Great American Van Lines

My whole life I have tried my best to avoid the hassles of moving. But recently I had to relocate my production company from Manhattan to New Jersey. So when it came to finding a moving company I was of course looking for a reasonable flate rate company that was reliable and professional. I contacted various companies and all seem okay but not exactly what I was looking for or helpful. I am an extremely paranoid person so I had tons of questions for every sales person I spoke to so I understand how some may have become frustrated. But when I contacted Great American Van Lines my representative seemed more than willing to answer all my questions and beyond. I am not lying when I tell you I was constantly calling or emailing them with questions and they attended to me every time unlike some other companies I had spoken to. Now my rate was seriously a flat rate price no hidden fees. I simply provided them with all of my inventory. Another great thing about them was they provide insurance for your items so I didn't have to add more to my plate by doing that on my own. The day of the move they arrived on time and the movers were very professional and polite. But most importantly they handled all my items with care. I had a lot of sensitive and expensive equipment that I simply could not afford to have damaged. That's another area where I was a little paranoid that my equipment might get damaged but I clearly was paranoid over nothing. They delivered all my items to my new apartment in the same condition they picked them up in. I couldn't ask for anything more, they had awesome customer services, great prices, reliable and careful movers! I was truly happy and if me and my company are to ever relocated they will be the ones I call instantly. They made me see that moving isn't such a strenuous hassle when you have the right and that company is Great American Van Lines coast :$1200 job# 602106.

Service cost: $100

My move from Brooklyn New York to Phoenix Arizona was completed today and I feel the need to let anyone and everyone know the type of service I received from my moving company. The name of the company is Great American Van Lines.I am sure anyone that reads this has either heard or experienced the horrible events that often happen with moving companies. I talked to no less than 15 moving companies and had 3 companies come to our Brooklyn home to give a written estimate. While Great American Van Lines was not the cheapest they were not the most expensive either. The professionalism every person my wife and I came in contact with was above and beyond my highest hopes. David the person that wrote the estimate and was my contact person before during and after my move, not only was courteous and knowledgeable but always easy to contact at all hours and days. Rudy the actual person that handled the move at pick up at old house and the delivery at new house was equally as impressive. He worked hard wasted no time and was always respectful. Now for the amazing facts of this move with Great American Van Lines. They arrived at the exact time scheduled, they delivered at the exact time scheduled. Based on the original date scheduled our items arrived in the allotted time expected. The price quoted actually came in slightly higher than was quoted. Believe it or not! Not a single surprise with any aspect of this move. My wife and I could not be happier with Great American Van Lines and especially Dave and Rudy they are the best ! I know the above sounds like a scripted review I assure you it is not. Thank you very much Great American Van Lines you guys are superb.

Service cost: $2400

The original moving company I retained had truck problems, so they called Great American to complete the job. Moving the content of a studio apartment , I was quoted $1200, but when Great American arrived they said my items were too large, too much square footage and the price literally almost doubled and that was a deal because they threw in the packing for free. Originally my items were suppose to arrive in less than a week, so I was told, although I never received any phone calls or updates regarding my things as days passed. The funny thing is, when the initial credit card number I gave them did not go through, I heard from them multiple times that day via phone and email. After resolving that issue all communication stopped until Initiated contact days later for an update at which time I was told no information was available at the time and I would be called the next day. Of course I never was called, so I reached out again at which time the person who answered rudely commented " don't you read your email it can take 14 days" I replied " I never received any such email, the only numerous emails I ever received was about a new credit card number." Amazing how well they knew how to communicate so elequently then! A few more choice words were given about my disgust with their deceptive business practices and the lack of professionalism. I was then called by David who informed me that my items would not even be loaded on to the truck until the sixth day after the initial pick up. I asked could he keep me informed, he said that he would, but I never heard anything from him. The day after my items were supposed to be loaded on the truck, I called again and was told the truck was on the road and I would be called the following day to be given the phone number of the driver,who also had to make pickups in MD and SC. Of course I never received a phone call and now ironically my phone calls are not being answered or returned by the company. It's been 10 days now! I will keep you informed regarding any further developments in this case so that you can make the call for yourself. There has to be some standard for accountability.

