that that way I was going to have my household in Indianawhen I needed it.

I signed papers (you know, sign here and here, when you are exhausted and not paying attention) and what they are making you sign is a disclaimer that they are not responsible for anything!!

The date you give them for delivery is actually a time-reference as they can take up to 30 BUSINESS days to deliver your goods (but NO-ONE tells you that when they are sweetening you up to pay more than for the other movers because they are soo "professional" (Ha!)

They do not respond by phone or email and we are on day 14 after "my scheduled delivery date", I'm renting an empty house, had to buy a news bed and a table as not to eat and sleep on the floor and these people do not have a clue as to when they will deliver my goods.

STAY AWAY FROM THEM PLEASE!!

Service cost: $3200

I hired them to move us 2 streets over. On the phone, Donna, was very polite and professional. The price was very reasonable. Two weeks later we got a call confirming us for the wrong date to move which was concerning. Then we never got another call to confirm for the right one, so I called. They showed up late due to traffic, but we are in Los Angeles and would expect them to account for that. They were very nice. We went over paper work and basically, they have you sign off on everything, they are not responsible! Then when they started to load the truck, they have YOU take all glass doors off of things and say YOU should move them. Also all your pictures and anything else they would have to be careful with. During the unloading, I had to tell them multiple times to take boxes upstairs that were clearly marked. I finally had to take a bunch up myself. When they set the beds up, they got black hand prints all over our brand new mattresses and I had to pay to get them steamed cleaned after. They left behind 10 car loads full of stuff at the old address and banged up a lot of our things. But as I stated, they are NOT responsible. I didn't want to call and complain for that reason, but a month later I was making the bed and saw black that the steam cleaners missed, so I called. I never heard back from anyone. Spend more money and get someone that will be more careful and actually move EVERYTHING.  .

Service cost: $1200

WARNING - Elite Moving & Storage - WARNING - MUST READ - RUN THE OTHER WAY

I only wish I would have looked for another moving company.  Might I suggest investigating with whom you are associated.  Read all the review on this company as there are several out there, and most recently they are not good to put it mildly.  

This company may be in violation of Fair and Ethical business practices, the Labor Law federal and State, Better Business and many more.  Perhaps, prior to publicly supporting or endorsing them a little investigative work is needed.


WARNING - Elite Moving & Storage - WARNING - MUST READ - RUN THE OTHER WAY

Our moving company,  Elite Moving & Storage exaggerated their billing hours, failed to notify us of the packing materials form (no wonder they used shrink-wrap), damaged several pieces of our furniture, broke several glass items (glasses from our wedding, martini glasses that I've had for 12 years, 3 vases, juice cups, one crystal bowl) destroyed our TV stand (as all 4 legs were ripped off, the screws pulled right out of the sockets), did not reassemble multiple items that they moved (just found out that one as my large oak computer desk fell over on top of me last night), and not least of all damaged our new home.  They left stains on the carpeting, gouges in the wood flooring, ripped the carpet from the seems that had just been stretched by the Seller of our home (less than 6 months ago), damaged the walls (in some places past the dry-walling, scratched our oak kitchen cabinets), and the list continues.

Being a mother to two infants under 2 is hard enough, now when I am still unpacking I continue to find more broken and damaged items..it never ends.  I am left sitting on floor picking broken glass out of boxes, walking around the destroyed items as it is still in the shrink-wrap they placed it in.  It took me FIVE emails asking the owner of this company for permission to move the damaged items from the common area of our home due to the safety hazard to my children, they FINALLY responded.  So much for there care and concern and mission statement that they are all for Customer Satisfaction.     That's the funny part is they didn't even bother to use padding on a lot of items (hmmm, wonder how they got damaged?)  I wish we would have had a team to monitor them so we could have prevented all this from happening.  See, we moved from a high-rise condo, so monitoring all three movers at this time time proved rather difficult.        

There is no telling what the amount will be to all the items damaged, lost (because the inventory sheets are not accurate), destroyed.  Not to mentioned that on their Inventory sheet it listed how many stickers they used as we placed our items in storage first and then they were moved to our new home AND GUESS WHAT, not all the items they listed on our inventory sheet have been accounted for, so who knows what I am missing.

I have attempted to resolve this situation with the company, but everyone that I dealt with failed to listen from the dispatcher (Marie), to Sales Rep (Ben) to the Owner (Ira), who was not even reading the emails that I was sending.
They are stating because my husband signed that it's over with.  BUT as far as I am concern they breached their own contract therefore making our signature null and void.

To ALL this is a WARNING - STAY AWAY FROM ELITE MOVING & STORAGE.

I have documentation and independent witnesses that I can provide along with a trail of emails and phone records.  anyone want photos?

Service cost: $1608