Service cost: $2337

This is absolutely NOT a fake response from a competitor. EVERYTHING I TYPE IS TRUE--no contact, missing boxes, and so much damage that I should’ve just re-bought everything after I moved from Philly (burbs) to Chicago (burbs). If you want proof e-mail me at trtbdj@hotmail.com and I will send you pictures of ALL the damages! One of the mover’s felt the need to ask if I was a Christian, then started telling me that he’s from Nazareth—the same place Jesus is from. I’m like, “OKAY? Who cares? Stop wasting my time and do what you’re being paid to do”. He started asking me about a tip before he even moved anything…stating that he and his workers work hard (once again…”AND?”). He actually tried to negotiate a tip. Like seriously? They left tape and pieces of ripped boxes everywhere inside and outside my apt and I had to clean up after them. That was when they picked my items up. Delivery was a complete disaster. They used another company to deliver my things to my new apartment—a couple of Polish guys that were extremely lazy!! They moved my stuff in late—after I told them no moving is allowed in my new complex after 9pm—they showed up around 8:15, didn’t assemble most of my furniture, and said they would be back the next day to finish, but they never did. How the heck did these people lose the feet/bottoms to my couch and loveseat is a head scratcher! I had to call the furniture company to order replacements. I can go on and on, but this place is a joke, the insurance company they use is also a joke and there is no way they got all this positive feedback. NONE WHATSOEVER. Just like they claimed their “competitor” typed this review…I know for a fact they are typing all the positive ones. A decent company doesn’t have time to go tit-for-tat online regarding issues like this…get real! Definitely crooks. I ONLY used them because I had to relocate for a new job and had to do so ASAP and the moving company I used in the past was not available at such short notice. I REPEAT DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! If I wasn't at work I would post pics..

Service cost: $3500

Poor communication, dishonest estimate, unprofessional staff, demanding extra money in cash.
When the representative first gave us a quote, it was at 900. When the movers showed up to pick up my sutff the price doubled to 1600. Later when the movers delivered my stuff to my new home, the movers demanded extra $300 in cash. 
It took me several times to get a hold of the representative to confirm the date and time of the pick-up. When he did answer, he was rude and completely uninterested in helping me. Eventually the day before the move the person said that the movers will be there between 9am-12pm. When we called them again around 12pm on the day of the move, they said that they had been experiencing some schedule conflict and would arrive at 6PM. By the time we left the house, it was close to 8PM.
The only thing good I would say about the experience was that the movers who picked up our stuff were prompt and curteous.
 
 
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Service cost: $2000

I have moved more than 15 times and dealt with many moving companies (several in this site).  Some were satisfactory, some were horrible.  Never have I had the inclination to write a review in the past, but THIS team, with noteworthy mention of Amel that led the team that moved us did such an outstanding Job that I would do a terrible injustice if I did not praise their out standing service. Here is how the story went, I had several estimate from companies with good reviews…the prices were in the same ball park some but some companies that gave a shorter time but higher hourly rate and the others gave longer time but lower hourly rates. I chose this company because the time estimate appeared to be in line with my experience.  At first I was a little concerned about them not showing up on time (read some reviews about that).  Here is what I got:  Amel’s team showed up ON TIME, worked non-stop to move, dissemble, and assemble everything making sure that the furniture and building was well taken care of.  NOT a single scratch nick or damage.  So to me the best way to describe this team’s work -  FAST, CAREFUL, PROFESSIONAL.  I will definitely use them again, and recommend all the readers to do so also.  .

Service cost: $795

I am a retired Air Force veteran of 21 years and have moved many times in my life. Great American's recent move of my household goods from Hartford CT to Miami was the worst I have ever seen. After showing up an hour late, without sufficient paper to properly wrap our goods, they took nearly 5 hours to pack a 1 bedroom apartment. 3/4 of the way through the move, we spotted one of the crew packing glassware and quality pots and pans without ANY paper at all. When I told the foreman about the problem, he said he'd take care of it. When we spotted another problem, they assured us they had used "enough" wrapping..Sure enough, after receiving our goods, we found numerous items cracked, dented and broken (glassware, lamps, computer, etc). Unfortunately, I trusted their reputation and my memory of all the PROFESSIONAL moving companies I dealt with while in the Air Force and did not buy the additional insurance. Their basic insurance is nearly worthless ($0.60 per pound per item). The final cost was also well above the estimate. The only thing I can say, is that we will surely never use your company again and we will tell anyone we know to do the same.

Service cost: $2817

This move was exceptionally easy. I packed and they picked up! It was as easy as that..no issues with weight, all done by the number of boxes. The amount quoted was the amount due, no hidden charges. The move was stored for 30 days free and when I needed the delivery I just called. All questions were answered when I called, giving me great satisfaction. The service was professional, reliable and the gentlemen I worked with were all honest and considerate. If I need to move again I will certainly use this company and I will recommend Great American Van Lines to others.

Service cost: $954

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! I moved from MA to CO this summer and have never been so taken advantage of!  The movers who picked up my stuff put it in the truck and then informed me the price was going to be over twice as much as the quote, despite the fact the amount of items had not changed.  They then inisted that I needed to pay them $600 out of pocket that wouldn't be reported to the company because, I quote, "If you make me happy, I'll make you happy".  I was terrifed that, being a single female and alone, they would damage my stuff or something terrible would happen.  I then informed the company of this behaviour and they promised a refund and then never spoke with me again.  I have been dealing with this for months and still can't get a resolution.  NEVER NEVER NEVER TRUST THEIR QUOTES OR THEIR PEOPLE.  They are crooks.

Service cost: $3700

I moved on 7/22 /2011 with Great American Van Lines and this was worst experience of my life.I booked the move for 9 -10 AM morning,The screwed my full day and they came by 6 PM in evening,When I called the guys were not giving proper update and the guy on phone told me it happened if u want u can book some other movers we can if we r late meand we are late for 300 dollars move we can not send other truck if scheduled truck is having some issue.They even did not communicated to me about the delay when ever I called they told truck is on the way.We are having a 10 month old Baby with baby it was horrible to manage with the delay and my all other plans delayed because of moving delay. I read the reviews on this site only 1 review was bad all other were good I think all good reviews are by company employees only the bad one is the only correct review,Please please do not move with Great American Van Lines.

Service cost: $325

Nathan at Great American Van Lines is great. Prompt response to my emails and phone calls. And handled my last minute changes no problem. You deal with one person the whole time and that was reassuring. I didn't have any item lost, I will use Great American Van Lines for my future moves. I'm a big fan of giving credit due when customer service is excellent--and Great American Van Lines customer service is top notch. I found a couple places that would ship for slightly cheaper--but you get what you pay for, which is a big consideration when you are talking about all your possessions. And, frankly, some of the other moving companies didn't 'feel' right--I know that is very subjective, but it does come down to trust. I highly recommend Nathan and his crew at Great American Van Lines.

Service cost: $1200

After an extensive search online I came acrros came across great american van lines right of the bet the service was professional and kind .they gave me a quote over the phone after a detail inventory (had a lot of fragile art works)my move was quite  of a big deal for me after living in nyc for 16 years and relocating myself to Los angeles .I had natan to take care all of my concerns as far as every detail of the move and man,,, do they know there stuff!!I thought im going to have some sale person who would give a price quote and a bill and I found a some one who actually understand my needs and worries about the move and how things are going to be done great american  van lines team came at 8:15 as promised and took care of my belonging as there own(after they crated my 34-inch sony tv its look like it could fall of a mountain and stay in one pice)i was so happy to see every thing set up in the truck nice and safe almost like art form .after all was set to go I had constant communication with natan along the way till my the last box was unboxed in my condo in LA  .bottom line  NO SURPRISE CHARGES , NO DAMAGES AND OVER ALL GREAT SERVICE AND SUPER PRO TEAM .

Service cost: $4500

As we had never moved with a full service company before, we were very apprehensive. We did a lot of research online beforehand and got a lot of different quotes.

When I first received a call from Great American, their price was higher than others. When I mentioned that we had received better quotes, Nathan G. offered to match, and I requested the quote in writing.

A few days later, I realized I had left some items off the inventory list. I contacted Nathan to inform him of the items, and asked how that would affect my quote. At that time, he offered to send a FULL TRUCK, just for us, which would go straight from our house to Maryland for $2,000 flat. I made sure that it was a binding quote and asked several times over the phone and in e-mail for him to assure me that no matter what we had, it would go on the truck at no extra charge because this is a flat rate. Everytime I inquired, he assured me that was the case. So, we made the reservation. So far, so good.

Then moving day arrives. The movers (Elvin and Jerome) arrived a few minutes early, took a look at our stuff, and assured us that everything would fit on their truck (which looked sketchy and didn't have any markings on it).

Then, the trickiness started. First, they didn't like the way that we had boxed up stuff and wanted to sell us their boxes (at $20 each) and their tape to use for re-packing. I refused and went to Wal*Mart for more boxes. They insisted they would have to charge me for the tape that they used to tape the blankets on the furniture.

After they had about half of our stuff packed on, they started saying that our quote was only for a 1200 cu. ft. truck, and the one they had driven down was 2000 cu. ft. They insisted that if they filled it up, they would have to charge us extra. But I fortunately got everything in writing through e-mail and was able to show them my binding quote for a FULL TRUCK.

I still had to go back and forth with the company on the phone for several minutes before they agreed to stick to their quote. Also, the moving company failed to inform the moving crew of the piano.

Before they ever started moving anything onto the truck, we were told that we were expected to provied a 15% ($300) tip (this came after I was required to sign a piece of paper saying that they couldn't ask me for a tip- real classy).

On moving day, we were surprised to learn that the ground floor apartment we viewed was not the one we were getting, and it would be a second floor apartment- up three flights of stairs. Additionally, they could not pull the truck right up to the door. Upon learning this, they were very angry and became rather surly.

They told my husband that they could write up the extra distance and stairs officially on the company invoice and we would be charged anywhere from $300-$500 additional, or we could give them the $300 as a tip. We felt that we did not really have a choice, as we needed our stuff and we could not afford the extra either way.

However, the movers made my husband and the friends that had showed up to help us unpack carry most of the boxes up the stairs. All they did was unload the truck and carry up the heavy furniture. Not only that, but it took about 3 hours longer than it should have.

They truly manhandled and damaged an antique wardrobe, and didn't put half of my furniture back together.

The only thing that saved us from being gouged by this company was that I did research, got a binding quote, and made sure to get everything in writing. Despite the positive reviews you will find online, working with this company was a nightmare.

In all, our $2,000 "flat rate" move ended up costing $2,676 including the outrageous tip they demanded and the tape they used to tape blankets onto our furniture.

I WILL NEVER USE THIS COMANY AGAIN, AND YOU SHOULD RUN QUICKLY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.

Service cost: $2076

This is the worst and most dishonest moving company on several criterias.
1. No proper schedule of pickup and delivery, they will keep on rescheduling the dates.
2. The initial quote was cheap but the pickup guy doubled it after he loaded all my stuff in the truck.
3. While delivery, they dumped all my stuff un assembled like my apt was a wherehouse. Eventually I had to spend another few hundred dollars for assembling it.
4. Items missing - when I tried calling them, no one picks up the call (Its been a week I am trying to reach them). Moreover they left someone else's stuff at my door (I think they did the same with my missing stuff as well).
5. Items damaged - Several thigns are broken and are not usable any more.
 
I wouldn't recommend this company to anyone.

Service cost: $2500

Overwhelming greatness


 
I have been looking for the right company to hire for months and ended up choosing Great American Van Lines because of the people around me. They have been insisting that I try this company out and that I wont regret it. Indeed, they were right. I never had any trace of regrets whatsoever with this company. the greatness and service they have given me is simply overwhelming. It does pay off to take a few risks and this is one risk that I was glad I did.

Service cost: $2650

My movers were nice and on time. The main guy was very professional, however one of the other two seemed very angry at being on the job. Many items of furniture were handled roughly, and two broke. One was due to pickup and the other was a broken leg on a desk because the celophane-wrapped the item so tightly that the leg was bent inwards. I filed a damage report before they left and was told they would contact me within the next week to schedule an insurance agent to inspect the damages. That was 20 days agi and I still haven't heard back. I called the company to report my damages to them, specifically and the number they gave me only rings. No on picks up and I cannot leave a message. They gave me another number in which I can leave a message and no one returns the call.  I find that this company is decent at moving, however my move was only 3 miles down the road and resulted in two damaged items. The damage was due to their packing method, not on carelessness whilst moving. What I do feel is attrotious, is their inability to contact me back regarding my damaged items. .

Service cost: $450

Great Job Great moving company


 
I was very satisfied with this moving company. I moved before couple times with different movers and every times I was very unhappy with them because some items was broken or missing. But those guy’s provide me a great service starting with a sales person who gave me a good rate for my move. In the day when I was schedule to move the movers came at 8 a.m. they was very friendly. The foreman explain in details everything about my move, prices, packing materials what they will use to protect my furniture and about when will be delivery in CA. I ask for soon as possible delivery so the delivery frame was 7-21 days, after 9 days driver call me and ask that time I am ready to receive my stuff. On delivery they unpack and assemble all the pieces that I got. All this cost me $2600 including all extra charges. I am really happy I choose this moving company and I advice everybody to use this guys.

Service cost: $2600

Great American van lines deserved this recommendation I decided to hire Great American Van lines after I went through their web reviews. Though I heard a lot about this company from my friend but still I thought of checking their ranking on the net to be double sure. However, once I saw many good reviews, I called them and talked about my move with the sales rep Daniel . He was very attentive and responsive too in addition to being very respectful. He never forced me to hire them and never asked me for any upfront payment. That is what actually impressed me and I hired them only because I felt they were rather genuine. When I saw their movers coming at the right time with all necessary tools and with the van, that moment I realized that my move is in the safest hands. Their van was also in very good condition and the van seemed absolutely brand new; I was right. They carefully packed and moved all my belongings and later stored everything according to my liking. There was not a single mistake; everything was done according to the checklist and within the allotted time. I am all praise for Great American Van Lines .

Service cost: $2800

I was very apprehensive about the move and had been researching for a while. It was a 2 bedroom townhome to a 2 bedroom apartment- both in NJ at a distance of about 45 miles. I went through mymovingreviews, google reviews, Moverreviews, BBB complaints, https://www.protectyourmove.gov. I had quotes ranging from 500 to 2000. Reading the reviews, I figured there is no one company that has completely satisfied all their customers. I chose great american ( they were listed #5 in moverreviews.com) - I had been talking to them for a week but confirmed the move on Thursday for a Saturday move.  The BBB rating was not at the top but they had a lot of favorable reviews. Movers came in on a leased truck - which they explained as operational effeciency. The movers were Steve, Freddie and Al. Steve explained everything in detail and up front and reviewed what I had to take. I tipped them partially in advance ( they did refuse but I asked them to take it and told them itsjust to get them started).They quickly started to work and were very careful in making sure that both the furniture as well as the property were not damaged. It was 3 men and a big truck..all three were working and the entire move from 2 storey townhome to a high rise apartment  that was about 45 min drive was completed in 4 hours.  No damages and no issues. My king bed mattress became dirty on the side and they pointed that out - I was okay with it since it was not that bad and it will be covered. Lesson learnt is to use a mattress cover in future ( either buy one on your own or buy from the movers probably about 30 bucks).
I would highly recommend this moving company - but do note that my experience has been with this set of people ( Steve, Freddie and Al) - These guys are great!
Moving is stressful - my advice from my experience
- very few companies offer physical visits for estimates. No guarantee that they wont charge extra after that anyway..as per reviews I have read.
- Pick a moving company with most favorable reviews and look for ones who have done moves similar to your move..I was not looking for movers whose reviews were primarily out of state moves..mine was a local move.
-Inventory review is primarily to calculate the number of hours required for the move. Be clear and include everything that you may want to move and try to get that listed in the quote. If you choose not to move something later it is fine. Also make sure that the moving company charges you only for the hours it took even if the esimate was for more number of hours. Get all these in email.
- Ask them about the trucks, if they outsource the job, availability of trucks 
- It gets more stressful if you have to move on the day scheduled. If you are open about the move, you can usually have the upper hand when it comes to scheduling. If the company gives you the runaround on the day of the move, you can always cancel/hold the deposit paid by CC and call a different company. Not everyone has this choice but if you have it make use of it. 
- Most important..keep the movers happy :)  In addition to the tip, I got some donuts and water/drink. Tip them well..
 
I don't usually do reviews but I was stuck between a $2000 BBB accredited mover with a rating of A and Great American..and I chose Great American..Reviews helped me to choose and I am just giving back. Hope this is helpful to someone who is trying to move.
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Service cost: $550

We used Great American for our move from our first House into Storage, and then from Storage into our new house and we couldn't be happier. The sales staff are very straightforward and honest, and the movers were everything we expected. The price was what we discussed with no tricks. The movers were on time, professional, did a great job wrapping and protecting things that needed it. They tried hard to put everything where we wanted it, always asking when they were unsure. I could not have been happier, would use them again and definetely recommend to anyone else. .

Service cost: $2400

Great experience. Communication via email and phone is always prompt and courteous. The team was timely and as promised, they called prior to arriving so you're not sitting around all day wondering where they are. All of my stuffs were moved in tact with no damage to the items or missing. The pricing is transparent and unlike other moving companies, they don't try to inflate the cost with the extra supplies. These gentlemen were the absolute best professionals you could have to handle your move. I highly recommend Lines and especially this great crew. Thank you!!

Service cost: $2500

I read the reviews at yp.com and thought I would cancel Moving USA which had an overall one star review and changed to great American which had a 5 star review at that forum even if I had to pay more. It turned out that they were no different. I later on found they had an F grade at the Better Business Bureau site.

I first sent a list of items I wanted moved to them and they came back with an estimate of $1350. I asked specifically whether there would be surprises, whether there would be an increase. Nathan assured me that there would not be because the list was so specific down to the number of sections of the sofa, etc. He also assured me that the shipment would arrive on Friday, 3 days after pick up, and that David did not know about the schedules when he told me that it would not get there until much later..
In any case, Jose arrived with two other guys on Tuesday, the first thing he said that from his experience, my stuffs would be something like 750 cubic feet and not 425 cubic feet like Nathan had estimated. He also said I would have to pay the tolls for coming to pick up and it will be $94. I live in CT and they came in from NJ. I said where were the tolls and how much at each? He said the GW was $38 and some other places adding up to $47. Then he doubled it for going back. I said there were no tolls going back out. He tried to tell me that it was different for trucks than cars and since that made no sense even for [EDIT], he finally cut down the tolls charged to $54. Then when I said that if the shipment was going to cost almost twice as much as the estimate, I don't have to ship it. He then showed me some place on his paper that said if there is a cacellation, they could charge me 20% of the shipment cost. He said something like $400. What I did not realize was that this cancellation fee can only apply only if you had signed the service order with them which I had not. I merely had obtained a non-binding estimate.
I ended leaving out a lot of items from the list, still the shipment came out according to their cubic feet estimate to be $1864. The curious thing now was that he said he could make part of this into tips for the guys and himself. So I paid $264 in cash and he wrote a binding estimate for $1600.
What I wish I had read beforehand was the little booklet by the Department of Transportation that he kept until the end to give me. All moving companies are required by law to give out this booklet to the customers to help them know about their rights. I leaned after the fact that I did not have to pay the 20 percent cancellation fee unless I had signed the service order which I did not sign until that day. I learned that with a non-binding estimate, I have the right to pay no more than 110 percent of that for them to release the goods to me, that with a non-binding estimate, they would have to weigh my shipment and charge according to the weight. Jose had me sign the binding estimate for $1600 that day so with that they no longer had to weigh the shipment and charged me based on cubic feet instead. All of these I did not know. Before Jose got to load, I tried calling Nathan to ask why his estimate was so far off, of course his direct line that used to be answered promptly was no longer answered. The company's line was answered by a woman who told me to contact the dispatcher, Jason or David, who also did not answer. The pattern is clear--they answer the phone prior to getting your business and once that's done, they stop answering. Messages are not returned either.
In the final analysis, I ended up paying twice as much as the estimate since I left out almost a third of the shipment and still ended paying close to $2000 compared to the estimate of $1350 for everything.

The booklet can be read online and it is a must read before you move, not after.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move


Sent from my iPad.

Service cost: $1864